INSIGHT 5780 - #21: THE MASK OF EVIL

For  Purim
 
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The influence of this mask in the process of teshuva is a subject truly worthy of further investigation. The first step in this process is perceiving a certain behaviour and/or understanding as wrong but how can one do so if the very process by which to make this determination may have faults? The call to do teshuva would thus also further demand of us to continuously evaluate how we make such determinations. How to do this must obviously demand more study.

Rabbi Ben Hecht 

Insight 5778-22: Purim

For Purim
 
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I just wish to clarify my point. The challenge we face in confronting the human condition demands depth as life is complex. A presentation of 'Stick figures' in attempting to explain the challenge human beings face in confronting the issue of good and evil -- and its internal conflict within each of us -- is, as such, misleading. What I am describing in the case of Haman, though, is the existence of the individual who strives to be but a 'stick figure' as this person wishes to avoid the actual complexity of the human condition. I am not using the 'stick figure' to describe the concept of good versus evil. What I am describing is the possible evil of an individual striving to be but only a 'stick figure. 
RBH

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For Parshat Zachor, Ki Teistzei and Beshalach
Not yet available on the Nishma website

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For Purim

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Study Question

1)

Insight 5775-23: THE QUESTION OF REHABILITATION

For Purim
Not yet available on the Nishma website.


Study Question

1)

Insight 5773-23: The Excellent Mystery Writer

For Tetzaveh
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Study Questions

1) The kal v'chomer presented by the gemara to derive a need to be conscious of tefillin from the Tzitz truly is worthy of further contemplation. If the gemara was discussing the normal case of inner consciousness of the wearer -- which would be the simple way of approaching the subject -- why would the fact that the name of God on the Tzitz is publicly displayed matter

Insight 5771-24: Mishlo'ach Manot

For Purim

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Insight 5771-22: Purim and the Temple

For Parshat Shekalim

Not yet available on the Nishma website.