Doubt is a natural part of embarking on a new stage in one’s life. To overcome doubt we remember that we are part of an ongoing story of leaving behind narrowness for expanse. We recall the awe of it all… Read More

A system of checks and balances is not a constraint on freedom. It is essential to a healthy conversation and the flourishing of life. … Read More

The promised land is not only a place. It is an elevated stage of human development. To dwell there requires exercising our capacity to make choices and the knowledge that they make a difference in the world.… Read More

Judaism embraces the constructive tension between tradition and innovation. The instruction to remember is about preserving a heritage. The instruction to hear is about introducing new perspectives. To settle within the promise we need to do both.… Read More

The land of promise is more than a place. It is a state of being. To get there is to cross over from living through fear and complaint and dependence to living through love and initiative and responsibility. … Read More

To make the dream of living in the land of promise real the people have to learn to fight their own battles. To discover the God of miracles they must let go of the God who does miracles.… Read More

The Israelites learn how to differentiate between someone’s position and their interests. Focusing on one of them makes compromises difficult, while being aware of the other holds out the possibility of crossing a divide… Read More

Societies and individuals both carry within them dark, corrosive aspects. One response is to destroy the host. The other is to refine it. Korach chose one way. The daughters of Zelophehad chose another. … Read More

Even with all of our weaknesses and misdirected inclinations it is possible to have our eyes opened to the beauty of holiness and community. … Read More

Ruptures are a necessary part of creation. That’s how the universe, our species, and we as individuals came into existence. Some ruptures merely destroy. Others promote new life. There is an art to making ruptures that create new ways forward.… Read More