Because the narrative in the Torah focuses mostly on Avraham, it is easy to overlook that the sacrifices Sarah makes are more exceptional.

The focus on greatness has had a profound impact on Jewish culture, and has made greatness a life goal to be embraced.

It should be noted that overwork is ultimately impractical. After a certain point, productivity suffers and burnout is common. The Midrash says that Moses, while still in Pharaoh’s household, convinced  Pharaoh to allow the Jewish slaves to rest on Shabbat. Moses argued that a Sabbath would be to Pharaoh’s benefit; slaves that never stop working will die from overwork.

Sukkot teaches us the wisdom of hindsight, and that events look differently many years later.

Real heroes are people of character, not characters on TV. Real heroes wear uniforms, not couture. Real heroes are too busy helping others to take the time to post selfies on Instagram.

He was dating a non-Jewish woman seriously, and when Sarah would ask him if he planned on raising his children as Jews, his answer was no; Judaism wasn’t important to him. Sarah had one question for me: how do I convince my son to be Jewish?

Bikkurim are a reminder that history is very much a part of current events; as the farmers celebrates their personal good fortune, they make a point of recognizing that their prosperity is rooted in the miracles of the past.

In the ancient world, yibum is a powerful act of solidarity, where one brother sets aside his own interests to stand in for the other.

This is the ideology of humility; it matters not what humans think of you, only what God expects of you. And if you succeed in fulfilling your mission, you may have justified your place on earth. 

Charity for Jews is about more than caring for the poor; it is about transforming the world.