Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Magazine Editor's Note: When did Jewish identity begin? When we entered Egypt. You can see that from the very title of this week's parsha: Shemot-which means "Names"-begins with our descent into Egypt. Identity begins when identity is first challenged. That's why this week we're presenting you a few perspectives on Jewish identity: The Rebbe's insight into G-d's own I Am, an essay by our parsha editor, Mendel Kalmenson, concerning Moses' mysterious name and identity, a few relevant facts from Menachem Posner about the meaning of the a name we have been called for a long time-"Hebrew"-and an incursion into Sigmund Freud's own identity as a Jew by Jonathan Sacks. As we said, who you are has a lot to do with where you fit in, so you might want to sit back and watch Moshe Bryski's talk on the journey through life, read what Aron Moss has to say about life with mental illness, have your existential angst turned inside-out by Tzvi Freeman or revisit Egypt without leaving the present day with Levi Avtzon. The rest I'll let you explore for yourself. Men, don't gloss over The Power of Woman section in this week's magazine-there's plenty in there you'll need to know. Always our most popular section, Judaism How-To deals with Shabbat, the Kippah, Prayer and Circumcision. Some great stories this week for your Shabbat table, and a few parenting tips that will help there, too. Tevet 14, 5771 · December 21, 2010 This Week's Features Printable Magazine On Our Identity Question: Who Are the Hebrews? What does the word "Hebrew" mean? And how did that become the name of the first Jews? By Menachem Posner Parsha: Freud's Great Freudian Slip It appears in his last book, Moses and Monotheism, and for some reason his commentators haven't noticed it. By Jonathan Sacks Video: Children of the Shtetl Experience the "shtetl" with these short videos from the Jewish Heritage Centre for Children in Leeds, UK. Watch Finding Our Place in the World Question: Why did G-d give me mental illness? Every soul journeys down into this world with two suitcases. One is full of challenges; the other, the talents and strengths necessary to overcome them... By Aron Moss Video: Life is a Journey The journey of each individual as well as our collective journey as a people are part of a greater, G-dly plan. By Moshe Bryski Watch (1:03:34) Spirituality: Children of the Universe It's easy to feel like orphans to this cold universe--to the elements and forces that shrug indifferently at the drama of being human. By Tzvi Freeman Parsha: Egypt and the 21st Century Make use of your mental Photoshop program, and insert yourself into the picture. You will be experiencing the drama of Egyptian slavery. Ready? By Levi Avtzon Parsha Essay: I Am "They will say, 'What is his name?' What shall I say to them?" Moses asked at the Burning Bush. What is the meaning of G-d's elusive answer? Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe The Power of Woman Mystical Meheitavel and Spontaneous Order The Power of the Woman Meheitavel's secret, and the secret of every woman is the ability to infuse order into a world of total chaos... By Rachel Gordon The Prophetess of Redemption The Israelites were redeemed from Egypt in the merit of the righteous women of the generation. By Rena S. Goldzweig My Mother's Candle for Me One of the lights Mother kindled each Friday night was for me. The full impact of this did not occur to me until many years later. By Abraham J. Twerski Video: Shabbat Candle Power Miri demonstrates how one little candle puts a lot of power into the hands of one little girl. Or is it really just one little girl? By Tzvi Freeman Watch Judaism How-To Shabbat Handbook An in-depth look at Shabbat, its significance, laws, and traditions. The Kippah (Skullcap) Traditionally, Jewish men and boys wear the kippah at all times, a symbol of their awareness of a "higher" entity. By Lorne Rozovsky A History of Prayer The origins of Jewish prayer and its evolution through the ages. By Lazer Gurkow Watch (45:03) Never Too Late For a Circumcision Suddenly you realize that something has been missing all these years.a circumcision. By Zalman Nelson Stories The Baal Shem Tov's Mysterious Journey to Leipzig The man looked silently around the room, walked to a corner and just stood there, staring at the Baal Shem Tov. By Tuvia Bolton The Forest and the Rose A tremor passed through his body. "Whatever happens," Rabbi Leib said with finality, "I must do something." By Yerachmiel Tilles The Banker's Shabbat Dilemma He suddenly realized that his pockets were still filled with wads of money from that day's dealings... By Dovid Zaklikowski Parenting Baby Me She's quirky, but yourself you call strange, weird. You say that she is strong-willed and independent. Yourself you call stubborn. Her creativity you praise, but yours you say gets in the way of getting things done. Honey, you are judging by a double standard . . . by Shalvi Weissman Do You Hear What You Sound Like? About twenty years from now, as they deal with their kids in the morning, after school and at bed time, your children will sound like you. Will that be a good thing? By Sara Chana Radcliffe