Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Why do we Need to Know all these Details of the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?

Ask the Rebbetzin - Parashat Teruma
Dearest Rebbetzin,
I’ve been wondering why the Torah goes into such details in describing the Mishkan. It seems a bit tedious to go through all the measurements of each of the Tabernacle and its vessels. Why are these details so important? If you could shed light on their symbolic meaning, it would make Parashat Teruma so much more meaningful to me.
Mini Meir (name changed)

Dear Mini,
It is hard to understand the details of the Mishkan because they are so deeply divine, and beyond human conception. This is why it states after each part of the building of the Mishkan, “As G-d had commanded Moshe” (Rabbi Yehuda Halevi, Kuzari 25:2). Malbim explains that the Mishkan is like a cosmic person with an all-inclusive body, connecting all of existence. Just as the human body – the garment of our soul – has limbs that serve to actualize our spiritual powers, the Tabernacle and Temple has vessels and body parts. The three parts of the Mishkan correspond to the three parts of the human body: 1. The Holy of Holiest corresponds to the head and skull – the abode of the Intellectual Soul (Neshama) 2. The Tent of Meeting corresponds to the upper part of the body from the neck to the chest – the abode of the Vital Soul (Ruach) – the location of the heart. 3. The Courtyard corresponds to the lower part of the body from the navel downwards – the vegetable soul (Nefesh) -manifesting through the stomach, liver and intestines. Just as our body and organs need exact measures in order to function, so does each of the measures of the Mishkan serve a purpose in the cosmic body. Read on to learn some of the symbolic meanings of the Mishkan based on Malbim’s commentary on Parasha Teruma.

The Mishkan Connects the Body of Israel
A person is a microcosmic world. This is because all the worlds were employed in the formation of the human being and implanted within him during the Six Days of Creation. We conduct our small chariot – our body, just as the upper King conducts His great chariot – the world. Hashem is the Soul of the world, through which He imbues it with light and life. He connects the entire macrocosmic body – all the many worlds from beginning to end, to become one complete unified entity, in which the wisdom of the Creator is revealed. If our soul would separate from the body, all our organs would turn into dead dispersed particles. When the Jewish people are not united, our cosmic Soul disconnects from the body. This is why senseless hatred caused the Temple to be destroyed . When we unite through the Mishkan and the Temple, our cosmic Soul will once again infuse the collective body of Israel and of the world with Divine light.

The Ark Corresponds to the Brain
The Ark was placed within the Holy of Holies, corresponding to the Neshama (intellectual soul). The two tablets in the Ark correspond to the brain, which is divided into two sides. In order to receive the Torah, we need the sense of vision to read it. Furthermore, we need ears to hear the tradition of our Fathers as brought down in the Oral Torah. These correspond to the poles that carry the Ark, since both the visual and auditory centers are connected to the brain. The highest parts of the soul are called Chaya and Yechidah. They do not have a designated place in the body. Rather, they hover over and above it. The Cherubs on the lid of the Ark allude to these soul parts. They spread their wings on high, because they dwell in the upper world, in the source of life, from where they send their light to those who merit prophetic Divine visions. It was, therefore, from above the lid of the Ark that Hashem spoke with Moshe.

The Ark Corresponds to Torah
The Ark was made from wood since the Torah is called “A Tree of Life.” Why does it state וְעָשׂוּ/v’asu – “they shall make” in plural regarding the Ark, whereas by the other vessels it states, וְעָשִׂיתָ/v’asita – “you shall make” in singular? Everyone had to be involved in making the Ark, so that all would merit Torah. Moreover, Torah can only be truly fulfilled through the community of Israel. Three of the Tabernacle vessels have crowns: the Altar, the Table and the Ark. The crown of the Altar belongs to Aharon. The crown of the Table belongs to David. Yet, the crown of the Ark is free for anyone who wants to come and take it. The Torah belongs to all of Israel. Both those who learn it and those who support Torah learning share its reward. All the measurements of the Ark consist of halves to teach us that a Torah scholar must always be humble and his heart broken within him.

