Every year, on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the traditional Torah reading presents an odd start to the New Year—a portrait of extreme duality. Two women, one ecstatic with joy, the other paralyzed by sorrow. As we turn the page to a fresh season, what can we learn from these stories our tradition highlights on Rosh Hashanah?

I’m not a rabbi, so every week, I look at our Torah portion and try to put it in conversation with the world around me. Judaism is rich in tradition, and each of us deserves the chance to find our own meaning in the text. Whether you’re studying Torah daily, or taking a moment to prepare for Shabbat, I hope you’ll make these ten minutes of Torah part of your week.

You can learn more about me, and my work, on my website – www.nathanjvaughan.com

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