The Book of Life: Weekly Wisdom with Ruchi Koval

Kedoshim: The Way We Treat Each Other

A stunning number of commandments in this week's Torah portion deal with other people’s feelings. Why does Jewish wisdom care so much about how we treat others?

Achrei Mot: My Heart is in the East

What makes a place holy? As this week's parsha shows us, the answer depends on who you ask – and how you feel when you find yourself there.

Metzora: In My Own Backyard

Just like in this week's Torah portion, there was a life-changing blessing in Ruchi Koval's home – and it would take years before she discovered it.

Tazria: Use Your Words

We can’t always solve other people’s problems – but we can always speak up in support. This week's parsha shows us how our voices can make all the difference.

Shemini: Raise a Glass

A glass of wine at the end of the day can be a blessing – or a curse. Here’s what this week's Torah portion has to say about it.

Tzav: Thank Goodness

How might we bring more gratitude to our days? In this week's parsha, we learn an ancient, formal way of saying thanks – and how we might adapt it for modern life.

Vayikra: Angels and Animals

Each of us is a little bit angel, a little bit animal. From the Israelites wandering the desert, we can learn to balance these traits – and channel them for good.

Pekudei: The Most Valuable Thing

The most valuable thing in life is something we can’t touch, eat, smell, or see. So, what exactly is it? Ruchi consults this week's parsha – a story from the Israelites' journey to freedom – to find out.

Vayakhel: Give Your Brain a Break

For those of us in the habit of constantly creating, resting on Shabbat is easier said than done. Ruchi digs into this week's Torah portion for best practices on truly "taking a break."

Ki Tisa: A Pinch of Salt

No super-sweet dessert is complete without a pinch of salt. Likewise, this week's parsha teaches us, our lives aren’t complete without the occasional moment of negativity.