Behar-Bechukotai: In God We Trust
Most college professors are not big fans of the Torah and its commandments, but there is one mitzvah - Shmittah - that the Torah introduced to the...
Rabbi Schallheim
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Emor: Something Really New
Counting the Omer also involves an aspect of purity. While counting the Omer, we should ask ourselves, what is the ultimate good...
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Vayakhel Pekudei: The Heart Counts
For the average young American, ambiguity and uncertainly seem constant. Most everything seems up to each individual to define. No wonder we feel lost without clear lines and borders!
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. The Boy Scout’s Motto is “Be prepared.” How must we prepare ourselves to receive the Torah?
Bo: The Four Sons
During the Seder meal, we relate the Exodus to our children. How does the Seder "fit the spirit of the times"? The Beit HaLevi gives an insightful answer for us today...
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...
Ekev: Love of God
Everyone has his special moments of connecting to the beauty of nature, whether it is while contemplating a waterfall or...
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...
Re’eh: You Never Lose From a Mitzva
We cannot lose by tithing our income and by observing Shmittah. May we always be fortunate to have the capacity to give generously, and may we always conduct our affairs with an open hand.
Mikeitz: Faith and Trust
How could it be that Yosef lacks trust in God simply because he asked the arrogant Chief Butler to intercede on his behalf? After two years in a dark pit, Yosef rose to the heights of bitachon that are, perhaps, unparalleled in human history.
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...
Shoftim: No Bribery!
Not being attuned to religious issues at the time, I didn’t give much thought to the point my biology professor was trying...
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...
Tazria Metzora: Who Wants Life
The gossiper does not go to a doctor, because his physical symptoms were the result of a spiritual disease...