The Blessings of the Table
The partition between the Holy of Holies and the Tent of Meeting corresponds to the neck that connects the head with the chest. The Tent of Meeting corresponds to the middle part of the body from the neck to the chest where the living Ruach (spirit) resides. It contains the Table and the Menorah. The Table with its showbreads corresponds to the nourishing heart which brings the blessings of the Sanctuary and sustenance to the whole world. . Upon the Table were twelve breads corresponding to the twelve months of the year. Since blessings can only rest on something physical, the bread of Hashem conveyed blessings of satiation to the entire world. It is called Lechem HaPanim (Inner Bread) because it emanates from the innermost place, from Hashem Himself Who sustains every living being.

The Menorah Corresponds to the Understanding Heart
The Menorah alludes to the intellectual heart – the light of knowledge. Whereas the Ark alludes to the wisdom of the Torah and prophesy (Chachmah), which emerges from Divine revelation, the Menorah alludes to that which we can understand through our own (Binah) and is connected to the heart as it states, “The Heart understands…” (Zohar, Part 2:116b). The fact that the Menorah was fashioned from pure gold teaches us that we must strive for “solid gold” in our motives and behavior. Our character traits on the inside should reflect our actions on the outside, and vice versa. In this way, the Menorah teaches us to bring out the Divine light from within our soul to shine externally. The Menorah’s structure, which branches out from a central stem also inspires us to embrace holiness. It teaches us that our demeanor, personality, and actions must branch out and influence others by illuminating the world around us. Finally, the Menorah reminds the people of Israel that we are called to be “A Light unto the nations” (Yesha’yahu 42:6).

The Courtyard
The Copper Altar was for sacrifices and stood in the courtyard of the Tabernacle. It corresponds to the stomach and the digestive system – the vessels of the Nefesh. Just as the digestive system digests the food by means of the heat of the stomach, the Altar consumes the sacrifices and turns them into ashes by means of fire from heaven, breaking everything down to its root element. The measurements of the altar are whole to hint that a person approaching the altar to bring an offering must repent until teshuva sheleima – complete repentance. The curtains of the Tent correspond to the skin that surrounds and protects the body.

The Mishkan Becomes the Resting Place for Our Divine Soul
The Tabernacle and Temple in Jerusalem – the undivided city – unites all the souls of the Jewish nation to become as one person with an all-inclusive soul, emanating the light of Divine brilliance that illuminates the entire world with His glory. Therefore, when we pray, we direct our hearts to face the Temple. From wherever we are in the world, our prayers flow to the Temple Mount. In this way, we fulfill our spiritual goal to illuminate and actualize our souls, as it states, “Make me a Tabernacle and I will dwell within them” (Shemot 25:8). When the individual lights of each soul are fused, they become transformed to illuminate as one great light – the light of the Shechinah that dwells within us. May we merit to once again become unified and make ourselves into one cosmic body – The chariot of the Divine presence!

(Based on The Allusions of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) according to MALBIM, Meir Loeb ben Yechiel Michael, 1809–1879, Volhynia, Ukraine).

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Rebbetzin's Torahs by the Parsha

NEW! All Rebbetzin's commentaries for each parsha - in a click!

The Book of Bereshit

Parashat Bereshit
Parsha Meditation: Calling out to G-d for the Hidden Light  
Haftorah Commentary: The Holy Women who Protect Israel
Nature in the Parsha: Life Lessons from the Shemittah (Sabbatical) Year
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Taking Responsibility for our Actions
Ask the Rebbetzin! Why is Eve Created from Adam?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Plants Connect Heaven and Earth
Musings and Schmoozings: My Granddaughter Granting Me a Ride to Heaven

Parashat Noach
Parsha Meditation:  Building Our Personal Sacred Space
Haftorah Commentary:  Parshat Noach and Blessing in Disguise 
Nature in the Parsha: The Dove and the Olive Leaf
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: The Human ‘Group Animals’

Ask the Rebbetzin! Who Was Noach’s Wife?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: אֶתְרוֹג – Etrog – Citrus Medica
Musings and Schmoozings: The Clever Cat from Judea

Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: My Journey Back Home
Ask the Rebbetzin! Why is only Sarah Judged for Laughing?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Chaste Tree Berries
Musings and Schmoozings: Lech Lecha Without Goodbye

Parashat Vayera
Parsha Meditation: An Opening for Healing Revelation
Haftorah Commentary: The Power of Women’s Emunah
Nature in the Parsha: Avraham’s Hospitality Tree
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Why Don’t Anyone Laugh Anymore?
Ask the Rebbetzin! Do Women Need to Serve Their Husbands?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Sage – a Salvation Bush Saving Us from All Illness
Musings and Schmoozings: Where did All the Female Angels Go?

