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...
Rabbi Schallheim - David's Sling
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Vayera: Three Special Guests
…our purpose in this world is to connect to God and the greatest level of connecting to God is not to be with Him, but to be like Him!
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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.
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...
Behaalotcha: A Babe in His Arms
This was the praise of “the lovingkindness of your youth, the love of your nuptials.” The realities of the natural world meant...
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,'...
Lech Lecha: Find Yourself
God commanded Avraham to find himself, “go to yourself.” He had to remake his entire being, and become truly independent...
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...
Vayeitzei: Jacob’s Ladder
Driving past the Jerusalem botanical gardens, you'll notice an impressive sculpture of Yaakov's (Jacob’s) ladder...
Korach: Korach’s Rebellion
Korach began an outright rebellion, which attempted to overthrow Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron) as leaders of the nation....
Toldot: Be the Master of Your Character
Esav, however, was a man of the field, a survivor. He certainly knew how to handle himself in the wilderness. Can we believe...
Vayikra: Humility and Approval Seeking
The word "vayikra" "He called," from the root kra, to call, indicates that God wished to speak to Moshe and purposely called to him...
Balak: Bilaam’s Hypocrisy
How did having a prophet such as Bilaam alleviate the nations’ complaint? After all, they could still claim that if God had given...