This week's parsha
Unless otherwise noted, "This week's Parsha" comprises articles taken from contributors to the Chabad.org website. We show the original author's name here, so that proper attribution is given. For the sake of brevity, footnotes cited in the original author's writings are omitted from this website. If you need to see the citations, please refer to the original articles on the Chabad.org website.
Can G‑d and Facebook Be Friends?
Here's something to think about: Has technology helped or harmed religious commitment?
Science and religion have long had a tumultuous relationship. In the 16th century the findings of Copernicus and Galileo sent a cold shiver down the clergy's spine, and science threatened to replace G-d with reason.
But religion was not displaced. In fact, scientific findings often point to the brilliant design of G-d's universe.
Fast forward to the 21st century. By now science has unraveled staggering developments that have radically altered our lives, and the progress continues at a speedy pace. Scientists propose that in the years 1990-2000 there were more scientific advancements than in all of history combined!
Here's the contemporary question: Can technology and religion work in unison?
Science and religion have long had a tumultuous relationship. In the 16th century the findings of Copernicus and Galileo sent a cold shiver down the clergy's spine, and science threatened to replace G-d with reason.
But religion was not displaced. In fact, scientific findings often point to the brilliant design of G-d's universe.
Fast forward to the 21st century. By now science has unraveled staggering developments that have radically altered our lives, and the progress continues at a speedy pace. Scientists propose that in the years 1990-2000 there were more scientific advancements than in all of history combined!
Here's the contemporary question: Can technology and religion work in unison?
The Torah-Business Partnership
In Moses' end-of-life blessing to the tribes of Yissachar (Issachar) and Zevulun (Zebulun), he says: "Rejoice, Zevulun, in your departure, and Yissachar, in your tents." Rashi explains this verse (based on the Midrash): "Zevulun and Yissachar entered into a partnership. Zevulun would dwell at the seashore and go out in ships, to trade and make profit. He would thereby provide food for Yissachar, who would, in turn, sit and occupy themselves with the study of Torah."
Rashi continues: "Consequently, Moses mentioned Zevulun before Yissachar [even though the latter was the elder of the two], because Yissachar's Torah came through [the provisions provided by] Zevulun."
Rashi continues: "Consequently, Moses mentioned Zevulun before Yissachar [even though the latter was the elder of the two], because Yissachar's Torah came through [the provisions provided by] Zevulun."
Sing, My Children, Sing!
According to a popular saying, every major Jewish experience is somehow connected to food. If I may add, where there is food, there is song... Thus, every Jewish experience is full of song.
From the High Holiday cantorial pieces to the zemirot sung at the Shabbat table, from the teary-eyed chupah music to the energetic dancing music that follows, from the Mah Nishtanah at the Passover Seder to nighttime lullabies, the Jewish year is indeed a musical one.
Why is song such a major player in the Jewish arena?
From the High Holiday cantorial pieces to the zemirot sung at the Shabbat table, from the teary-eyed chupah music to the energetic dancing music that follows, from the Mah Nishtanah at the Passover Seder to nighttime lullabies, the Jewish year is indeed a musical one.
Why is song such a major player in the Jewish arena?
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