Rabbi Edelstein discusses the foundation of Judaism: the Shema. Found in this week's Torah portion, Va'eschanan.

Tisha b'Av (the Ninth of Av), which will be observed from Saturday sundown to Sunday nightfall is a very ABNORMAL day in the Jewish calendar. It's about seeing the glass--and our hearts--as (at least) half empty, it's about "getting in touch" with our being OUT of touch with our deeper spirituality, and about confronting the reality of a world that is NOT as it should be. Rabbi Edelstein of MEOR DC discusses.

We go through 42 spiritual journeys in our lives--or 42 phases in our broader spiritual journey through life--as we progress from birth to the time when we leave this physical world. This mystical teaching is connected to the second of this week's double Torah portion, Masei (which completes the Book of Bamidbar). I can't pretend to fully explain (or understand) the details of this mystical concept, but I DO find it intriguing and elevating: it reminds us that the purpose of our lives is to grow spiritually, to face challenges and situations of all kinds with the knowledge that they are not "random occurrences" but divinely orchestrated stages/journeys in our lives, precisely designed to help each of us actualize our potential. Tune in as I, Rabbi Edelstein of MEOR DC, discuss.

Rabbi Edelstein of MEOR DC shares a surprising insight from the Torah portion of Pinchas (end of Bamidbar/Numbers) regarding one key component of a spiritual leader: appreciating, and being able to relate to, very different people! A wonderful new book about the importance of finding and expressing our individuality in Judaism was just published: Nurture Their Nature, by Rabbi Yosef Lynn and Rabbi Jack Cohen!

Rabbi Edelstein of MEOR DC discusses the power of our personal desire for good, or the opposite. Many, many factors in our lives are NOT in our control, but our heart, will and desires ARE. And we are here to elevate them and bring blessing to the world...and not the opposite.

Rabbi Edelstein of MEOR DC discusses the destructive rebellion of Korach, rooted in his jealousy and desire to fulfill SOMEONE ELSE'S spiritual mission in this world...rather than his own! (A great essay on this topic can be found at RabbiDavidAaron.org under articles, "Spiritual Journey or Ego Trip".)

Rabbi Edelstein of MEOR DC discusses the "nostalgic" longing of the Jewish people for the "free fish" of Egypt, as displayed in this week's Torah portion, and shows how the Torah is shining a clear light into our lower selves. For the sake of helping us rise to the healthy (and joyous) challenge of growth and development.

We long for SHALOM/peace at this difficult time in our experience as a Jewish people: both in Israel, of course, and all over the world. Including within ourselves! Rabbi Edelstein of MEOR DC discusses Shalom, and its relevance to the underappreciated holiday of Shavuos that is approaching!

A routine trip for Venti Iced Coffees became a great reminder of what we should be thinking about at this time in the Jewish calendar, between Passover and Shavuot (the holiday of receiving the Torah at Sinai)...and, truly, what should be the purpose of our lives each and every day. Please tune in to Rabbi E in 3...for a