Weekly Message

“The Gift of Torah"

It is impossible for a mortal to comprehend Torah on the level of the Al-mighty. Moses, however, received a gift from G-d at Sinai, making it possible for any mortal who invests the effort, to gain an appropriate comprehension of Torah.

“Transformations"

Just as the priestly garments have the power to transform a descendent of the tribe of Levi into a functioning priest, so does the ascendance of goodness and righteousness have the power to transform a murderous country into a benevolent society.

“ זִיכּוּי הָרַבִּים - Meriting the Broader Jewish Community”

The commandment to build a Mishkan, a temporary, portable Tabernacle for G-d, also includes the mitzvah to build “miniature Temples”--local synagogues. The operating principle which expands the command to build a Temple to include local synagogues, known as זִיכּוּי הָרַבִּים --“Zee’kuy ha’rah’bim” reflects the intent to bring merit to the broader Jewish community.

“Majority Rule"

The idea of “majority rule” may very well find its origin in the judicial laws of Judaism. Its fascinating ramifications are on broad display in parashat Mishpatim.

“The Earthen Altar: Reaching up to Heaven"

The Earthen Altar is intended to remind us that it is through the dust from which we were formed, that we establish sincere spiritual relationships–-not by bringing heaven down to earth, but by bringing earth up to heaven.

“Miriam Leads the Women in Song"

In this week’s parasha, Miriam leads the women in song. It underscores the specialness of Miriam and the women of her generation, but also raises a host of issues regarding women and public singing.

"And the People Bowed their Heads and Prostrated Themselves"

Why did the People of Israel bow after hearing the laws and rituals of Passover?

"The Dangers of Self Delusion”

When Pharaoh saw that there was relief from the plague of frogs, he hardened his heart. There is grave danger in self-delusion, thinking that now that relief has arrived, we will no longer be held accountable.

“From Whence Shall Come My Salvation?”

Sometimes the source of salvation can be traced back to the actual challenge itself.

“The Passing of the Last of the Patriarchs”

According to tradition, Jacob was the first man to die of disease. The world is still unresolved regarding the benefits of a sudden death as opposed to a long terminal illness.

“No ‘Man’ was with Joseph”

Why does Scripture emphasize twice that no man (“Ish”)stood with Joseph when he revealed himself to his brothers?

“Pharaoh Was Agitated”

Why was Pharaoh agitated and disturbed by his dream. Certainly Pharaoh knew that most dreams are mere fantasy?

“The Voice Within Us”

At the moment of supreme passion, when Joseph was about to yield to the temptations of Potiphar’s wife, the vision of Jacob appears before his eyes, causing Joseph to flee from seduction. Those visions and voices of parents or influential role models are available to all who need help during times of challenge.

“Esau and Jacob Embrace and Kiss: Sincere or Insincere?”

After more than two decades of separation, Esau and Jacob meet and embrace. Is the reunion a true reconciliation or a temporary respite in the hatred that is deeply ingrained?

“The Great Deception”

Deceptions are found frequently in the book of Genesis. While they are often painful and devastating, they, on occasion, lead to great redemption and salvation.

“The Exceptional Power of Prayer”

A powerful lesson regarding the immense power of prayer is taught when Isaac and Rebecca pray for a child and G-d responds affirmatively, with the births of Esau and Jacob.

“Sarah Dies at Age 127”
The Matriarch Sarah lived 127 years of righteous life, which served as a model of righteousness for many generations of Jews.

“There is But No Fear of G-d in this Place”

What did Abraham mean when he concluded that Gerar was a city that possessed no fear of G-d?

“Abram’s Dispute with Lot”

The dispute between the shepherds of Abram and those of Lot was far more than a quarrel over land and possessions. It was due to basic and fundamental philosophical differences regarding ethics and values between Abram and his nephew.

“Why was the World Destroyed by a Flood?”

Why was the world destroyed specifically by a flood rather than other methods that are at G-d’s disposal?

“The Decline and Fall of Humankind”

In parashat Bereshith we encounter the complicated and esoteric relationship between the בְנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים (Sons of G-d) and the daughters of man, that leads to the downfall of humankind.

“Why is Sukkot Celebrated in the Fall rather than in the Spring?”

Why is Sukkot celebrated in the fall rather than in the spring?

“Sukkot: Enveloping Israel in G-d’s Loving-kindness”

As an eagle hovers over its young to protect them, so does G-d Al-mighty hover over His people Israel, in love and with kindness, protecting them in His Sukkah from the howling winds of the wilderness, and the threats of Israel’s determined enemies.

“Patience Tempered With Love”

As Joshua is about to assume the mantle of leadership of Israel, Moses charges his disciple to be patient and tolerant with the people and to infuse his feelings for them with abundant love. This was a lesson that Moses himself had learned from G-d Al-mighty.

“Israel’s Charge to Impact on the World”

The actions of the Jewish people impact profoundly not only on Jews themselves, but upon all the nations of the world.

“The Power of the Word אָמֵן--‘Amen’”

The common Hebrew word אָמֵן--“Amen,” has a long and colorful history. Its importance cannot be overstated.

“The Mitzvah of Burying the Dead”

Although it seems odd, the requirement to provide a proper, respectful and swift burial for the deceased is derived from the law of a capital criminal who executed for his vile actions. Its unusual origin, only underscores its importance.

“The Dangers of Pridefulness"

The rabbis learn the danger of pridefulness for all, from the verse in parashat Shoftim warning the Jewish king not to be prideful.

“Preserving the Sanctity of Sacred Objects and Sacred Ideas"

The land of Israel, is only one part of the “cult of sanctity” that is central to the Jewish faith. It is, therefore, quite logical to treat all of Judaism’s central features and traditions with utmost awe and sanctity.

“Caring for the Weak and the Vulnerable"

Many, if not most of the mitzvot of the Torah are revolutionary. Yet, perhaps none is more remarkable than the mitzvah to love the stranger, and caring for the weak and the vulnerable.