Welcome to the Nishma Insight Discussion Forum blog.


The NISHMA INSIGHT is our popular dvar Torah, distributed almost every week by e-mail, that touches upon an important concept in the Parsha, theme in a holiday or event in contemporary society.

Often, readers respond, via e-mail, with comments that initiate a further dialogue. Through this Discussion Forum, we now wish to open this dialogue to others. If you have a comment on the INSIGHT, we invite you place to your comments here; then we invite everyone to join the discussion.

(If you are not receiving the NISHMA INSIGHT, we invite you join our mailing/e-mail list through completing our sign-up form available at our website.)

Friday, November 29, 2013

Friday, November 22, 2013

Friday, November 15, 2013

Insight 5774-10: The Limits of Hate

For Vayishlach
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1)While it is only mentioned in passing within the Insight, Rashi and Bereishit Rabbah state that the episode with Shechem was punishment for what Yaakov did in not connecting Dina with Esav. Why would this be so? Given the concept of midda kneged midda, that the punishment fits the crime, how was the event with Shechem a result of what Yaakov did with Esav? And how does Dina fit into this cause-and-effect?

2) Aside from Torah Temima's answer, there are many different approaches to explain why Yaakov was punished for keeping Dina away from Esav. You may want to consider this basic question.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Insight 5774-09: Lessons From Between The Lines

For Vayeitzei
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1) In the Insight, we present but one example of a lesson from omission. Can you think of other ones? In this week's parsha, you may want to look also at the dialogue between Yaakov and Rachel after the latter challenges her husband to give her a child. There would seem to be something missing there as well.