Book Respect
Because of the centrality of the Torah in Jewish life, the Jewish people are known as “The People of the Book.” Perhaps the Jewish people could also be known as “The People of the Books,”…
Thoughts for the Heart
In honor of American Heart Month, and because caring for your own health is part of two Torah mitzvot of “V’nish’martem me’od l’naf’sho’tay’chem” and “hatzalat n’fashoat” (guarding and…
Terumah 5784-2024
Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try to…
Your Actions Matter
Think before you act. Under both halacha (Jewish law) and civil law, our actions have ramifications. The Torah, as elucidated through the teachings of the Talmud is particularly focused…
Penny Lane
While the well-known adage requests, “A penny for your thoughts,” perhaps those coins should be sought, instead, in between the cushions of sofas and car seats, in washing machines and in…
Full Transparency
Whether you are responsible for maintaining records of public funds or running a private business, take heed of the Torah’s description of the full accountability and transparency of the…
The History Around Purim
The story of Purim takes place at the very end of the era known in Jewish history as the Babylonian Exile. King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian legions destroyed the Temple and…
Who Was Mordechai?
There are some people in this world who always seem to be right in the thick of the action. As described in the Book of Esther, this was Mordechai. It is Mordechai’s cousin, Esther, who…
Death at the Inauguration
The story of the eldest sons of Aaron is a tragic tale that is described in the Torah in the vaguest of terms. On the grand day of the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the Torah…
Oh My Gosh! Passover Is Coming!
It’s our wake-up call. As today is Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the first day of the month of Nissan, Passover is only two weeks away. The intensive physical and emotional preparations for…