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Author Archives: rebleib1
To Stop this Plague, Avoid Social Distancing
I recently had the fortune of finishing two areas of learning right around the same time with my 8th graders – Parshat Korach and the book of Shmuel Bet. Much to our surprise, we discovered that the two sections, separated … Continue reading
Posted in Classroom Experiences, Nach, Parshat Hashavua
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A Fool for Love: The Meeting of Chesed and Emet
I just finished my first year of teaching in a new location, and I finally have the time to write up the conclusions of a learning experience I had with my 7th Grade Advanced Chumash class a few months ago. … Continue reading
Posted in Classroom Experiences, Parshat Hashavua
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Aruch Hashulchan Yomi (Reprise)
Some time ago (link) I proposed a new system for the daily learning of Aruch Hashulchan which would be based on a set number of paragraphs, which are mostly uniform in size, to replace the existing system based on a … Continue reading
Posted in Communal Matters, Halacha
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Coronavirus and Maintaining Belief in Challenging Times
Many in my large Jewish community have lamented the closure of our Shuls and schools in the face of the devastating Coronavirus cutting a deadly path across our nation. I am among them. Yet I tend to react to difficult … Continue reading
Posted in Communal Matters, Tefillah
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Jewish Unity and Parshat Shemot
As the young nation unified by its harmony at the end of Sefer Bereishit turns to one enslaved in Sefer Shemot, we are informed that it is in the same spirit of unity that the Jews descend to Egypt: וְאֵלֶּה … Continue reading
Posted in Parshat Hashavua
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Love Interrupted: When Ya’akov Finally Fell for Leah (Vayishlach)
Parshat Vayishlach opens with Ya’akov’s multi-pronged preparation for meeting his estranged brother Eisav. Famously, he sends gifts to his brother, prepares for war, and prays. When it comes time to meet Eisav, we find this final bit of preparation: ספר … Continue reading
Posted in Parshat Hashavua, The Week in Rashi
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19th Century Torah Commentaries Series
This past summer I had the privilege of sharing a five-week series on the rebirth of Torah commentary in the 19th Century, exploring the historical context, personal biographies, and literary styles of four giants of 19th Century Jewish life – … Continue reading
Posted in Jewish History, Parshat Hashavua
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Sukkah, Beit Hamikdash, and Eternal Love
I had the opportunity the other day to have my middle school students over in my sukkah, and I shared the D’var Torah below. I am sharing it now for any larger benefit it may serve. There is a curious … Continue reading
Posted in Holidays, Succot, Tefillah
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