Vayeshev

Shepherd-Consciousness and the Post-Industrial Jew

By FIVEL YEDIDYA GLASSER
With contributions from RABBI CHANAN MORRISON

The solitude of the shepherd ultimately enables him to reconnect and even provide for the larger world on a spiritual level. A society that is driven by consumption and industrial development can overlook deforesting the rainforests or irrevocably and negatively impacting the climate. It is precisely the accessing of our inner selves that enables us to encounter the larger picture of our own reality. If we are to stand a chance of returning to ecological balance, we need to regain the inner spiritual balance and clarity of vision of our ancestors.

Before the Law: Creating Real Systems of Justice

By ALIZA MAZOR

Three stories of justice and injustice demonstrate the need for systems of justice that do not ignore root causes, punish victims, or allow vengeance to prevail.

Courage to Speak Out

By RABBI DAVID ROSENN

When people do or say the right thing, they deserve acknowledgement – as the Torah acknowledged Reuben when he tried to save Joseph from their 10 other brothers.