Upcoming classes starting after Pesach! Direct Contemplative Experience of Duties of the Heart 6 Sessions on Tuesdays Please fill out this Google form to register for this series. Essential Jewish Meditation Methods–Introductory and Refresher Course 6 sessions on Wednesdays To register, please…
Simply the Best
Parashat Vayikra 5781 by Meir Sendor As we are approaching Pesach, the key preparative mitzvah of the festival is in effect: to get rid of all chametz from our homes, as it says שמות פרק יב פסוק טו שִׁבְעַ֤ת יָמִים֙…
Pop Art
Parashat Terumah 5781 by Meir Sendor The Gemara Bekhorot (8b) records the battle of wits between the brilliant Rabbi Yehoshua ben Hananiah and the sages of Athens. Among the tests of wisdom is the following exchange: תלמוד בבלי מסכת בכורות…
We, the Guardian Angels
Parashat Mishpatim 5781 by Meir Sendor Rav Yehudah says: “A person who wants to be righteous should uphold the laws against causing harm (Baba Kama 30a).” תלמוד בבלי מסכת בבא קמא דף ל עמוד א אמר רב יהודה: האי…
Root Cause
Parashat Beshalach 5781 by Meir Sendor The current lockdown in Israel keeps everyone close to home and shutters many businesses. But the restrictions for combatting the pandemic have created opportunities for some – including messenger services. Zipping around the country…
Reality Check
Parashat Vayigash 5781 by Meir Sendor We got our first of two vaccinations against the virus this week. It was the first day of the vaccination program here in Tzfat, and it had a kind of giddy, festive atmosphere. All…
Days of Gratitude
Tal Orot is excited to join the Days of Gratitude! We are partnering with Days of Gratitude to help us lift our blessings and build our resilience in the face of the pandemic and current challenges. Days of Gratitude is a…
Ripped from the headlines
Parashat Noach 5781 by Meir Sendor It’s a rabbinic artform to connect the weekly parashah to the issues of the day, and sometimes you have to stretch. Not this week. Global catastrophes, defiantly misbehaving societies, salvation through isolation and individuation…
No Man is an Island
Parashat Bereshit 5781 by Meir Sendor Nachmanides gives us a key to reading the Book of Bereshit: רמב”ן שמות הקדמה ספר בראשית שהוא ספר היצירה בחדוש העולם ויצירת כל נוצר ובמקרי האבות שהם כענין יצירה לזרעם מפני שכל מקריהם ציורי…
Choose Life
Parashat Nitzavim/ VaYelekh 5780 Meir Sendor You would think this would be an easy choice: דברים פרק ל (יט) העדתי בכם היום את השמים ואת הארץ החיים והמות נתתי לפניך הברכה והקללה ובחרת בחיים למען תחיה אתה וזרעך: I…
