In Imma's Eyes Podcast

Gleaning Parenting Tips from the Weekly Parsha

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04/15/2024

Metzorah (Lev 14:1-15:33)

When I was a new young mom, my Aunt Lala would always remind me, “When they are crabby, put them in WATER!” Such wise parenting advise. A nice hot bubble bath can cure sibling controversy, a common cold, and a grumpy overstimulated child. Why? Well, I think it is the experience of being in water that reminds us of the weightlessness of our own inner being. But, there may be multiple explanations. As I ponder this week’s Torah portion I couldn’t help but notice the target audience is a group of desert nomads. How ironic! Join me as we discuss what the Torah has to teach us about the power of a mikveh. * The Torah reading begins with a description of the purification procedure for a person who contracted tzara'at. After the priest determines that the tzara'at has been healed, a ceremony involving two birds, a cedar plank, a scarlet thread and water from a live stream, is used for the initial stage of the purification. The individual also shaves his entire body. After a seven-day wait, the person shaves again, and brings three animals and an oil offering to the Temple. * The priest processes the offerings in the manner prescribed in this section. With this the purification process is completed. * If the individual suffering from tzara'at cannot afford the above sacrifices, two birds can be substituted for two of the animals. This section describes the slightly different purification process reserved for the impoverished person. * Homes, too, can be afflicted with tzara'at. If stones on a home become discolored — acquiring a strong red or green pigment — a priest is summoned. If indeed the discoloration seems to be tzara'at, the priest quarantines the home for up to three weeks. Depending on the spread of the discoloration, the home is either declared to be pure, or the specific stones are removed from the house, or, in the most extreme situations, the house is demolished. The Torah then describes the purification process for such a home — which is very similar to the initial stage of the purification of the human afflicted with tzara'at. * After concluding the subject of tzara'at, the Torah discusses the ritual impurity of a man who issues a sickly and unnatural seminal discharge, as well as the method by which this person attains purity when the condition passes. * This section discusses the ritual impurity contracted by a man who issues a (normal) seminal discharge, the ritual impurity of a menstruating woman, and of a man who cohabits with her. All such people must immerse in a mikvah (ritual pool) to be purified. * Under certain circumstances, a menstruating woman was required to bring to the Temple two bird offerings to attain purity. These sacrifices are described in this section. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit parentingintheparsha.substack.com
04/08/2024

Tazria (Leviticus 12:1 - 13:59)

This week we are studying Parashat Tazria (Leviticus 12:1 - 13:59). We learn a few things about rest and recovery from childbirth or illness in this week’s parsha. Let’s have a look! Tazria Aliyot Summary * The Torah teaches us about a timeframe, during which a woman is considered impure, after childbirth, and the obligation of circumcision. The Torah also instructs us about the laws of tzara'at - white skin discolorations. * The Torah teaches us about the process of being declared clean or unclean by the Kohen after a period of quarantine. Was this for the safety of the rest of the camp, or an ancient “medical system?” * We learn the laws of tzara'at which appears following an inflammation on the skin. * We learn the laws of tzara'at which appears following a burn to the skin. * We learn that areas of the body covered in hair can also be affected by tzara'at. * We learn that tzara'at can appear on bald spots as well as clothing! The Torah then teaches us about a clothing tzara'at - which made me wonder if this was a form of mold or something that can grow on the fibers of fabric. * After the quarantine period, depending on the circumstances the garment is either declared pure, or completely burnt, or only the part which was discolored is torn out and burnt. This decision is made by the Kohen. Parenting Touchpoint: * I feel like the judgment we assign to the period of “quarantine” after childbirth has a lot to do with how we experience that time. If we tell moms that she is impure and cannot be near us, we are inflicting a feeling of isolation and shame on her. But, if we reframe it as a period of rest, and a beautiful time to turn away from her other responsibilities (like work, cooking, caring for other children, or even attending to the needs of her husband) and turn her attention to rest, and bonding with her new baby, then it feels very different. I sense the harsh language was used because the target audience was the men in the culture, hopefully hinting to them to leave her alone and let her rest and recover! LOL * Ancient Near Eastern cultures conflated morality with health. While I do believe we are three-dimensional beings, and need to tend to the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of ourselves and our children, I don’t think we get “punished” by G-d with sickness for our moral ineptitude. On the other hand, if we ARE gossipping, we may likely be anxious as well, and that feeling could be causing inflammation in our tissues. * My main takeaway from this is to consistently cultivate a relationship pattern with my children that makes open, honest communication safe and welcomed. This can be very difficult, especially when we hear bad news, or we are alarmed at some of the things our children want to tell us…but if they WANT to tell us, that is a really good sign our relationship is secure. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! May the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob bless you with rest when you need it! Parenting is a lifelong marathon. Take good care of yourselves! Until next time, Shalom! This work is provided by the generous support of listeners. If you are enjoying this podcast, please help us out by sharing it with another parent! If wish to support this podcast financially, you can donate here: During this podcast, listeners were invited to learn more about their child’s Human Design at www.sashyaclark.com Also, check out my newest Substack: AlongtheWay613, a 5-15 minute study session that curates Primary Jewish Sources, a brief D’var Torah, and Discussion Prompts empowering Jewish parents to discuss the Torah “Along the Way” (during the morning carpool, over breakfast, or while you are cooking dinner together). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit parentingintheparsha.substack.com
04/01/2024

