Was Moshe a Success or a Failure?
How might Moshe looked back upon his life? Ironically, the man unsurpassed in so many ways may actually have seen himself as a failure. Yet that is certainly the impression one gets from reading through most of this book.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Shemot: To Help is Noble, to Give a Sign is Divine
We are sorely lacking signs from God today. They are lacking, since our courage and resourcefulness often end when we have no indication of what God wants from us. This is the tragic situation of God’s hiding Himself
What Happens When We Forget About God?
Apparently, God is only actively engaged when man is conscious of Him
Redeeming Relevance: To Forgive is Divine… but not Exclusively
Did you ever wonder if Yosef and his brothers ever conclusively put their past friction to rest?
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 Nitzavim: The Secrets of God’s Plan B
Can God justifiably blame us for something we don’t know?
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 Vayeira: No Questions Asked
Isn't it surprising that Avraham who prayed for Sodom's salvation did not protest God commanding him to kill his own son? For the Netziv, this was actually exactly what God wanted from Avraham. Why?
Redeeming Relevance: Parsha Bemidbar: Follow Which Leader?
The Torah recognizes the phenomenon of leadership and brings it to our attention subtly in the Book of Bemidbar, through the way it lists the names of the different tribes.
Redeeming Relevance: The Mistake of Moshe’s Life
There are two more positive lessons that can be learned. The first is to always second-guess ourselves. The second lesson is that no matter how devastating events may be, we must muster the courage and strength to keep going.
The Clothing and Unclothing of Yosef
Yosef’s tale illustrates that "clothes don't make the man"
Avraham’s Empty Altars and the Need to be Selfish
The benefits of sacrificing-but not TOO much
Bar Kappara’s ‘Off-Color’ Jokes
By using humor, he could bring home what simple study in a beit midrash could not.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Mishpatim: Can an Angel Be Wrong?
Towards the end of this week’s parsha, God speaks about a malach that he will send in front of the Jewish people but it is not clear what He is referring to. We will consider one understanding
Redeeming Relevance: The Mishkan’s Opportunity Cost
For most of us, sacred spaces help us to focus, whereas we would otherwise not focus at all. Hence they are worth the opportunity cost they create. But we are well advised to keep that cost in mind. The fact that we are able to focus on God in the synagogue does not mean we should forget God outside!
Redeeming Relevance: Moshe’s International Grave
It seems important for the Torah’s central prophet to have been someone with whom gentiles could identify. And being buried outside of Israel may well have been part of that
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Bo: When the Lights GO OFF
How did the Jews find grace in the eyes of the Egyptians, receiving gifts from their Egyptian neighbors as they left, when they were perceived as the source of all the plagues and destruction?
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Re’eh
God's greatest gift for growth & coming closer to Him is "feedback;" Eretz Israel is set up that way
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Vayigash: Yosef‘s Invitation in to Exile
Yosef wanting to see his father Yakov again is understandable. Perhaps Yosef could not have left Egypt to do so. But did Yosef’s desire to see him justify making his father leave Israel for Egypt?
Redeeming Relevance: Ending Poverty, the Torah Way: Parshat Reeh:
How does contemporary Judaism deal with the great challenge of Torah laws no longer practiced?
Redeeming Relevance in Parshat Korach
Korach demonstrates how "charisma" can lead to a breakdown in the legitimate forms of leadership
Does the Year Begin in Nissan or Tishrei?
Wishing all a Happy New Year-but when?
Redeeming Relevance: Tazriah: The Things We Must Do To Belong
The outcast metzorah or zav, is essentially promised a quick rebirth within the Jewish nation.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Korach: What to do When Our Decisions Bring Casualties
Many of the commentators find a disturbingly strong rationale in the Jews’ complaint mentioned above. The complainers were essentially blaming Moshe for setting up a murderous trap for the two hundred and fifty men that contested the choice of Aharon and his sons as priests.
Redeeming Relevance: A People Chosen for Opposition
While there is plenty of room for cooperation and interaction with other larger cultures, it is important for the Jewish people to remember that a key role God wants it to play is to often stand on the other side and follow our own path.
Redeeming Relevance: Vayikra Avoidance Syndrome and the Torah on One Foot
Because sefer Vayikra is more difficult, we tend to look at it less. But because we look at it less, we also understand it less, which – in turn – keeps it difficult and less appealing. In a nutshell, that is what I call Vayikra Avoidance Syndrome.
Redeeming Relevance: Esav: The Off the Derekh Patriarch
Rav Hirsch famously criticizes Yitzchak and Rivkah for not educating Esav according to his innate personality, and instead trying to force him to be like Ya’akov. His insight is meant to teach that while it was Esav that made the choice to go ‘off the derekh,’ there is always much that parents can try to do before that happens.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Miketz: Yosef’s Descent
We generally assume that Yosef, as a victim of cruelty and not its perpetrator, had nothing to regret. Yet a careful reading shows he had a significant role in creating the tension with his brothers
How Should We Listen?…
As if Our Life Depended on it
They Called Him, Rebbe
Holy Tears!