The Why of Torah is Torah: Our Need for Torah Lishmah
Torah Lishmah or How can we take Torah out of the capitalist framework we live in that pushes us to use all our time “productively?”
Rabbi Avigayil Halpern
Torah Lishmah or How can we take Torah out of the capitalist framework we live in that pushes us to use all our time “productively?”
When I study Torah, I always do two things: 1. I ask myself, how did what I just read apply to my life? 2. I can give myself an opportunity.
So, why learn Torah? Because you’re already asking big questions. And more than that, you’re already in the story.
Before beginning Torah study, Jewish tradition teaches us to recite a series of blessings known as Birkat HaTorah.
We learn Torah because it gives us purpose and mitzvot, AI tools can help that, but it cannot replace it or our humanity.
Torah is a wellspring of meaning that inspires every part of life, from decision-making, to how to treat others, and basis of our values.
How do you get started learning Torah? Where do you even begin? I have four recommendations for you that will help you get going.
How far should one go to make peace? We can learn the answer to this from looking at stories of how Aaron makes peace.
You can find a harmonious existence where Torah study enriches your engagement with the world and the world inspires your spiritual growth.
Celebrating educational milestones as Jewish moments, we pass on a legacy, linking their achievements to generations past and future.
Feminist Torah is an approach to how we relate to Torah and a set of commitments about which Torah to draw from in our teaching and learning.
Every person’s study experience with Tanakh is simultaneously unique and unifying. May we all learn and grow together in the days to come.
There is a custom of learning and reciting chapters of Mishnah as part of the mourning process. Where does this come from? How does this work?
Shavuot is often considered a holiday of converts. Our Tiny Tikkun collects some texts on conversion to study with a friend or on your own.
The Exploring Judaism team has prepared this printable sheet of common terms you might encounter in your Torah study that might help you out.
Here are our top ten Torah resources you should know, including Conservative/Masorti organizations and resources for kids and families!
If we try to look past the tangible, if we focus on the other, in relationship, we can come to see the Divine, even if only for a second.