People are often quick to shrug off communal responsibility. Even Moses himself, when instructed to redeem the People of Israel, made every effort to avoid the mission.
What does Jewish tradition say about this attitude? Is communal work really for everyone?
Yitro: Leadership of Love
Beshalach: The Emphasis on Women
Bo: Why Do Rabbis Make Rules?

Throughout Jewish history, the rabbis have enacted takanot, or Rabbinic ordinances, to safeguard Jewish observance. Shabbat begins at sundown? The sages extend it by eighteen minutes. The evening Shema must be recited by sunrise? The rabbis said midnight.
Where did they learn this behavior? Why are the Torah’s commands not enough?
Va’era: Jewish Genius
Vayechi: Sibling Rivalry
Joseph brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to be blessed by Jacob before his demise. Jacob surprises them by putting his right hand on Ephraim, the younger son, and his left hand on Manasseh, the older one. Joseph jumps in to correct the mistake. But what exactly bothered him? What was so wrong about Jacob’s choice? A lesson about education, sibling rivalry, and honoring parents.
Shemot: The Advisors’ Dilemma
Vayigash: Who Taught Joseph Tolerance?
Joseph lived in a very unforgiving world. People weren’t as tolerant of other nations and other religions like today. Even the forefathers, who preached G-d’s word to the world, preferred to be shepherds, where they wouldn’t be forced to engage with the basest elements of idol-worshiping society. Yet Joseph was fully immersed in their world, and in fact, he was personally responsible for the...
Mikeitz: The Correct Form of Punishment
Vayeshev: Faith vs. Initiative
Yosef was sent to prison where he met Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. He asked for their assistance in securing his release, and in response, Hashem punished him with two more years of imprisonment. Yet those two ministers were instrumental -- by Hashem’s design -- in Yosef’s ultimate release. How does this make sense?
Vayishlach: A Mother’s Dedication
Yaakov asked his son Yosef to inter him in the Cave of Machpelah. He took the opportunity to explain why he buried his mother on the road near Beit Lechem instead of bringing her to the Cave of Machpelah - so that the children of Israel on their way into exile would pray at her gravesite and ask her to intercede on their behalf. But why should Yosef come to terms with his mother’s loneliness? How...
Vayetze: Humans and Angels; Who Needs Whom?
Toldos: Faith in G-d – On Whose Account?
Chayei Sarah: Does G-d Really Pay Attention?
7 Cheshvan: Dry Jew or Rainfall?
The holidays of Tishrei precede the fall months when fields need rainfall. Nonetheless, our Sages delayed the prayer for rain until the last traveling pilgrims would arrive home safely. But why does one Jew’s comfort override the critical need for rainfall?
A powerful lesson in the importance of Ahavat Yisrael, and how deeply it can impact a person.
Vayera: A Leader to All
Lech Lecha: Why is it Difficult to Fulfill Mitzvot?
Bereishit: Feminine Power – Talking directly to Eve would have changed the world
The Sin of the Tree of Knowledge is the spiritual source of all sins throughout history, and it could have all been avoided through direct talk with Eve. When Hashem gave the Torah to the Jewish people, He changed His approach; He sent Moses to speak to the women first. What does this teach us about men?