Rabbi Lauren Tuchman

Category: Teachings

  • Vayakhel 5779

    This drasha was delivered at Beth El Hebrew Congregation in Alexandrea, VA, March 1, 2019/25 Adar I, 5779 Shabbat shalom! It is my honor and privilege to be with you this Shabbat. I wish to thank the Beth El Hebrew Congregation Inclusion committee as well as Rabbi Spinrad and Cantor…

  • Jewish Disability Advocacy Day 2019 Dvar Torah

    I was privileged to deliver the following dvar Torah at Jewish Disability Advocacy Day 2019, February 26, 2019 in Washington, D.C. Shalom friends! It is an honor and privilege to be with you all this morning as we gather for Jewish Disability Advocacy Day, a time for us as Jews…

  • Tetzaveh 5779

    This dvar Torah was delivered at Anshe Emet in Chicago. Parashat Tetzaveh, 11 Adar Rishon, 5779 Shabbat shalom! It is an honor and privilege to be with you this Shabbat. I wish to extend a sincere thanks to the Kehilah Kedoshah committee, as well as to the Anshe Emet clergy…

  • Terumah 5779

    This drash was delivered at Congregation Beth El in Bethesda, Maryland. Parashat Terumah 5779 4 Adar Rishon, 5779 Shabbat shalom! It is a real honor and privilege to be with you all today on this Shabbat in which we lift up, honor and celebrate Jews with disabilities and all that…

  • Reflections on the Spiritual Practice of Hitbodedut

    This reflection was written in 5777/2017. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, Section 25 of Likutey Moharan on Hitbodedut A person should set aside a set time daily to speak with God freely in their vernacular, instructs Rabbi Nachman of Breslov to his students and disciples. This daily practice, an addition to…

  • Divrei HaTefillah: Baal Shem Tov, selection from section Peh Chet of Amud HaTefillah

    This was written in 5777 and is intended for use as a kavvannah or meditation before Pesukei Dezimra, verses of praise, on a Shabbat or chag morning. Before we begin our davening this morning with Pesukei DeZimra or psalms of praise, I want to offer a brief kavannah or intention…

  • Mishpatim 5779

    This commentary was written for the Avodah Jewish Service Corps in 5779/2019. Mishpatim, our Torah portion for this week, consists of a series of miscelaneous laws covering a wide array of subject matter, everything from the laws of owning slaves (an incredibly important conversation to dig into though that is…

  • Emor 5776

    This commentary was written in May 2016, in the Jewish year 5776. Parashat Emor opens with a description of right priestly conduct. In Leviticus 21:17-23, we find a lengthy list of those Kohenim who have a mum—often translated as blemish which disqualifies them from sacrificial service. This list includes blind…

  • Terumah 5776

    This drash was originally delivered at Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester, Massachusetts on February 13, 2016. Shabbat shalom!!! Thank you so much for having me in your community this Shabbat. It is such an honor and a privilege to be with you. This morning, I am going to be speaking…

  • Reasonable Accommodations Are A Torah Value

    The Book of Exodus introduces us to Moshe, our tradition’s greatest prophet and teacher, who many understand to be a person who lived with a speech disability. In Exodus 4:10-16, G-d informs Moshe that he will lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt—from slavery to freedom. Moshe balks at…