Parashat Chayei Sarah
Parsha Meditation: With Hashem in the Field
Haftorah Commentary: Developing our Feminine Attribute of Binah
Nature in the Parsha: Discovering the Camel Connection
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart:Is the Burial of the Matriarchs and the Patriarchs mainly a Muslim Holy Site?

Ask the Rebbetzin! Is Any Kind of Meditation Associated with Idol Worship?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Self-Assurance from the Strong, Independent Mullein
Musings and Schmoozings: Rivka, Our Sister You Will Always Be

Parashat Toldot
Parsha Meditation: Revealing the Well of Living Waters Within
Haftorah Commentary: The “Esavs” and the “Ya’acovs” of Today
Nature in the Parsha: Re-digging the Wells of Tradition
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Can Sibling Rivalry be Repaired?
Ask the Rebbetzin! Is Antoninus a True Convert?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Spiny Hawthorn: A Thorny Heart Healer
Musings and Schmoozings: The Saga of Primordial Jealousy

Parashat Vayetze
Parsha Meditation: Stepping Inwards on the Ladder of Ascent
Haftorah Commentary: Ya’acov’s Toil to Deserve His Wives
Nature in the Parsha: The Secret of the Dudaim Deal
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Sister-Heart Protects the People of Israel

Ask the Rebbetzin! How Could Ya’acov Marry Two Sisters?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Thyme - Courage to Cleanse
Musings and Schmoozings: Tapping into the Soul Prints of Rachel & Leah

Parashat Vayishlach
Parsha Meditation: Alone with Your Soul
Haftorah Commentary: The Secret Power of Shema Yisrael
Nature in the Parsha: The Weeping Oak
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Dealing with Death

Ask the Rebbetzin! Did Dinah Fall in Love with the Prince of Shechem?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Rosemary- Symbol of Faithfulness & Love
Musings and Schmoozings: Rectified Jewish ‘Fight-Flight-Freeze’ Response

Parashat Miketz
Parsha Meditation: Igniting the Darkest Shadow sides of your Soul
Haftorah Commentary: Sing and Rejoice, Daughter of Zion!
Nature in the Parsha: The Menorah Shaped Sheaves
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Do We Need to Make our Dreams Come True?

Ask the Rebbetzin! Can You Help Me Understand My Dream?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Calendula - Sunshine Flower
Musings and Schmoozings: Fumbling to Find the Light

Parashat Vayigash
Parsha Meditation: Reaching the Meeting Point of Contention
Haftorah Commentary: The Path to Peace and Redemption
Nature in the Parsha: Shepherding: The Traditional Jewish Vocation
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Do We Need Full-time Learning Yeshiva Boys?

Ask the Rebbetzin! How can I Forgive My Sisters?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Aloe Vera - A Superior Skin Healer and Emergency Burn Treater
Musings and Schmoozings: Who Says Serach Played the Harp?

Parashat Vayechi
Parsha Meditation: Shema Yisrael – Unifying at Heart
Haftorah Commentary: The Bridge Between Life and Death
Nature in the Parsha: The Deer Sent Forth
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: The Blessings of Rebuke

Ask the Rebbetzin! Why Do We Bless Our Sons to be Like Ephraim and Menashe?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Jerusalem Sage - Year-round, Resilient, Reliable Friend
Musings and Schmoozings: Why is Blessing so Important in Judaism?


The Book of Shemot
Parashat Shemot
Parsha Meditation: The Five Leaved Bush of Light
Haftorah Commentary: On the Verge of Redemption
Nature in the Parsha: The Burning Bramble Bush
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: How Do We Strengthen our Emunah in the Hope of Fruitfulness?

Ask the Rebbetzin! Why is Our Greatest Prophet Called Moshe?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Dandelion - Reviving Your Inner Child
Musings and Schmoozings: What’s in a Name?

Parashat Va'era
Parsha Meditation: Unblocking Hashem’s Voice Within
Haftorah Commentary: Our Actions Today Empower the Future
Nature in the Parsha: The Late Blooming Grain
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: The Challenge of Communication

Ask the Rebbetzin!  Why is Listening so Important in the Torah?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Milk-Thistle – A Thorny Liver Remedy
Musings and Schmoozings: What Can I Learn from My Personal Plague? 