Parshat Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)

In this week’s podcast we discuss Parshat Shemini. There were several directions I could have gone with Parshat Shemini: the mourning rituals (or lack there of!), the 8th day, the beginning of a new era of the Priesthood, and even an in depth discussion of wine (since it is mentioned). But, I decided in the end, to leave the worn path of commentary, and follow my line of questioning, my own heart, and I hope you find some meaning in what I share. Aliyot Summary: * Moses gathers the Nation to see the Divine revelation, and marks the first day of the priestly service with sacrifices. * We hear the priestly blessing. Here is a guided practice for kids using the birkat kohanim. And a nice (Sephardic, I think?) version I found on Spotify. * Don’t bring strange incense! Don’t drink before serving in the Temple. * Moses gives instructions about eating the sacrifices, despite their mourning. * Moses becomes aware that one of the offerings was burnt instead of consumed. Aaron explains himself, and Moses accepts his answer. * G-d gives the commandments about eating Kosher. * We learn about the possibility of utensils contracting impurity. Did you hear I started a new substack called “Along the Way 613”? You bet! It is a 5-15 min read, with discussion prompts. Listen, shema, I love to study Torah and primary Jewish Sources, but I don’t always have time to site down to a lengthy discussion with my kiddos, despite knowing the commandment to teach to our children. So I came up with a way to study primary sources, and have a meaningful discussion, when you “lie down,” “get up” or “walk along the way” as the Va’ahavta commands us. Instead of giving you a complete “D’var Torah” or coming to some conclusion with the material, I have decided, instead, to empower you with thoughtful questions that are sure to help you start a conversation while you shlep the kiddos off to school. If you’re Jewish, and a parent, and you want to incorporate more Torah learning in your day, I hope you will check it out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit parentingintheparsha.substack.com
03/26/2024

Tzav

This week we are studying Parashat Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36). I reference the children’s song, “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” as a quaint way to remember this parsha describes an interesting part of the kohen’s anointing ceremony involving his right earlobe, the thumb of his right hand, and the big toe of his right foot (Aliyah 6). What on earth is this teaching us about parenting? Tzav Aliyot Summary * The careful removal of ashes from the altar is described. The Torah is using this moment to model for us to value of life, even during death. * Certain types of vessels absorb smells and flavor and therefore this aliyah is setting some important groundwork for the kashrut laws. * The Thanksgiving offering is made when one survives a dangerous situation. * The Induction Ceremony for the Kohenim begins in this aliyah with the Kohenim changing clothes. Then Moses anoints them, along with the Tabernacle and all its vessels in oil. * The Induction Ceremony continues with the sacrifice of a bull and a ram. * Moses sacrifices a second ram, the fats of which are burnt on the altar, and the blood is placed on each priest’s right ear lobe, right thumb, and right big toe. * Moses anoints them again and tells them to repeat this process for six more days, a sort of “sleepover” with Hashem in the Tabernacle. Parenting Touchpoint: * The right ear, thumb of our right hand, and big toe of our right foot could just be shorthand for "serve G-d with your whole body,” but in this episode, I share some thoughtful questions for reflection. Maybe the ear represents what we are taking in, what we are listening to, and what we are watching. Maybe the thumb of the right hand represents where we are lending our strength. Maybe the big toe of the right foot represents where we are going. * The definition of “Success” for each family is between them and G-d. Just as the family of Kohenim had a distinctly different definition of success than the other family tribes, so, too, each of our families needs to get clear with G-d about our definition of success. In this episode, I share a short story about a time when my career goals were drastically different than those of my colleagues due to the vision G-d had given us for our family in that season. * I have designed a workbook for sale on my website to help you to get clear about your role in this season called, “Crafting Your Parenting Vision.” I hope it is a blessing to you! May G-d bless you with wisdom, understanding, quick understanding, and the fear of G-d…(Isaiah 11) Until next time, Shalom! This work is provided by the generous support of listeners. If you are enjoying this podcast, please help us out by sharing it with another parent. If wish to support this podcast financially, you can do that here: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit parentingintheparsha.substack.com
03/18/2024

