The idea of magical thinking, an ego-centric idea that one has the ability to change the world, features strongly in Judaism, despite the prohibition of practicing any sort of magic. Rabbanit Yael Keller delves into the prohibition of magic to understand whether thinking magical thoughts qualifies as magical practice. With the halakhic debate in mind, the shiur moves to evaluating whether prayer itself is an act of divination.

Upon entering Israel, the Jews are commanded to inscribe the Torah clearly into plaster poured atop a rock. Rabba Claudia Marbach takes this odd instruction and offers insights from several perspectives as to why it was done on a temporary surface, and what exactly the obligation was.

One of the most common phrases used during the pandemic has been “uncertain times”, promoting the idea that nothing is stable. Rabba Yaffa Epstein responds to this label, explaining that the process of forgiveness and basic human dignity are certain, immutable and present even in 2020.

The journey to becoming a Rabbi involved crossing uncharted territories. Darshanit Miriam Udel uses metaphor to describe her process.

In wrapping up the series on Pesukei D’Zimra, Rabbi Jeffrey Fox reflects on the bigger picture of the structure and themes of the section. The nine subsections point to two main themes, yielding one overarching idea about gratitude leading to God-consciousness.

Parshat Ki Tetze focuses on a long list of mitzvot, often translated as “rules” as a rough attempt. Rabbi Phoebe Ana Rabinowitsch assesses this definition by tracing the mitzvot of interacting with strangers through the texts, offering the idea that relationship building is itself a mitzvah.

This week, Rabbanit Goldie Guy and Rabbi David Wolkenfeld discuss the complex and denigrating mitzvot in the parsha, from taking a prisoner of war as a wife to ben sorer u’moreh, and the ramifications on our society. Following a deep conversation, the two address what’s next in the community and banter about tefillot in shul again.

Having explained the sources and sections of pesukei d’zimra, Rabbi Jeffrey Fox begins the conclusion of the series by evaluating the name of the section itself and analyzing its pruning nature and the push for mindfulness.

The primary obligation of Parshat Shoftim, establishing a proper and just legal system, extends beyond the four walls of a courtroom. Rabbi Alana Suskin addresses the importance of acting with justice and fairness in life as a whole rather than making false assumptions about people in our communities due to unconscious biases.

Having explored the theme of gratitude in Pesukei d’Zimra, Rabbi Jeffrey Fox delves into the theme of awe. The Zohar frames the pinnacle of the 145th through 150th chapters as being the secret of true fear of God.