Parashat Bo
Parsha Meditation: Eradicating our Deepest Fears
Haftorah Commentary: Hashem’s Feminine In-dwelling Presence
Nature in the Parsha: The Self-Restrained Dog
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Is there any Spiritual Difference between Jew and Gentile?

Ask the Rebbetzin! Why Do We Need a Mezuzah?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: The Strong, Musty Scented Protective Rue
Musings and Schmoozings: Do We Have to Eat Meat on Pesach?

Parashat Beshalach
Parsha Meditation: Eating in Holiness – A Preparation for Receiving Torah
Haftorah Commentary: Devorah: "A Woman of Flames"
Nature in the Parsha: The Bitter Tree Sweetener
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Miracles, Money Matters, Manna and Emunah
Tu B'Shevat: The Holiday of Redemption

Ask the Rebbetzin! Can a Woman Play Music with Men?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: The Seven Fruits of Israel
Musings and Schmoozings: What is the Connection Between the Splitting of the Sea and Matching Soulmates?

Parashat Yitro
Parsha Meditation: The Tree of Love
Nature in the Parsha: The Mountain – A Window to Heaven
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: How do we Know that the Torah is True?

Ask the Rebbetzin! Why Do Jews Claim to be the Chosen People?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Nourishing, Mild, Mucilaginous Mallow
Musings and Schmoozings: Why Wouldn’t I Marry a Convert?

Parashat Mishpatim
Parsha Meditation: Transforming Pain to Become a Source of Joy
Haftorah: Overcoming Negative Patterns and Addiction
Nature in the Parsha: The Sabbatical Year & Blessings of Redemption
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Does the Torah Look at Women as Sex Objects?

Ask the Rebbetzin!  Is it Permitted to Gaze at the Moon?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Plantain - Accessible, Edible, Effective, Bug-Bite and Skin Healer
Musings and Schmoozings: Why is it Man’s Mitzvah to Please his Wife in Bed?

Parashat Terumah
Parsha Meditation: The Mishkan: A Spiritual Healing Structure
Nature in the Parsha: The Multicolored Unicorn
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: To Give or not to Give?

Ask the Rebbetzin! Why do we Need to Know all these Details of the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Benefitting from Burning Nettle
Musings and Schmoozings: What is My Special Gift to Offer the World?

Parashat Tetzaveh
Parsha Meditation: The Candles of Eternity
Haftorah: The Power of Visualization
Nature in the Parsha: The Mystical Turquoise Colored Snail Fish
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Do We Need to Wear Black Polyester Skirts for Modesty?
Parashat Ki Tisa
Parsha Meditation: Raising our Desires for Life
Nature in the Parsha: The Holy Anointing Oil
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
What is the Difference between Spirituality and Holiness?
Ask the Rebbetzin! Why are only Males Commanded to Appear at the Temple During the Three Pilgrim Holidays?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: The Bitter, Detoxifying, Amalek-Eliminating Myrrh
Musings and Schmoozings: Why do we Refrain from Counting Fellow Jews?

Parashat Vayakhel

Parashat Pekudei
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Tribal Gemstones

The Book of Vayikra
Parashat Vayikra
Parsha Meditation: “Online” With Hashem
Haftorah: Praising Hashem Through Song
Nature in the Parsha: The Levona Spice 
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Picking Up Hashem’s Calls even in the Taxi
Ask the Rebbetzin! What will Give me Strength to Deal with all my Hardships?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Chickweed –The Sweet, Gentle, Powerful Star-shaped Healer
Musings and Schmoozings: The Small Sacrifices of Life

Parashat Tzav
Parsha Meditation: Pleasure & Will – The Crown of the Soul 
Nature in the Parsha: The Twilight Ram 
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
The Poor Man’s Offering
Ask the Rebbetzin! Why Do We Need All These Animal Sacrifices?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: עולש – Chicory – Cichorium Intybus
Musings and Schmoozings: Why Would I Ever Want to Feel Guilty?

