IS HIS NAME YA’AKOV, YISRAEL OR BOTH?
People have 1 name because it supposedly reflects identity. What if a person has a double identity?
Redeeming Relevance on the Weekly Parsha: Kedoshim
Putting parents before oneself is a step toward putting the more abstract concept of God before self
Redeeming Relevance on the Weekly Parsha: Chaye Sarah
At the beginning of this week's parsha, Rashi informs us that Sarah's death was no accident, but rather a result of hearing about Avraham...
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Re’eh: Spilling Blood and Spilling Water
In view of the seeming sanctity that the Torah imparts to blood, why would it tell us to spill animal blood indiscriminately?
Redeeming Relevance: Did Moshe Decide to Break the Tablets?
Paradoxically, with Moshe’s desperate act, something positive happened. When the people realized what Moshe was responding to, it shook them to their foundations.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Netzavim
The Netziv’s point: Self-assessment should be based on who we are, not based on who our neighbor is.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Shoftim: Of Witnesses, Keruvim and Clones
The Torah's standard for convicting a criminal is set much higher than many contemporary systems of law, that accept one witness. In practice, that means the Torah prefers to let criminals off, rather than punish the innocent
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Kedoshim: We Need to Choose
In this week’s parsha, the Torah further develops the statement that opens Parshat Kedsohim, the need to be 'Kadosh.'
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Devarim: The Torah’s Insistence that Uganda be for the Ugandans
As the Jewish nation and the Jewish state become more powerful, we have a greater responsibility to contribute more resources to developing nations. It would be a Kiddush HaShem.
Redeeming Relevance in the Weekly Parsha: Noach
Our intentions are critical in raising children because they mimic everything we parents do & think
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Toldot: The Uncertainty of Parenthood
On the one hand, we see that Rivkah was right about Ya’akov’s potential. On the other hand, we will never be sure who was right about Esav.
Redeeming Relevance on the Weekly Parsha: Terumah
The notion of duality is paradoxically a very important part of God’s unity.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Shmini: When Intelligence is Not Enough
In commenting on the story of Nadav and Avihu, Aharon’s two sons who died while presenting a fire offering to God, Rashi does something...
Redeeming Relevance in Parshat Behar
Faith is responding to demands that we wouldn’t think of taking on were we left to our own devices.
Redeeming Relevance in the Weekly Parsha: Chukat
Israel's complaining frustrated Moshe, making it increasingly hard for him to lead effectively
Redeeming Relevance in the Weekly Parsha: Balak
Bil’am’s character is complex and nuanced; neither purely good nor purely evil.
Redeeming Relevance on the Weekly Parsha: VaYeishev
Tamar initiates the process, opening Yehudah’s eyes to her essence; “clothes don’t make the (wo)man"
Redeeming Relevance in Parshat Korach
Korach demonstrates how "charisma" can lead to a breakdown in the legitimate forms of leadership
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Behar: The Torah’s First Ending
Had the Jews not sinned with the spies, they would have gone into the land led by Moshe at the end of Parshat Shelach. Hence the end of Vayikra would have basically been the end of the Torah
Redeeming Relevance: A Bittersweet Song You Better Remember: Parshas Ha’azinu & Jewish Destiny
God’s foremost desire is to conduct a relationship with the Jewish people built on love and commitment. The song of Ha’azinu reassures us that the relationship will never die.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Pinchas: Midian, Moab and Yisrael
The fact it was specifically Midianite and Moabite women involved with Jewish men {Moshe and men involved with Ba'al Peor) shows that an existential bond existed between these nations and Israel.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Lech Lecha
If everything depends on the final test, the Sacrifice of Yitzchok, why give Avraham other trials?
Redeeming Relevance in the Weekly Parsha: Lech Lecha
Hagar grossly miscalculated her own merits and demonstrated a serious lack of gratitude for Sarai.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Terumah: Pythagoras and the Menorah
Seven is possibly the most significant number in Jewish Thought.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Matot: Menashe — The Odd Man Out
Why did Moshe include part of Menashe together with Gad and Reuven in the Transjordanian settlement?