Anatomy of a Jewish Leader
This week’s Torah portion re-introduces us to one of the most seminal characters of Jewish history: Moses. Known as Moshe Rabbeinu, Hebrew for Moses our teacher, Moses was unique among…
Moses’ Mysterious and Mortal Maternity
Moses is arguably the central and most important figure in the Hebrew Bible. Maimonides advances that of the 55 Jewish prophets, Moses’ type of prophecy was quite different and far more…
The Pope and the Jewish Prayer for Rain
Did you know that several centuries ago, a Pope impacted Jewish law? Most Jewish events of note are based on the Jewish calendar. That’s why it’s surprising to learn that the date when…
For Your Eyes Only
Did you know that according to the U.S. Postal Service, willfully and knowingly reading someone else's mail is a federal offense. That’s right, even that department store bill addressed…
The Ban on Philosophy
Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderet (a.k.a. the Rashba 1235-1310) was born in an age of controversy. The Jewish world was still unsettled over the first blend of “philosophy and Torah” produced by…
For Your Eyes Only
Did you know that according to the U.S. Postal Service, willfully and knowingly reading someone else's mail is a Federal offense. That’s right, even that department store bill addressed…
Shoftim 5783-2023
“Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue” (updated and revised from Shoftim 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Shoftim--the name means “judges” or “magistrates,” deals…