Parashat Shemini
Parsha Meditation: A Vessel for the Fire of Love and Excitement 
Haftorah: The Dance of David
Nature in the Parsha: The Pig of Return 
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
When EmunaHealers and Shamanic Hebrew Priestesses Meet
Ask the Rebbetzin! How Can I Keep Family Purity When the Closest Mikvah is 2000km Away?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Hyssop – The Humble Herb of Freedom
Musings and Schmoozings: How Can We Learn Emuna from a Chicken?
Parashat Tazria
Parsha Meditation: Time-out for Self-reflection and Meditation 
Haftorah: Reaching Perfection in Speech
Nature in the Parsha: Plants of Purification
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Time to Clean Up Our Speech
Ask the Rebbetzin! Our Speech Builds Heaven and Earth
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Rockrose – A Carefree Evergreen with Spring Petals

Parashat Metzora
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Spiritual Spring Cleaning

Parashat Acharei Mot 
Haftorah: To Plant and Be Planted
Nature in the Parsha: Ingrained Giving 
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Pesach – Living by the Law of Covering our Nakedness
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Shepherd’s Purse - Calming, Comforting, Soothing

Parashat Kedoshim
Parsha Meditation: “Love your Fellow as Yourself” by Reconnecting with the Soul of Souls
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Coming Out of Pesach and Keeping the Flames of Holiness Burning
Ask the Rebbetzin! Honoring Parents
Musings and Schmoozings: How Can We Reconcile Individual Holiness with the Holiness of the Community?

Parashat Emor
Parsha Meditation: Healing Emotions through Speech 
Haftorah: The Power of Challah
Nature in the Parsha: The Problem of Pet Sterilization 
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
The Controversy of Women and Counting the Omer
Ask the Rebbetzin! Why Can’t I Marry a Kohen?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Lamb’s Quarters: G-d-Given Most Nutritious Edible Weed

Parashat Behar
Parsha Meditation: Receiving Torah by Tuning into the Soul of the Land 
Haftorah: Redeeming the Land – The Extension of Our Soul
Nature in the Parsha: The Redemptive Secret of the Yovel Year 
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Why We Deserve This Land
Ask the Rebbetzin! How do I Deal with Reminders of My Non-Jewish Past?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: My White Broom Rebirth
Musings and Schmoozings: Making Every Day Redemption Day

Parashat Bechukotai
Parsha Meditation: Walking Upright with G-d
Haftorah: Hashem's Miracles in Our Time
Nature in the Parsha: The Desolate Land from Desert to Bloom 
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
In Which World Do We Receive Our Ultimate Reward?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: My Self-planted Mulberry Fairy-Tale Tree
Musings and Schmoozings: Who Says the Curses are the Main Theme of Parashat B’Chukotai?

Shabbat Pesach
Nature in the Parsha: The Hyssop Paintbrush
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Pesach – The Holiday for Extended Family Celebration
Ask the Rebbetzin! Why Does Preparing for Pesach have to be such Agonizing Slavery?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Was Horehound One of the Bitter Herbs for the Pesach Seder?



The Book of Bamidbar
Parashat Bamidbar
Parsha Meditation: Realigning Ourselves with Ourselves
Haftorah: Hashem's Eternal Bond to Us
Nature in the Parsha: The Whisper of the Wilderness
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: The Brotherhood of Physical and Spiritual Warfare
Ask the Rebbetzin! How can I Celebrate Shabbat Camping out in the Wilderness?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: The Rose – A Symbol of Love
Musings and Schmoozings: Would I Encourage My Daughter to Enlist in a Combat Unit of Israel Defense Forces?

Parashat Naso
Parsha Meditation: The Spiritual Healing Power of the Kohanim Blessing
Haftorah: Hidden Lessons from a Hidden Woman
Nature in the Parsha: The Barley Offering: Mistress or Mastery
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Turning Competition and Jealousy into Unity and Peace
Ask the Rebbetzin! Where does the Torah Mention the Obligation of Hair-Covering for Married Women?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: English Walnut: The Majestic Loner Tree
Musings and Schmoozings: What is Women’s Portion in Torah?

Parashat Beha’alotcha
Parsha Meditation: Prayer for Miriam’s Healing and for the Longing of our Soul
Haftorah: Sing and Rejoice Daughter of Zion!
Nature in the Parsha: The Celestial Cloud Covering
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Turning Our Sparks into Flames that Keeps Burning By Themselves
Ask the Rebbetzin! 
Is Judaism Racist?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Garlic - A Natural Antibiotic, Stamina Strengthener, Indigestion Causing Plant
Musings and Schmoozings: Is Writing a Negative Review Lashon Hara?

