Tzara’at and Speech as Infectious Disease

The Irreducible Holy: In Judaism (Unlike Gravity) What Goes Up, Must Stay Up

"...the irreducible holy is iterative. Our tradition may say we must only go up, but there are forces pulling us down; they are strong and they are determined. To live a “consecrated, dedicated life,” to achieve an aspirational society, requires stamina, patience, and a belief in a higher purpose for this complicated world." Get full access to The Urban Rabbi at www.theurbanrabbi.org/subscribe [https://www.theurbanrabbi.org/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Tzara’at and Speech as Infectious Disease

At first blush, Tazria-Metzora is about illness. It includes a detailed description of this enigmatic disease called tzara’at. similar to, but not the same, as leprosy. But the Rabbis suggest the whole detailed description of tzara’at is not about only about disease but discourse, malicious speech. Get full access to The Urban Rabbi at www.theurbanrabbi.org/subscribe [https://www.theurbanrabbi.org/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Anger, Idolatry, and the Golden Calf

Get full access to The Urban Rabbi at www.theurbanrabbi.org/subscribe [https://www.theurbanrabbi.org/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Stand Tall! The Secret Behind the Prohibition Against Eating Creepy Crawly Things

This year as we come out of Egypt, let’s also consider Torah's invitation to come up from Egypt. And in this symbolic aliyah, consider how we might stand tall. Get full access to The Urban Rabbi at www.theurbanrabbi.org/subscribe [https://www.theurbanrabbi.org/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Elusive Happy Ending

SHABBAT SERMON: "I’m a sucker for a happy ending. I once convinced my family to watch Shawshank Redemption arguing it was a “feel-good movie.” It’s now a running joke in our family, because Shawshank isn’t really a feel-good movie. It’s a lot of pain, tension, and suffering – with moments of humor and grace. But it has a happy ending – kind of the ultimate happy ending. And that’s what I remembered most...." Get full access to The Urban Rabbi at www.theurbanrabbi.org/subscribe [https://www.theurbanrabbi.org/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]