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...
Rabbi David Schallheim
Rabbi David Schallheim
Tetzaveh: Seek the Truth
When I entered a baal teshuvah Yeshiva twenty-eight years ago my clarion cry was “Clarity or Death!”
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...
Chukat: The Most Sublime Pleasure
A man has many different types of desires. Sweet enjoyments impress one’s body in illusive pleasures, and bring a certain measure...
Chayei Sarah: Creating Our Own Selves
Avraham demonstrated God’s attribute of chessed – loving kindness – to the world. He devoted himself to acts of chessed...
Shmini: The Eternal Soul
If we have solid emunah in God, we realize that death is really the bridge to a better world. Our weeping over the loss of...
Va’etchanan: Tangible Emuna
We should never be ashamed of asking Hashem for even the simplest material requests, especially if we need them for a mitzvah...
Mikeitz: Faith and Trust
“It happened at the end of two years to the day: Pharaoh was dreaming that behold! – he was standing over the river”...
Tazria Metzora: Who Wants Life
The slanderer does not go to a doctor, because his physical symptoms were the result of a spiritual disease...
Ekev: Love of God
Everyone has his special moments of connecting to the beauty of nature, whether it is while contemplating a waterfall or...
Vayishlach: The Roman Parade
This parade through the streets of Rome exemplifies the contest for the identity of the chosen people and thereby the definition...