Blogs
Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parasha and Psychology
Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T. Clinical reflections on the Parasha through a psychotherapist lens. Using Artificial intelligence writing for defining clinical ideas and weekly Parasha study to cultivate thought provoking weekly insights.
Subscribe to this blog to get the latest updates emailed to you
Subscription complete
Search:
Showing Results 120 - 125 (125 total)
When Our Bias Blinds Us: Bilam, Balak, and the Danger of Seeing Only What We Want (Parashat Balak)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
July 10th, 2025

In this weeks Parsha, Bilam, a prophet for hire, is invited by King Balak to curse Bnei Yisrael. Hashem clearly says: “Do not go with them. Do not curse the people, for they are blessed” (Bamidbar 22:12). But Bilam won’t accept “no.” He asks again, and Hashem permits him to go, but only to speak His words. Bilam hears permission, not warning. Blinded by ego and reward, he sets out. When his donkey sees an angel and stops, Bilam beats it …
When Our Words Come Back to Us (Parashat Korah)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
June 26th, 2025

Parashat Korach presents one of the most emotionally charged confrontations in the Torah. Korach, a cousin of Moshe Rabeynu and Aharon HaCohen, challenges their leadership with the stinging accusation: "רַב לָכֶם – You’ve taken too much for yourselves!" At first glance, it seems like a political rebellion hidden in the language of religiousness. But deeper psychological and emotional layers emerge when we examine how Moshe Rabeynu res …
When Strength Becomes Stubbornness (Parshat Ki Tisa)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
March 6th, 2026

Parshat Ki Tisa recounts one of the most dramatic failures in the history of Bnei Yisrael, the sin of the Golden Calf, and the intense dialogue that follows between Moshe Rabbeinu and Hashem. In that moment of crisis, Hashem describes the Jewish people as an “עם קשה עורף” (am kesheh oref), a stiff-necked people (Exodus 32:9). While the phrase appears as a rebuke, it also invites deeper reflection. What does it mean psychologically an …
When the Body Speaks (Parshat Tazria)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
May 1st, 2025

In Parshat Tazria, we learn about the concept of ‘Tzaraat,’ often mistranslated as leprosy. However, Tzaraat is not merely a physical affliction, but a visible manifestation of a spiritual malady.  Although Tzaraat was an affliction of the skin and the person afflicted would be isolated, unlike leprosy, the isolation of the Metzora (one who had Tzaraat) had nothing to do with contagion. This spiritual affliction portrayed by a ph …
You Know the Soul of the Stranger: From Victimhood to Responsibility (Parshat Mishpatim)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
February 12th, 2026

Parshat Mishpatim follows immediately after the revelation of Har Sinai. Bnei Yisrael has just emerged from centuries of brutal slavery. If there were ever a moment to justify anger, this would be it. A nation freshly scarred by oppression is finally free. Revenge would feel understandable. Yet instead of commanding revenge or memorializing victimhood, Hashem provides us system rooted in moral restraint. Among the many Mishpatim appears a command …
Sort By:Reset All
title +
date +

Results per page:

1234