Parshat D’varim – When Rabbis Err
Our sages warn us of the possibility that great Torah scholars can lead Israel away from serving HaShem.
Be Good
Here is some practical advice regarding our current period of mourning as we approach Tisha B'Av.
Revitalizing Our Prayers – Part Seventeen
Perhaps we still call our silent devotion Shemoneh Esrei, or Eighteen, even though in reality it is now nineteen, out of respect for the Anshei K’nesses HaGedolah, or because eighteen is the gematria of chai, life, emphasizing that we are actually praying for our lives and our livelihoods.
Becoming A Chariot
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.
The Three of Catastrophe
Normally choose a Haftara that corresponds to Parshat Hashavua, but not during the Three Weeks.
Our Constant Challenge
Indeed, we know what is of primary and what is of secondary importance in life, yet this understanding is not always easy to apply.
Enemies of the Creator – Parshat Matot
By waging war on Israel, even if not consciously aware of its inner motivation, a person or group is declaring war against the Source of all Creation.
TORAH SHORTS: Parshat Matot-Masai: Levels of Control
Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable. -Jean de La Fontaine
Setting Boundaries
The Ran expounds that one who builds a personal altar could mistakenly believe that he is actually doing a mitzvah by being extraordinarily scrupulous in offering sacrifices to Hashem. He doesn’t realize, though, that he is in fact committing a grave sin.
Revitalizing Our Prayers – Part Sixteen
The Malbim defines Judges as those who govern the laws of jurisprudence between man and his fellow, while the Advisors are those who give us counsel to succeed in our relationship with Hashem.
The Mitzvah Of Settling The Land
According to Rashi, it is the will of Hashem that the nations residing in the land of Israel when the people of Israel cross the river be banished and eradicated.
More Is Less
At each stop the Jews learned another lesson about how to rid themselves of their Egyptian ways.
The Need To Knead
Although men are also obligated to do so, this mitzvah is primarily incumbent on women and they are given preference in performing it. Sarah was the first woman in history to perform this mitzvah.
Pure Hypocrisy – Parshat Pinchas
Sinning, while purporting to do something positive, is hypocrisy par excellence.
The Divine Soul
In fact, our sages tell us that Pinchas did not concern himself at all with his physical needs. Rather he served Hashem with truth and sincerity, only heeding the spiritual benefit in his life.
TORAH SHORTS: Parshat Pinchas: Counter-productive Ambition
The very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream. -William Shakespeare
Revitalizing Our Prayers – Part Fifteen
How surprised I was when he answered with a flourish that the most important blessing of the Shemoneh Esrei is T’kah b’shofar gadol l’cheiruseinu, our bracha that we beseech Hashem to initiate the final Redemption!
Legacy of a Zealot – Parshat Pinchas
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.
The Supreme Stamp Of Approval
The Korban Sotah in Marah removed all doubts from the minds of Bnei Yisrael regarding the integrity of their families.
Inherit The Torah
It is of interest, say the Sages, that Moshe’s request for a new leader immediately follows the inheritance of the daughters of Tzlofchad.
How Good Is Your Sanctuary
When our own spiritual striving is met by the support of Hashem through His love for us, then we enter into His house.
Bilaam and Shema Yisrael
The connection between Bilaam and the Shema Yisrael prayer.
The Secret of Bilaam’s Prophecy – Parshat Balak
While Moav & Midian championed a separation of 'religion' & state, Israel’s mission demands that spiritual ideals be materialized on a national level so that our Torah’s values be fully expressed on earth.
I am More than Me, Myself, and I
The concept of “Beshert" in life
A Tale of Two Donkeys
With this in mind, let us contrast two iconic figures in the Torah, both with donkey-related incidents.
Revitalizing Our Prayers – Part Fourteen
We start the blessing asking Hashem to bless us with a profitable good year... Why are we praying for this every day when the Gemara teaches us -Mezonasov shel adam kitzuvin lo mei’Rosh Hashana – The livelihood of the person is fixed on the New Year and sealed on Yom Kippur.
The Eye Of The Beholder
There are many other halachos in Shulchan Aruch concerning the Evil Eye. We do not count people for a minyan, for example; and two brothers, or a son and a father, should not be called up consecutively to the Torah for an aliyah.
The Richer Fruit Of Mercy To Others
People can be cruel to people they perceive as different. A sense of difference can be easily translated into a malignant moral hierarchy.
On Keeping Some Things To Ourselves
Perhaps you are familiar with this question: “If a tree fell in the forest and no one heard it, did it make a sound?”
Or,...
Raising Holiness – Parshat Korach
The coal pans of the rebels were used for the altar.
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