Sparks of History

Avraham’s influence reaches billions—but living his message comes down to our everyday choices.

In Parashat Lech Lecha, Lot’s shepherds offer a convenient explanation for grazing their animals in other people’s fields. Their reasoning reveals a familiar habit: rationalization.

“I’ll double park for just a minute.”
“I’m running to pray. It’s for a mitzvah!”

From the fields of Canaan to a blocked fire hydrant in the Bronx, this episode asks: Am I doing what is right—or finding a reason to do what I want?

Join Ari Lieberman, author of Jewish Driving: Ancient Wisdom for Safer and Kinder Roads, for Driving Through the Parsha—a brief weekly Torah insight for safer, kinder roads.

Learn more: JewishDriving.com

Drive safely. Drive kindly. Every decision matters. 

Outside the ark, a world was being destroyed. Inside, a new world was being built.

Why did God instruct Noach to build an ark rather than simply save him and the animals through a miracle? Perhaps the answer lies in the days and nights his family spent caring for its creatures—learning to live by one question: What does the other need from me?

In this two-minute episode of Driving Through the Parsha, Ari Lieberman explores the ark as a miniature world of chesed—kindness, and the surprising connection to our cars. Letting someone merge, giving a pedestrian time to cross, and responding to mistakes with patience help build the world we share.

Learn more at JewishDriving.com.

Until next week, drive safely, drive kindly. 

Why did God consult the angels before creating humanity? And what can that teach us behind the wheel?

Drawing on Rashi, Ohr Gedaliah, and Rabbi Simcha Bunim’s teaching about two pockets, Ari Lieberman explores our extraordinary significance—and our limitations. Discover how holding both truths can help us drive with confidence, humility, and consideration for others.

A two-minute Torah reflection from the author of Jewish Driving: Ancient Wisdom for Safer and Kinder Roads.

JewishDriving.com 

How much can one moment of inattention cost?

In 2006, nineteen-year-old Reggie Shaw was exchanging text messages while driving to work in Utah. His vehicle crossed the center line, setting in motion a collision that killed James Furfaro and Keith O’Dell.

Reggie accepted responsibility and has since shared his story with thousands, hoping others will learn from his mistake without paying the same terrible price.

In Parashat Haazinu, Moshe tells the Jewish people, “Set your hearts upon all the words…for it is your life.”

What does this powerful message teach us about distracted driving? And how can giving the road our full attention protect our lives and the lives of everyone around us?

Discover how ancient Torah wisdom speaks directly to one of today’s most urgent driving dangers.

Driving Through the Parsha: Ancient wisdom for safer and kinder roads.

What do Christopher Columbus, Neil Armstrong, and the way we drive have in common?

Columbus crossed the sea. Armstrong walked on the moon. Yet in Parashat Nitzavim, Moshe teaches us that the Torah is neither in the heavens nor across the sea:

“The matter is very close to you—in your mouth and in your heart—so that you can fulfill it.”

Becoming a safer, more patient, and more considerate driver does not require an extraordinary journey. It begins within us—with our attitude, our words, and the very next decision we make behind the wheel.

In Episode 6 of Driving Through the Parsha, discover how Nitzavim–Vayelech’s timeless lesson about personal responsibility can help us become safer and kinder drivers.

Learn more about Jewish Driving: Ancient Wisdom for Safer and Kinder Roads at https://www.jewishdriving.com/.