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...
Rabbi Schallheim - David's Sling
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Vayeitzei: Jacob’s Ladder
Driving past the Jerusalem botanical gardens, you'll notice an impressive sculpture of Yaakov's (Jacob’s) ladder...
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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...
Bamidbar: Unity
One of the most disconcerting problems facing the Jewish world today is lack of unity. Much too often, the different factions focus..
Ki Tavo: The Importance of Thanks
Gratitude is fundamental to our relationship with God. Hashem showers us with every good thing: life, sustenance, health, livelihood..
Nasso: Spiritual Growth
To escape this snare, the Torah hints that one should abstain from wine and encourage one’s spiritual impulses in order to escape...
Haazinu: The Rock of Israel
When justice is rendered in a human court, it will unavoidably affect others. The court cannot abandon justice for the sake of mercy…
Matot-Masei: Anger Destroys
We can turn down the heat by emulating the humblest man who ever walked the earth, who became angry (and with good cause) only three times in forty years!
Make His Will Your Own
We must learn to subjugate our good intentions to Hashem’s Will. The Four Parshiyot (Zachor, Shekalim, HaChodesh, and HaGadol) demonstrate that the Torah must be our guide, not the path that seems proper to us.
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...
Bereishit: Let Us Make Man
God modeled the essence of humility by demonstrating that self worth does not depend on what others think of you.