Natalie Portman, the Israeli-born American Oscar-award-winning actress, announced that she will not appear in Israel to accept the Genesis Prize. How should we respond to her proactive actions?
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The Torah commands us not to stand on the blood of our fellow. This is understood to mean that we if we have the ability to help another who is in trouble we are commanded to do so. During the riots over the death of Freddie Grey we witnessed people violating and fulfilling this commandment. What can we learn from this tragedy and how can it help us to fulfill the commandment to “Love your fellow as you love yourself?”
Though we think of the ancient sacrifice service as archaic we learn practical lesson from the meal offering, be yourself but your best self. In fact, this is a lesson that Jacob our patriarch learned the hard way.
By holding a grudge you feel as though we are punishing the person we are angry with. But in truth you are punishing yourself, for holding a grudge consumes you emotionally. Rather than quietly sieving and plotting revenge (as did Absalom and Jacobs sons) you should use you’re energy to give those who have hurt you an opportunity to make amends.
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Rabbi Steven SaksEnjoy these sermons from Rabbi Steven Saks. Archives
December 2017
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