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...
David's Sling
Featured Articles
Vayeitzei: Jacob’s Ladder
Driving past the Jerusalem botanical gardens, you'll notice an impressive sculpture of Yaakov's (Jacob’s) ladder...
All Articles
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...
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...
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!
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...
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?
Gratitude Thank You – Tzav
Spring has arrived in Jerusalem. Our hearts fill with a sense of appreciation for the balmy spring weather, blossoming fruit trees...
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...