Ari Sliffman

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May 8, 2025, 12:02 AM

Parshah through the Mediator’s Lens: Acharei-Kedoshim

Love your Neighbor courtesy My Jewish Learning

This week’s double portion, Acharei Mot - Kedoshim (Leviticus 16:1–20:27), offers profound guidance, not just in law and ritual, but in how we relate to one another with justice, dignity, and compassion. The Portion at a Glance Acharei Mot begins with...

May 2, 2025, 11:33 PM

Parshah through the Mediator’s Lens: Tazria-Metzora

Remains of Mikvah - in ruins of the ancient Jewish city of Gamla courtesy iStock

This week’s double portion, Tazria-Metzora (Leviticus 12:1–15:33), offers a particularly rich metaphor for the work I do in mediation related to the human condition. This portion is especially relevant now as it’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Summary of the Parsha Tazria-Metzora...

Apr 24, 2025, 11:40 PM

Parshah through the Mediator’s Lens: Shemini

Shemini courtesy My Jewish Learning.

As a Jewish legal mediator, I often turn to tradition not only for inspiration but also for wisdom in resolving disputes. This week’s Torah portion, Shemini, is especially powerful, yet unsettling at the same time. It contains a moment...

Apr 11, 2025, 6:36 PM

Holidays through the Mediator’s Lens: Passover

This week I take a break from the usual Parasha and concentrate on the holiday of Passover. While the Passover story was actually told through the Torah portions of Shemot, Va’era, and Bo (back in January), we celebrate the...

Apr 4, 2025, 6:29 PM

Parshah through a Mediator’s Lens: Vayikra

Vayikra courtesy My Jewish Learning.

As we enter the book of Leviticus, the Torah portion of Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1–5:26) introduces us to the intricate system of sacrifices, a foundational element of the ancient Jewish relationship with G-d. At first glance, Vayikra may seem like...

Mar 28, 2025, 5:53 PM

Parshah Through the Mediator’s Lens: Pekudei

Mishkan courtesy My Jewish Learning

In the Torah portion of Pekudei (Exodus 38:21–40:38), we reach the conclusion of the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The portion details an exact accounting of the materials used, highlighting integrity, transparency, and accountability. While at first glance, Pekudei...

Mar 14, 2025, 4:46 PM

Holidays through a Mediator’s Lens: Purim

Purim courtesy Ketubah.com

As we gather for the joyous holiday of Purim, we celebrate the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s wicked plot, as told in the Book of Esther. On this holiday, we read the Megillah, give gifts to...

Mar 6, 2025, 9:29 PM

Parshah through the mediator’s lens: Tetzaveh

Kohanim courtesy Netivyah.org

In the legal and business worlds, leadership decisions can often lead to conflict. Promotions, successions, and exclusive appointments can generate feelings of exclusion, resentment, and disputes over fairness. These tensions are not new—Parshah Tetzaveh presents a similar challenge. This Torah...

Feb 21, 2025, 6:29 PM

Parshah through the Mediator’s Lens: Mishpatim

Issuance of Law courtesy BiblePics

This week we read the Torah portion of Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1–24:18), where we find an extensive set of laws governing civil interactions that we can relate to just as much today as ever: personal injury, property disputes, financial transactions,...

Feb 14, 2025, 10:29 AM

Parshah through the Mediator’s Lens: Yitro

Yitro courtesy Chabad.org

In the Torah portion of Yitro, we encounter a pivotal moment of leadership and reflection, and the beginning of the Jewish judicial system. Of note, not all parshahs have a clear and inherent conflict, so it is certainly an...

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About Me

Ari Sliffman is the founder of AJS Resolutions, a mediation and arbitration practice.

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