Parashat Shlach L’chah
Parsha Meditation: Developing Inner Vision and Exploring the Spiritual Land
Haftorah: The Ability to Completely Turn Life Around
Nature in the Parsha: The Secret of Challah
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Trusting in Hashem’s Protection “Under the Vine and Under the Fig-Tree”
Ask the Rebbetzin! Is it Dangerous to Live in Israel?

Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: The Hardy, Humble Honeysuckle
Musings and Schmoozings: Why I Love This Land

Parashat Korach
Parsha Meditation: Eradicating the Energy of Korach from Within
Haftorah: The Feminine Role in Establishing True Kingdom
Nature in the Parsha: The Time-Lapse Blossoming
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Past Life Regression and Korach’s Soul Rectification
Ask the Rebbetzin! 
Why Can I not Be Free and Let My Hair Loose?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Feminine, Balancing, Heart Opening Geranium
Musings and Schmoozings: Six Guidelines for Avoiding Disputes

Parashat Chukat
Parsha Meditation: Actualizing our Trans-rational Latent Emunah
Haftorah: The Pilegesh in Our Times
Nature in the Parsha: The Perfect Mother Cow
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Does Juice Fasting Help Maintain Health and Alleviate Cravings?
Ask the Rebbetzin! 
Why did My Brother Have to Die so Young?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Refreshing, Sweet, Uplifting Mint
Musings and Schmoozings: Supra-Rational Dichotomy

Parashat Balak
Parsha Meditation: Transforming Curses into Blessings
Haftorah: Walk Modestly with Your G-d
Nature in the Parsha: The Donkey Vision
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Do Our Eyes Have Power to Effect Reality?
Ask the Rebbetzin! 
Should I be Afraid of Ayin Hara (The Evil Eye)?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Noble, Verdant Bay Leaf Tree
Musings and Schmoozings: Where did Bilam Learn His Magic?

Parashat Pinchas
Parsha Meditation: How can Killing a Fellow Jew Restore Peace???
Haftorah: Soul Reincarnations
Nature in the Parsha: The Cryptic Caper Bush
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Does Pinchas Serve as a Model for ‘Price-tag’ Activism?
Ask the Rebbetzin! 
Is it Possible to Receive Prophecy Today?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Capers and a Rebbetzin’s Shabbat Confession
Musings and Schmoozings: The Daughters of Tzelafchad Redeem the Land

Parashat Matot
Haftorah: Monogamy – Reflecting Hashem’s Relationship with His People
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: The Vows of Vegetarianism and Peace
Ask the Rebbetzin! 
Why can the Father and Husband Nullify her Word?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Prickly Burnet: Pot-Shaped, Paradisiac Thorn of Division

Musings and Schmoozings: How Important is Keeping Your Word?

Parashat Masai
Parsha Meditation: What is the Purpose for Every Stop on our Path?
Haftorah: The Way to Redemption Paved by the Jewish Family
Nature in the Parsha: The Weeping White Broom Bush
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: Appreciating Our Promised Land

Musings and Schmoozings: The Daughters of Tzelafchad Teach Halacha



The Book of Devarim
Parashat Devarim

Parsha Meditation: Turning our Vision into Reality
Haftorah: The Shabbat of Vision
Nature in the Parsha: The Lyre Shaped Kineret Sea of Galilee
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
The Blessings of Rebuke
Ask the Rebbetzin! Why is the Torah Filled with War?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Helpful Herbs before Fasting
Parashat Va’etchanan
Parsha Meditation: Connecting with the Unity of the Community of Israel and Hashem
Haftorah: The Inner Lights of Tu b'Av
Nature in the Parsha: Longing for the Land
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Do We Need to Make a Favorable Impression on the Gentiles?
Ask the Rebbetzin! Does the Torah Allow Smoking?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Lemongrass: Cleansing, Energy Transforming, Mind-Clearing Herb
Parashat Eikev
Parsha Meditation: Listening to the Voice of Hashem with Our Heels
Haftorah: Hashem - “He” or “She” or both?
Nature in the Parsha: The Seven Fruits of the Land of Israel
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
How Does the Torah Require Us to Treat Converts?
Ask the Rebbetzin! Why are Single Women Undervalued in the Torah?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Purselane: Omega 3 Rich, Welcome Volunteer, Summer Latecomer
Musings and Schmoozings: What is Wrong with Wearing High Heels?