Vayikra

This week we are studying Parashat Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26). We left off a year ago with the closing of the book of Exodus (Shemot) and the story of how one family went into exile as a tribe and came out of exile as a Nation. Leviticus is the third book of the Torah and lists many of the foundational teachings about justice and living in peace with G-d and our neighbors. Since the Tabernacle has just been constructed, it begins by teaching us about animal sacrifices. Our sages teach that each of the animal sacrifices is a template for prayer that we can continue to use to connect with G-d today. Vayikra Aliyot Summary * The first sacrifice mentioned is an OLAH offering, which is an offering of gratitude. * A fowl can be offered as an OLAH, in addition to the cattle, sheep, or goats from the first aliyah. This aliyah also teaches us about the additives required when bringing a voluntary meal offering. * The OMER- a mandatory barley offering that marks time between Pesach and Shavuot in the Spring- is described. We are also commanded to NOT bring leavened sacrifices (with two exceptions), and to salt everything. * The Shelamim, or PEACE offering is described in this aliyah. Since these offerings are eaten, the Torah uses this point to teach us about forbidden parts of the animal: the forbidden fats, and the blood. * Finally we learn of the “SIN” offering (Chatat), and a process of teshuva (repentance). This offering is only for people who commit unintentional sins. In this episode we discuss the different approaches for someone who sins intentionally vs unintentionally. * The final type of “Sin Offering” is actually a teaching on social justice, and requires a less expensive Chatat for those who make less money, and more expensive Chatat for the wealthy. This aliyah also teaches a process of confession and approach to clear guilt in a situation when we aren’t sure if we sinned or not. * The ASHAM offering is described in the seventh aliyah. This offering was to atone for misappropriation of Temple property. Interestingly, the same offering is used for someone who falsely swears regarding money owed to another person. So we see that business dealings - or more broadly, how we treat others - is at the focal point of our relationship with G-d. Parenting Touchpoint: * There is no prescribed offering or atonement for intentional sin. In the case of habitual sin, or repetitive sin, that is intentional, a system of teshuva (repentance) must be taught. * Gratitude is something that we cannot FORCE upon our children, but is something that we are responsible for cultivating in our children. There is a fine line between demanding thanksgiving, and encouraging it. May the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you with rest and a heart that can trust in this "load" season. The best is yet to come. Until next time, Shalom! This work is provided by the generous support of listeners. If you are enjoying this podcast, please help us out by sharing it with another parent. If wish to support this podcast financially, you can do that here: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit parentingintheparsha.substack.com
03/24/2023

I Wanna Rock!

