Numbers – Rabbi Misha Clebaner

June 19, 2020

Weekly Torah Portion – Shelach Lecha

This week’s torah portion is the source of the 3rd paragraph of the Shema/VeAhavta and it instructs us to wear ‘tzit-tzit’, the fringes at the corners of our garments. How powerful can a ritual to wear fringes be? This uniform custom has been practised by the Jewish people across time and space. While the Shema and the Ve’Ahavta may not be as emotional as other Jewish prayers, it has grounded our people in ritual for thousands of years.

Welcome to the “Raising Holy Sparks” podcast! Hope you enjoy these short weekly insights into the torah portion! This week we dive deep into the Parshah of Shelach Lecha. Continue reading “Weekly Torah Portion – Shelach Lecha”

June 12, 2020June 12, 2020

Weekly Parshah Reflections – Be’haalotecha

In this week’s torah portion of Be’haalotecha the Israelites complain about their gift of manna and instead demand meat to eat. Incapable of seeing the good in what they have, the Israelites lay the groundwork for further negativity and short-sightedness. This spells trouble as they will soon be punished with wandering the desert for 40 years.

Welcome to the “Raising Holy Sparks” podcast! Hope you enjoy these short weekly insights into the torah portion! This week we dive deep into the Parshah of Be’haalotecha. Continue reading “Weekly Parshah Reflections – Be’haalotecha”

June 5, 2020

Weekly Parshah Reflections – Naso

This week’s torah portion of Naso introduces a bizarre ritual called ‘sotah’. In this ritual, a man that suspects his partner of adultery brings her before the priests. They write down a few verses from Torah on parchment and place it into a vessel with water. Once the ink dissolves into the drink, the accused woman must drink it. Another story that we will read in a few weeks time discusses equality for women. One story is enshrined as a rule and the other is merely an inspiring anecdote. Which of the two will bring about true change? If the answer is obvious, may our actions be motivated by these lessons of justice.

Welcome to the “Raising Holy Sparks” podcast! Hope you enjoy these short weekly insights into the torah portion! This week we dive deep into the Parshah of Naso. Continue reading “Weekly Parshah Reflections – Naso”

May 29, 2020

Special Holiday Edition – Shavuot

The real focus of the Ten Commandments is not how a ‘person’ acts; instead, it is about how ‘people’ respond to one another. The hope is not that we be perfect beings but rather that we be present and engaged ones. Each commandment is an invitation to be a better partner in the relationship.

Welcome to the “Raising Holy Sparks” podcast! Hope you enjoy these short weekly insights into the torah portion! This week we dive deep into the holiday of Shavuot. Continue reading “Special Holiday Edition – Shavuot”

May 22, 2020May 22, 2020

Weekly Torah Portion – Ba’Midbar

In Hebrew, writing ‘in the desert’ is spelled using the same four letters as writing ‘through the act of speaking’. Both speech and deserts can lead to great confusion. What is the oasis when it comes to communicating our emotions? – Song!

Welcome to the “Raising Holy Sparks” podcast! Hope you enjoy these short weekly insights into the torah portion! This week we dive deep into the Parshah of Ba’Midbar. Continue reading “Weekly Torah Portion – Ba’Midbar”