Vayakhel Pekudei: The Heart Counts
There are two types of givers: those “whose spirit moves them” to give wholeheartedly what they can afford, and an even nobler category of people “whose heart inspires them” to give more than they can afford.
Rabbi David Schallheim
Rabbi David Schallheim
Ki Tisa: The Golden Calf
One of the most disturbing incidents in the Torah is the sin of the Golden Calf. The generation that witnessed the Revelation of God’s...
Tetzaveh: Seek the Truth
When I entered a baal teshuvah Yeshiva twenty-eight years ago my clarion cry was “Clarity or Death!”
Terumah: The Tabernacle in Our Heart!
This week’s Torah portion focuses on the Mishkan (the Tabernacle), which is the dwelling place for the Shechinah (Divine Presence).
Yitro: Preparation for Matan Torah
Any worthwhile endeavor in life requires preparation. When I was a Boy Scout, I learned the Scout’s Motto: “Be prepared.” Before embarking on a camping trip...
Bo: The Four Sons
God gave us 613 beautiful and uplifting mitzvot. We are permitted, and even encouraged, to discover inspiring and meaningful "reasons" for them...
Mishpatim: Blueprint of Reality
A startling insight into Judaism is provided by the Torah’s juxtaposition of the civil laws with the Ten Commandments. Most people think of religion as a matter of ritual...
Pinchas: The Zealot and Peace
It is understandable that such a philosophy would have a great attraction for the Children of Israel. The ‘hippy movement,'...
Noach: Peace and Unity
It seems ludicrous that people who had first-hand evidence of the Flood could convince themselves that they could bypass God’s control..
Beshalach: Man Does Not Live By Bread Alone
Parshat Beshalach - In my family, when we sat down to a steak dinner with all the trimmings someone would invariably say, “Well, you know...
Devarim: How to Give Rebuke
Having been burnt once before, he was understandably reluctant to rebuke the people. He began his rebuke in a couched language...
Lech Lecha: Find Yourself
God commanded Avraham to find himself, “go to yourself.” He had to remake his entire being, and become truly independent...