I typed the show notes while listening to: I am back from break and I am glad to be back! Breaks are so good for the soul. But, so is living out your purpose. In this episode, I share a story, a flashpoint of personal inspiration from a couple of weeks ago. I also talk about my favorite show on MTV back in the day… …aaaaaannnnnnnddddd about my total lack of comprehension of time. (shocked, right?) Parsha Summary I also share that I won’t be reviewing the Aliyah Summary during the audio podcast anymore. Time is short, and hundreds, maybe even hundreds of thousands of websites and resources can tell you a summary of the Torah Portion each week. And since this week is about priorities, I have decided to just type the Aliyah summary in the show notes. I do hope you will take the time to read the weekly portion for yourself, and I would love to have a dialogue with you in the chat about what you notice, what you wonder about, and your big ideas from this week’s parsha. This week's Torah reading, Vayikra, begins the third book of the Torah, Leviticus. Last week we completed the book of Exodus, YAYYY, B”H! * G‑d calls out to Moses from the Tabernacle and teaches him about the Olah, or whole burnt offering. I think of it as a gratitude sacrifice. * G-d teaches Moses the laws of the birds for Olah, and then unbaked flour, baked loaves, and the shallow-fried meal offering. All voluntary meal offerings also contained olive oil and frankincense (one of my favorite oils). * The Torah describes the last type of voluntary meal offerings: a fried matzo type offering, and the mandatory barley offering, the Omer offering, brought on the second day of Passover. Then G-d commands them to salt everything (my husband’s favorite commandment)! * The "Peace Offering," the Shelamim sacrifice, is described in this Aliyah. The Shelamim was shared by the altar, which consumed some of the animal's fat. Then the Kohanim, and the donors of the sacrifice were given the bulk of the meat to eat. * We now begin learning about the "Sin Offering," the Chatat sacrifice, brought by an individual who is guilty of inadvertently transgressing a sin. It is important to note that this offering is for sins we didn’t intend. This category is for leaders, as well. Can you find a sacrifice for intentional sin in the Torah? * The Torah discusses the fourth and final type of Chatat is when an ordinary person sins. Also discussed is the Korban Oleh Viyored, a "vacillating" Sin Offering, brought by an individual guilty of certain specific sins. The Korban Oleh Viyored depended on the financial position of the transgressor. The wealthier a person, the more expensive the offering (within limits, of course). What do you think about offerings based on financial ability? Why do you think this is? * This section concludes the laws of the Korban Oleh Viyored, the "Guilt Offering," the Asham Sacrifice. These sacrifices are meant to appease the guilt and bring closure for minor issues, like when someone doesn’t know if they sinned. Did I ever tell you how much I love how the Torah always embraces the psychology of the human experience? How about you? I was talking in the episode about learning to “number our days” as the Psalmist says. I would love to hear from you in the comments: What stuck out to you in this episode? What would you like to share? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit parentingintheparsha.substack.com
02/15/2023

Working with Angry Outbursts

This past week, I saw a disturbing post on Instagram. The well meaning author was saying that she felt that sending kids to their room when they are having big feelings was shaming and punitive. I think she could be right in SOME situations with SOME parents and SOME children. However, I think that the room is a neutral TOOL, and that sometimes “Big Feelings” turn violent. And frankly, I cannot allow my other children to feel unsafe while witnessing an explosion from their sibling. I am speaking from experience, as I mentioned in a post on my other Substack newsletter, I have four children, three of which are emotionally defined, two of which had meltdowns on the regular. Join me this week as we talk about an appropriate way to empower your child to cope with their “Big Feelings,” (while keeping everyone else safe and YES it involves them being in their room). Let’s talk about it! “In Imma’s Eyes” is a podcast where we journey through the weekly Torah portion and glean parenting insights along the way. This week we are studying Parashat Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18). In my understanding Mishpatim comes from the root shofet, which means judge, but also means referee. So this week the Torah is covering a list of laws, or judgements. They all seem to be reparative judgements, so, let's take a look and see what we can glean from this list of reparations that can guide our parenting practice. Bullet Points from Each Aliyah A1 letting a Hebrew slave go free after 6 years: is this to protect a group of slaves from now becoming the oppressors? The slave can choose to stay if he loves it! (And incentive for treating him well)...and if you injure someone during a quarrels, you must pay for his time off work plus his medical bills… A2 we have laws about and eye for an eye, or a tooth for a tooth, which sounds really cruel. Our Sages have a tradition that this means the financial value of the eye or the tooth. So, for instance, a concert pianist loses his right hand. He can no longer play. The reparation for this injury would be a lot higher than a translator who lost his right hand (and it doesn't affect his work). Here we also have the habitual ox law. A3 We have a juxtaposition of the laws when someone leaves something over at your place verses you BORROWING it, and then at the end of a list of death penalties the Torah says to not to mistreat a stranger, a widow or an orphan. And then says to not treat people who borrow money badly, even returning their garment from collateral to them. Why? Because "I am merciful," says G-d. (Lest you think G-d is not because of the death penalty and the "eye for an eye" business. A4 do not accept a false report (OY tattling) and helping out your enemy's bull or donkey. (Meaning try to move forward in neutral, not revenge mode) A5 Shabbat and the festivals are mentioned A6 G-d mentions there is a blessing for obeying. A7 And, G-d continues, even though I am able, I WILL NOT drive them all out in one year, since your numbers are not great enough to cover the whole land. And we culminate in the giving of the rest of the Torah to Moshe Parenting Touchpoints In this episode we discuss: * The Shema, and the idea of “Teaching when you sit down, and as you walk along the way,” from the Va’ahavta * Empowering our children when placing them in situations where they are responsible. * The habitual ox, violence, and a heartfelt invitation to anyone struggling with a child who has angry outbursts. May the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you with wisdom, support and shalom as you raise the beautiful souls G-d has entrusted to you. Until next time, Shalom! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit parentingintheparsha.substack.com
01/31/2023

