Tetzaveh: The Aspiring Convert
Three non-Jews wished to convert. Initially rejected by Shamai, known for his strictness, they were later accepted by the modest Hillel…
Orot HaRav Kook
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Tetzaveh: The Dignity of Clothing
Our clothing stresses those qualities that separate us from the animals and their simple physical needs, enabling us to attain a heightened sense of holiness and dignity…
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Vayakhel: Art and Creation
What exactly were these gifts of wisdom and knowledge that God bestowed to Betzalel? The Sages wrote that the master craftsman knew the secrets of creation.
Vayakhel: Technology and the Sabbath
One might think that only the pristine natural world is truly the work of God. Is human technology perhaps alien to the true purpose of the universe?
Ki Tisa: Hashem’s Tefillin
What did the Sages mean that God wears tefillin? And what is special about the knot, that God revealed that particular part of His tefillin to Moses?
Tetzaveh: Beyond the Holy
The conflict between sacred and secular exists both in our private lives and in the public sphere, as indicated by the garments of the High Priest...
Mishpatim: Permission to Heal
Why must the Torah explicitly give such permission to doctors? We should expect all medical activity to be commended, for easing pain and saving lives...
Yitro: Blessings on Miracles
A blessing over a miracle, as our sages teach us, needs to include recognition of the positive effects of its accompanying details...
Beshalach: Amalek’s Assault
If Israel's sole function was to uplift the rest of the world, they would not have been commanded with mitzvot that isolate them from the other nations...
Bo: Egypt and the Mayflower
Does an American child know when the Mayflower set sail for the New World? 300 years ago? 350 years ago? We know exactly when we left Egypt...
Pekudei: Always on His Mind
The High Priest’s task required constant awareness of his actions, without extraneous thoughts and calculations. He couldn't let his mind wander...
Lech Lecha: Be Complete!
Brit milah serves to refine the special connection between body and soul. It deals with a sphere that is beyond human comprehension — and accountability...
Acharei Mot: The Scapegoat
Parshat Achrei Mot: Azazel is the worship of demons, the unrestrained barbarity to be found in human nature. For this reason, the offering was sent to a desolate cliff...
Shmini: The Priestly Benediction
The Priestly blessing is part of the Temple service, and at the same time, reflects the Kohen's interaction with the people...
Ki Tisa: A Three-Legged Chair
Parshat Ki Tisa: The three outstanding characteristics of Israel - kindness, modesty, and compassion - are inherited from the patriarchs...
Toldot: Jacob’s Hand on Esau’s Heel
How could Isaac not be aware of the true nature of his twin sons? Why did he insist on blessing his apparently wicked son Esau?
Vayelech: The Song of Torah
By studying ethics, we gain a proper reverence for Torah. Ethics, or mussar, prepares one to delve into an intellectual analysis of Torah...
Re’eh: Searching for The Temple
Parshat Re’eh: The Torah never spells out exactly where the Temple is to be built; we are instructed to build the Beit HaMikdash 'in the place that God will choose'...