Rabbi Lauren Tuchman

Tag: Torah

  • 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…

  • Open My Heart To Your Torah

    Open My Heart to Your Torah. On Shabbat Parashat Bo 5779, January 12, 2019, I found myself in shul, like I do every Shabbat, wishing Shabbat shalom to folks as I entered the sanctuary, wrapping myself in my tallit and taking out my Hebrew Braille siddur, just like I would…

  • Parashat Vaera 5779

    Written as part of my work as Ruach Avodah for Washington, DC. This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Va’era, the second Torah portion in the book of Exodus opens with a divine encounter between Moses and God, in which God tells Moses that God has heard the cries of the Children…

  • Chanukah 5779

    There is a short passage in the Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 21B in which the rabbis are debating and discussing some of the specifics around lighting the Chanukah menorah. One of the questions they ask is, do we begin Chanukah by lighting all eight candles in the chanukiyah and then decrease…

  • A Short Reflection on Parashat Vayeitze

    This piece was written in 5777 as part of a course on Chasidic Torah commentaries. The Sfat Emet offers us some compelling teachings on Parashat Vayeitzei which dovetail nicely with the teachings that the Ohev Yisrael brings on last week’s parsha, Parashat Toldot regarding the wells that Yitzchack dug. Whereas…

  • On Spiritual Seeking: A Dvar Torah for Parashat Vayeitze

    This dvar was written in 5777. Leah’s story has always cried out to me in this week’s parsha—darsheni! And no, it’s not because my Hebrew name just so happens to be Leah. I find much of Leah’s narrative to be deeply resonant and oh so human. Though on its face,…

  • A Modern Midrash On Leah

    Author’s disclaimer: Please note that what follows is a modern, exploratory and creative midrash, centering on Leah Immeinu’s narrative in Parashat Vayeitze which was originally written in 5777, was subsequently amended in 5779 and at the time of your reading may not necessarily reflect my current thinking and approach. In…