Beshalach

This week we are studying Parashat Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16). We left off last week with the 10th plague. Oh the agony and grief. Here are my show notes, Enjoy! A1 And rather than attending to his people, his family, and his dead, the Pharaoh uses his grief to fuel his rage against the Israelites, and goes out with his army to try and bring them back by force. Oy VEY…LET IT GO MAN. We were having a wonderful discussion this past shabbat about the blessing in our prayer book …"b'tzelem elohim." And what that means. One opinion was that it meant that there is inherent value in all human life, and that prayer is meant to remind us to see ourselves and others in that way. A2. The Israelites see them coming, and Moses basically tells them to "stuff the cheek" and trust. I was watching Charlotte's Web last night and the scene where Charlotte tells Wilbur she is going to handle things, he just says, "Ok," and decides to trust her." This child-like faith is beautiful. "Ok." Can we just say, "Ok" when G-d asks us to let G-d handle it. In Imma's Eyes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. A3 G-d sends an East Ruach/wind to blow all night, and the path becomes clear. Have you ever had a situation where you go round and round in your head and you see closed doors and no options all night, just to wake up one morning and see a clear path forward? Haha, me too. And here G-d keeps G-d’s promise and lays a spirit of heaviness on Pharoah and his army, and removes their wheels (which is symbolic of removing their influence, as well) A4 In the English it says the people feared G-d. I don't care for that translation, although that is one meaning of the verb yireh. I just think a better word is awe…they were in awe of G-d. Mi Chamocha!!! This is the part of the Torah from which that song was derived. The waters of Marah: such a beautiful invitation…Adonai rofecha. This is the 1st of 2 water issues in this week’s Parsha. This time G-d reveals the aspect of healing their bitterness, 1st. A5 -The Children of Israel start selling their Narrative of how much -ehem- "better" it was back in Egypt. G-d gives the Manna that will sustain them in the desert, and G-d explains that the Manna will test them, to see if they can follow G-ds teaching. (Midrash about the taste of the manna) A6- The Children of Israel are told to gather an Omer per day of Manna, and to not store any of it. And the amount they measured was the same, whether they gathered too little or too much. What does this have to teach us about our parenting practice?? And about TRUST? Shabbat, last mentioned in Genesis Chapter 2, is re-introduced here: gather Manna for 6 days and rest on the seventh. And G-d is leading BY EXAMPLE, as well. How would the message have been different if there was Manna on the 7th day? A7- our 2nd water issue, OY! It IS a desert, and they ARE used to living near the Nile. Moses is like, "G-d, you HAVE to help me …if you wait much longer they will STONE me." And G-d instructs Moses to take the staff, the very same staff he used to strike the NILE (are you seeing the connection??) and pass before the people with it. So here Moses is placing his trust in the people as he asks them to place their trust in G-d. G-d says, "I will stand on the rock while you strike into the rock." Parenting Touchpoint: * Trust * Respect * Slander Thanks for tuning in: May the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you with an accurate narrative of your life and the life of your children, and may you, too, find provisions in unlikely places. Until next time, Shalom! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit parentingintheparsha.substack.com

Gleaning Parenting Tips from the Weekly Parsha parentingintheparsha.substack.com

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Gleaning Parenting Tips from the Weekly Parsha
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2024
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23
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© Sashya Clark
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In Imma's Eyes Podcast