In an attempt to challenge myself to new heights, to go from good to better, I have embarked on this blog to cover a number of topics that interest me. As mentioned in my about me: writing is thinking out loud.  One area of exploration is publishing a weekly divrei Torah (d’var.) What is a d’var?

A d’var Torah is literally a “word of Torah,” a lesson or sermon interpreting a text, which can be delivered by anyone, lay or clergy. The d’var reflects a fundamental Jewish belief in the infinite interpretive possibilities of Torah. This concept is best articulated in Mishnah Avot 5:22, “Turn it and turn it; for everything is in it,” and in the rabbinic assertion that each person who stood at Mt. Sinai saw a different face of Torah. That is a whole discussion in itself. 

While the concept of the d’var Torah may be empowering, the prospect of preparing one can be intimidating. However, preparing and presenting a d’var Torah does not necessarily demand vast Jewish knowledge or extensive rhetorical skills. It requires only a willingness to explore a text and to share one’s exploration with others.

Keeping with the spirit of investigation, my mission is to think about, learn, and discuss. To what end? 

In Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), we learn: “Provide for yourself a teacher, and get yourself a friend.” Social media has been a blessing, open up a treasure trove of many articulate teachers; rabbis and other prominent educators.  This category of my blog, of which there are several, will explore, from a layman’s perspective, the weekly Torah portion and holidays and observances by combining the ancient wisdom to modern psychology: personal growth, mental health, and self-care practices with a cultural psychological twist.

Every Thursday, beginning with the exodus of the Israelites (found in the Torah portions from the book of Exodus) I will be including some original content, modifying, and summarizing words of wisdom from rabbis and educators across the country, from all sects of Judaism. Those writings, inspired by ancient text, are well documented. These additions are an attempt to find my voice, and provide a modern-day lens to how a mature spirituality can relate. This blog is not just for Jewish people, but for anyone who enjoys combining ancient wisdom with a modern psychological thought to see not just the spiritual, but the pragmatic. 

My hope is that when a particular message speaks to the reader, they will comment, discuss, share, and even challenge them self, family, friends, colleagues, Jewish and other-faith educators and followers. Perhaps the ideas will spur discussions separate and apart from this blog. If Shabbat is part of one’s weekly celebration, maybe this will add another dimension to the interpretations espoused by professionals and other lay people. The fabric of Jewish life, practiced both formally, and as a part of religious or secular thought, when it comes to inclusion, can be life-changing. Ideally, real change will come only when an individual and a community are inspired to act collectively.

And in that way, we will each become a teacher; a student, and become better connected.