Torat haAdam - Sedra Sermons from SAMS

We look at the famous story of Haftarat Miketz, rarely read due to the calendar, of Solomon and the two prostitutes and consider what wisdom might mean in the modern world.

A look at Chapter 18 of Genesis, how it is interpreted by Maimonides – and what all this has to do with Alice in Wonderland

As we start a new year of the Torah cycle and are simultaneously reeling from the horrific attacks on Israel only a week ago – a reflection on how the myths and Midrashim of Bereshit can help us to learn how to start over, once again.

The scapegoat of Yom Kippur fame doesn't seem to do a lot of 'scaping! How can we understand the goat as a psychological analogy for Teshuvah – and what better things can we do with our proverbial goats than either release them or kill them? Maybe the answer is – goat yoga.

Must we repent for our thoughts as well as our deeds? How can we understand the role of intrusive thoughts, and thoughts in general, on Yom Kippur and in the process of Teshvuah?

Do you believe in ghosts? Even if you might not personally, belief in the supernatural is on the rise – yet belief in God seems to be dwindling. Why is it that we're happier to subscribe to the notion of Bloody Mary more than that of the Almighty?!

A look at how (and why) we can tell better stories about making mistakes and making amends.

A reflection on the power, and limitations, of awe – and an exploration of an alternative way of encountering the Divine.

This week we look at the Shema (Deut 6.4) and how it might be understood from a new perspective.

This week we consider the many reasons given by our Sages as to why the Temple was destroyed (twice, both on Tisha b'Av, which occurs this upcoming week). Looking at the difference between Interpersonal Mitzvot (מצוות בין אדם לחברו) and Divine Mitzvot (מצוות בין אדם למקום) we consider how the memory of destruction can motivate us today.

A look at the traditions that see this week's parashah as the end of the Torah and what that might mean for Numbers Chapter 36

A look at the many tragic deaths in Parashat Korach, with an analogy to our own time.

This week we look at the episode of Eldad and Medad and consider the idea of Moses as a pirate captain! Arrrrr!

A look at the special Haftarah for Shabbat Maḥar Ḥodesh read this week and which deals in part with the story of David and Jonathan, an obvious love story.

In Parashat Behar we learn about Shemitta - but what is so significant about the number 7 (6+1) and why is it everywhere in Jewish thought?

What does it mean to be a king in Jewish law? How does it differ from our other ideas of power and privilege in society, especially priests? A reflection on monarchy and power for Parashat Emor and in celebration of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

JERRY, JERRY JERRY! This week, we consider the life and lessons of Jerry Springer (z"l) and the ways in which the parashat Aḥaré Mot-Kedoshim and The Jerry Springer Show actually share a common moral objective.

This week we look at the special Haftarah for Shabbat Rosh Ḥodesh, Isaiah 66, and the innovative language of Isaiah (whoever that was!) as well as the commentary of Avraham ibn Ezra on it.

This week we look at the Ark of the Covenant, its threatening vibes, and the hapless victims who were harmed by such divine danger, from Nadav and Avihu, to Uzza, the people of Beit Shemesh, and a whole bunch o' Nazis in Indiana Jones.

Why do we read the Song of Songs, the most explicit and erotic book of the Tanakh on Pesach? Can love, sex, and romance be a route to the divine, to liberation? A look at an under-appreciated aspect of Pesach and its meaning for us today.