Parsha

In general, in Jewish literature, association with animals is seen in a pejorative light. While certainly not anti-animal, classical Judaism sees humanity unequivocally as superior to the animals, following the account of Creation in the Torah.

Of course, Aharon didn’t veer to the left or the right. This was the avodah in the Mishkan he was performing, and the directives came straight from Hashem!

Even the judiciary has its limits, based on the principles set forth at Sinai by the Almighty.

When we say this blessing hoping for salvation, we should reflect that so many people today are in financial distress because we don’t have the shulchan that brought financial stability to Klal Yisrael.

In Sodom the Hamas was so pervasive and in Mitzrayim the grip of slavery so unbreakable to the extent that nobody who lived in these societies had any hope for a better future.

No matter how hard we work on ourselves, we can never be totally prepared for the challenges ahead. And that is actually a good thing. Not only would life be less interesting, but a great deal of its meaning would otherwise be taken away. As Rebbe Nachman said, “If you are not a better person tomorrow than you are today, what need have you for a tomorrow?”

Both transgressions - cheating with weights and measures and questioning Providence - have the same root, since they both indicate a lack of emunah in Hashem.

Our life is what our thoughts make it. A man will find that as he alters his thoughts toward things and other people, things and other people will alter towards him. -James Allen

A true pursuer of peace/completeness is one who identifies the obstacles to HaShem’s Ideal for this world and works passionately to remove them.

A deep understanding of events helps us appreciate how Avraham’s transgression provided the opportunity for him to ascend incredible heights through an unbelievable act of tshuva m'ahava.

While Israel was obligated to drive the British from our soil, the Torah's approach to the "Palestinian" question might actually be more complicated.

Perhaps deep down Eliezer did hesitate. In his heart of hearts, he may not have wanted to succeed.

Even the merit of the entire Jewish people was stupendous. While not every member had remained on the highest level, as a nation they had remained loyal to Hashem.

There is also another distinguishing factor to consider. In all the above cases, the item is inherently of value only to one person.

It is a time of dark shadows but we can use these shadows to explore and discover our own light.

The revolution of Yitzchak is different – not to rebel, but to toe the line, to continue the tradition, to dig the same wells.

What was Moses thinking when he struck the rock?

Rav Ovadia said, “So for me it’s permissible, but for you it’s prohibited?”

What happened was that Frank Jr. stopped being the little babe looking with love into his father’s eyes, and the relationship took on a very different nature.

Although the Torah often points out the infinite value of every human life, this week's parshah gives a clear message about the value of Jewish life. We are told that no one will be permitted to murder Jews with impunity.

If that is the case, though – if a mechallel Shabbos is toned because he is like one who is ovdei avodah zarah – why, Rav Akiva Eiger asks, is a person who desecrates Shabbos in private stoned?

Did Pharaoh's Daughter Speak Hebrew?

On Rosh Hashana we blow the shofar, recite distinctive prayers, and perform Tashlich to recognize the Creator of the Universe as the source of all mercy and forgiveness.

The difficulty with this Rashi is that he lists all three reasons in same breath as if they are equal, and clearly they aren’t.

Human beings hardly ever learn from the experience of others. They learn; when they do, which isn't often, on their own, the hard way. Robert A. Heinlein

At the time when a person opens his bundle to others, and shares his good fortune with others, he will merit blessing and his heart will be filled with joy.

Avoid popularity if you would have peace. -Abraham Lincoln

Our Matzah is not Shmurah if we are unconcerned with those who have nothing to eat, or no Seder to join.

Those born in Adar are charitable, great listeners and good companions.

The Jewish Press is proud to announce a new monthly column by the founder of the Shas Party, Member of Knesset Rabbi Nissim Zeev.