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...
Rabbi Schallheim
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Tzav: To Offer Thanks
Spring has arrived in Jerusalem. Our hearts fill with a sense of appreciation for the balmy spring weather, blossoming fruit trees... Since spring makes us feel especially grateful, examining the Thanksgiving Offering provides us with a timely and relevant message.
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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...
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...
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...
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...
Vayigash: Concealment and Revelation
Why did Yosef conceal his identity? And why did Yosef ask all the attendants to leave when he finally decided to reveal himself?
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...
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...
Vayechi: Make the Sun Shine
There is no magic pill to keep our spirits high; it means working on our inner world to "make the sun shine." Simply put: Smile!
Ekev: Love of God
Everyone has his special moments of connecting to the beauty of nature, whether it is while contemplating a waterfall or...