Shemini: Why Did God Reject Nadav and Avihu
This week's parsha discusses the sudden and disturbing death of two of Aharon's sons, Nadav and Avihu
Redeeming Relevance in the Weekly Parsha: Chayei Sarah
Avraham was asked to nullify his identity, by fulfilling the opposite of what he believed right.
Redeeming Relevance: The Wisdom of Withdrawal: Parshat Behaalotecha
If Moshe was the greatest man that ever lived, his silent partner Tzipporah deserves much of the credit for it.
Torat Hakehillah
Before going in, I had told R’ Nachum all of the things we were doing in Philly, and how it was very important to receive a good bracha on behalf of our newest venture, a Russian Kollel.
The Waters of Purification
The flood was not sent to destroy, but to restore the positive potential of the world.
All The Way To The Top
If we want to achieve personal greatness, we have to hold onto our goals and dreams.
Asking For Advice
If Yosef was so brilliant, how is it possible he overlooked something as elementary as thinking about what his conduct would lead to?
In Pursuit Of Righteousness
To choose life, you must examine your actions in the period preceding the Days of Awe as an unbiased stranger, and render your decision.
The Difference Between Emunah And Bitachon
Pharaoh had no problem with emunah, but he sure didn’t trust in Hashem – he rebelled. He had emunah, but no bitachon.
Ours Is To Question Why…
After a long and detailed description of the avodah (service) to be done in the Mishkan, the parshah ends with statement that “Aaron and his sons did as they were told.”
When David Killed An Amalekite Boy
Rather than submit to this fate and suffer torture and humiliation, Shaul decided to fall on his sword.
Finding Just the Right Gift… for God
Rather than keeping it only to herself, Chava showed her love for her husband by sacrificing her own consumption of the fruit, allowing him to eat part of it instead.
Hating The Jews
To gain power or distract the population from their suffering, a monarch would look for a place to put the blame.
PARSHAS NASO: The Triple Pattern
One of the highlights of Parshas Naso is the Priestly Blessing. The text of this blessing, which the Kohanim bestow upon the Jewish people,...
Teshuva Through Unity
Consider this: Why should Hashem accept our teshuva when we often repeat the same aveiros year after year?
Was The Mishkan Built On Shabbos?
The Panim Yafos asks: since invariably one of the seven days of miluim must have been Shabbos, how was Moshe able to erect the Mishkan on Shabbos?
Memory: Our Secret Weapon
The concept of mourning is predicated on the idea that man inevitably forgets over time, diminishing the acute pain associated with the loss, allowing the mourner to move on.
Shmittah For Women
The mitzvah that parents must give their son a bris milah is a mitzvah that they must perform for someone else – namely their son.
The Parsha Experiment – Devarim: Finding Inspiration From Our Past
The message of Moses' speech before the Children of Israel entered the Promised land are still applicable and inspiring to us, today. Join us as we tackle the mystery of Moses' speech.
The Clothing and Unclothing of Yosef
Yosef’s tale illustrates that "clothes don't make the man"
Aleph Beta: Vayigash: A Speech That Turns The Tide
In Parshat Vayigash, we witness Judah's epic monologue to Joseph change the course of history --
Parshat Vayakheil-Pikudei
Before we embark on a major project or make a fateful decision we must get a wide-range of views and perspectives.
Redeeming Relevance: The Loneliest Jew and the Universal Torah
Tzipporah is largely invisible & almost entirely silent, we hear her only when she rebukes Moshe
Waiting On The Sideline
In this week's portion, the man, having been officially declared impure, is now ready for the end of his nightmare beginning his process of purification--on the sidelines.
Mikeitz: The Greatness Of Joseph
“And Joseph went out over the land of Egypt” (41:45). This was one of the greatest tests he underwent in his career. Wearing the king’s ring (41:42), clothed in royal linen with a golden chain around his neck (ibid.), riding in the second royal chariot with runners before him (41:43), having full power over the land (41:44), having an Egyptian name and an Egyptian wife the daughter of a priest, he had every reason to disown his family which had so wronged him, and he could have without any effort become a full Egyptian in heart and soul.
Hashem And Man: Master And Servant
The answer to this question is based on understanding the underpinnings of our relationship with Hashem.
Redeeming Relevance in the Weekly Parsha: Beha’alotcha
Despite unequal status, teamwork is the surest route to harmony and maximum self-expression.
The Last Eight Pesukim
Tosafos quotes an explanation from R’ Meshulem that the halacha requires that the one who is called up to the Torah for those pesukim must read them himself and cannot have a baal korei read them for him.
Matot: The Stakes in Choosing Where We Live
Location, Location, Location
Ours Is To Question Why…
So what type of praise is it that Aaron followed orders?