In some areas we are expected to master and overcome our natural urges. But there are areas, the areas of basic human character, where virtue is innate – we simply need to nurture and develop it. Source Sheet

When using Hashem as a strategy to gain trust which is then broken, the transgression is not just monetary, but one of faith as well Source Sheet

We need to be mindful not only of what we say but also of what our words imply, even if not said Source Sheet

The synthesis of empathy and grace applies to Hashem uniquely Source Sheet

How much we remember or whether we remember at all, depends on the responsibility we have to remember and the degree to which we are intentional about remembering Source Sheet

The Torah goes much further than requiring us to not be judgmental. The Torah wants us to make positive assumptions about the actions and intentions of others wherever possible. This is both a law, and a strategy for successful relationships Source Sheet

Everything we see is a perspective, not the Truth." – Marcus Aurelius. Is this true according to Torah? Source Sheet

Being human means being conscious and aware not only of what we do but also of the consequences of what we do Source Sheet

Life is seldom black and white. Even in matters of moral values, there are times we need to prioritize one value over others. In Halacha is also nuanced and at times we must prioritize one halacha over another. How we prioritize values and halacha is a skill we develop through the learning of Gemara. Source Sheet

A thought that is articulated carries with it a powerful energy that a thought alone lacks. A written thought carries a similar energy, but lacks the communication nuances that the oral word has Source Sheet

There is a qualitative difference between things we cannot do because they go against our nature or against the laws of nature, and things we can do but may not. However, is this difference in our minds or is it a difference in reality? Source Sheet

We assume that a clear imperative of the Torah carries the highest moral authority. Yet this may not be so: rational human logic carries an even higher authority and underpins the authority of the Torah Source Sheet

Forging G-d’s “signature” to authenticate a lie undermines the very essence of Truth Source Sheet

As in the case of Nedarim, in Shevuot the precise meaning of the language used is critically important. Nevertheless, Abaye teaches us, context can provide a very different interpretation of an individual’s intention Source Sheet

The stakes in Halacha are high. The consequences of committing an aveira (wrongdoing), even in error, are serious. However, Halacha magnificently builds mechanisms to avoid people developing OCD over the fear of possibly having committed an aveira. Source Sheet

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Education is the process of bringing out the potential an individual already has for a particular talent or characteristic Source Sheet

This sugiya explores the difference in consciousness between theoretical knowledge and one’s living reality Source Sheet

By the time we reach Yom Kippur afternoon, our Kapara (Atonement) is complete. The remainder of the day our focus pivots from healing self to healing others and to the universe we might have contaminated with our actions. Source Sheet

Normally a shogeig (unintentional action) means that at the time of the action we had no knowledge that what we were ding was wrong. In the case of שגגת טומאת מקדש וקדשיו the un intentionality that triggers the obligation to bring a קרבן עולה ויורד, requires a measure of subconscious knowledge that the action was wrong. We explore the nature of subconscious knowledge. Source Sheet