Parashat Re’eh
Parsha Meditation: Discovering our Personal Mission in Life
Haftorah: The Stones of the Holy Tribes
Nature in the Parsha: The Shoulder of the Land
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Was Jesus a Kind Spiritual Healer or a False Prophet?
Ask the Rebbetzin! Can a Woman Wear Talit and Tefillin?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Calamint: Inconspicuous, Sorrow Soothing, Sweet Smelling Herb

Parashat Shoftim
Parsha Meditation: The Gatekeepers of our Soul
Haftorah: Tapping into Hashem’s Comforting Energy
Nature in the Parsha: Does the Torah Permit Tree-Hugging?
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Fostering Fruit Friendships
Ask the Rebbetzin! How Can the Torah Issue the Death Penalty?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Soothing, Relaxing, Mood-lifting Lavender
Parashat Ki Tetze
Parsha Meditation: Going out to Battle our Spiritual Enemies
Haftorah: The Barren Woman Bursts Out in Song
Nature in the Parsha: Is Sending Away the Mother Bird an Act of Compassion?
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Whom Do we Benefit by Dressing Modestly?
Ask the Rebbetzin! I Need Deep Torah about the Mitzvah of Making a Fence!
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Black Seed Sprinkled on Bread since Talmudic Times

Parashat Ki Tavo
Parsha Meditation: Dedicating the First and Best to Hashem
Haftorah: Believe in Your Hidden Powers and Spiritual Grandeur!
Nature in the Parsha: How Can We Relate to the Mitzvah of Bikkurim (First Fruits) Today?
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Why Do We Need to Tithe the Produce of the Holy Land?
Ask the Rebbetzin! Which Kind of Fertility Treatment is Permitted in the Torah?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Most Bitter, Soul-Inflicting Wormwood
Musings and Schmoozings: Why is it so Hard to Serve Hashem with Happiness?

Parashat Nitzavim
Parsha Meditation: Standing Upright Today before Hashem
Haftorah: Dancing on the Bridge of Redemption
Nature in the Parsha: Uprooting the Bitter or Making it Sweet?
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Returning to the Root of Our Existence
Ask the Rebbetzin! 
How can I Make Up for having Spoken Lashon Hara (Evil speech)?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: The Holy Apple Orchard
Musings and Schmoozings: Daring to Face our Fears

Parashat Vayelech
Parsha Meditation: Finding Hashem in the Very Darkest Darkness
Haftorah: (at present there is no commentary for this week)
Nature in the Parsha: Why is this Land Flowing with Milk and Honey?
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
What is the Purpose of the Aging Process?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Castor Oil – The Natural Detoxification Agent
Musings and Schmoozings: Why is Hashem Hiding His Face?

Parashat Ha'azinu
Parsha Meditation: Finding Hashem in the Very Darkest Darkness
(after Yom Kippur)"Tuning into the Holiest Shabbat of the Year"
Haftorah: (at present there is no commentary for this week)
Nature in the Parsha: Blessed Droplets of Torah
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
Why Did Our Parents Leave the Path?
Ask the Rebbetzin! How can you Justify Living in Occupied Palestinian Territory?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills:  Pure, White Yom Kippur Surprise
Parashat V’Zot Ha’Bracha
Parsha Meditation: 
Haftorah: (at present there is no commentary for this week)
Nature in the Parsha: The Land of Paradisiacal Blessings
Lessons from the Rebbetzin’s Heart: 
 The Blessings of Blessing
Ask the Rebbetzin! What is the difference between the Urim & Tumim and the Ouija board?
Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills: Basil: Soul Reviving, Gentle Plant of Peace
Musings and Schmoozings: What is the First Torah Verse to Teach Ourselves and Our Children?

Shabbat Teshuva (the Shabbat between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur) 
Haftorah:  "Repairing the Gaps"

Sukkot
Parsha Meditation: Within the Glorious Clouds of Divine Embrace
Women & Simchat Beit Hashoevah