The Book of Life: Weekly Wisdom with Ruchi Koval

Balak: Blind Spots

What do your blinders prevent you from seeing? Ruchi Koval digs into a story from this week's parsha that might help us recognize and overcome our blind spots.

Chukat: The Voice of Doubt

Doubt is not just an emotion – it is a voice, whispering in our ear and distracting us from being our best selves. Ruchi Koval shares how to turn down the volume.

Korach: The Gift of Envy

It’s difficult to scroll through social media without feeling envious of someone else’s “perfect” life. Envy is addictive – and it’s on us to break the habit. Ruchi Koval shares how to rise above that awful feeling. 

Shelach: How to Damage a Reputation

Whether you’re the speaker or the subject, talking about someone else can hurt everyone involved – so how do we resist the pull of gossip? Ruchi consults this week's parsha to find out.

Beha’aloscha: Second Chances

Do second chances, do-overs, and edits ever work in real life? Ruchi Koval climbs “the second mountain” to find out.

Nasso: Working Toward Peace

Peace is a gift – and a process. Ruchi Koval explores the significance of the Priestly Blessing, and how each one of us can work toward peace for ourselves and each other.

Bamidbar: Dear Friend, Thank You

You can’t be everything to everyone. But sometimes, you can be everything to one person. A detail from this week's parsha shows us how.

Bechukotai: Love and Logic

As parents, it can be a challenge to think of a punishment that fits our children’s “crimes.” Rethink your strategy with wisdom from his week's Torah portion.

Behar: Give and Take

Are you a giver or a taker? Throughout our lives, we’ll find ourselves in both positions. This week's parsha shows us how to handle them with grace.

Emor: Count Your Blessings

This week, the Torah teaches us to count the days between Passover and Shavuot – and celebrate each one as a new opportunity for growth. Explore this unique mitzvah with Ruchi Koval.