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...
Rabbi Schallheim - David's Sling
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Re’eh: You Never Lose From a Mitzva
Someone may think: “Okay, so I’ll start a new business. I’ll avoid horticulture and turn to financial instruments to make a living...
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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...
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...
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..
Va’eira: Take It Into Your Heart
We all want to live with what we know is true. But when push comes to shove, our behavior is often shaped by our emotions.
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...
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…
Bamidbar: Unity
One of the most disconcerting problems facing the Jewish world today is lack of unity. Much too often, the different factions focus..
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.
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...