2005

“Do Sacrifices Have Any Relevance for Us Today?”
(updated and revised from Tzav 5765-2005)

Our rabbis ask if the ancient sacrificial rituals have any relevance for us today. They respond by saying that both prayer and Torah study are meaningful contemporary substitutes for sacrifices, especially if we pray and study with full-hearted enthusiasm and proper awareness. If we do so, it is considered as if we have rebuilt the Temple and restored the altar to its ancient place of glory.

"Marketing G-d by Living Example"

Too often in the history of Judaism the lesson of the sanctification of G-d's name has been taught by those who were required to give up their lives. There is unfortunately little opportunity to learn the lesson of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of G-d's name) by living example. Yosef Hatzadik, Joseph the Righteous, is probably the first and most prominent example of one who sanctified G-d's name, and through whose actions and words was able to influence others to acknowledge G-d in their own lives.

"The Vast Majority of the Time, G-d Rules the World"

Although most of us live our lives under the assumption that we have freedom of will, there are times when G-d invokes a divine plan, requiring human beings to follow a preordained script. In parashat Vayeishev, we see the very dominant role that G-d plays in Joseph's life, and the inexorable fulfillment of the divine predictions found in the Covenant between the Pieces.

"When a Jew Comes to the City"

The arrival of a tribal family to an established culture, is always a challenging experience for the newcomers. When Jacob and his family arrive in Shechem, there are many adjustments that need to be made, both on the part of the new Jewish inhabitants and the native non-Jewish residents.

"Deceit, More Deceit and Teraphim"

The theme of deception is central to parashat Vayeitzei as Laban deceives Jacob, and Jacob in turn deceives Laban. The final deception takes place as Rachel deceives her father, Laban, by stealing his Teraphim, his household idols, an act that the commentaries labor over diligently to comprehend.

"Why Was Rebecca Barren?"

In parashat Toledot, Isaac and Rebecca both pray that Rebecca will be blessed with a child. After many years of barrenness, G-d listens to the prayer and Rebecca conceives. Why was Rebecca barren, and why were the other matriarchs--Sara and Rachel--also barren? Our rabbis offer up a host of answers. Those answers notwithstanding, we need to be more sensitive in our relations to those couples who pray for children and are not given a positive response.

"Who Is Keturah?"

Our rabbis debate who was "Keturah," the new wife that Abraham takes at the end of parashat Chayei Sarah. There are those that say that she was an entirely new wife. Others argue that Keturah is really Hagar, whom Abraham brought back and remarried. In his mission to be "Av hamon goyim"--a father to many nations--Abraham has six additional children with Keturah and five grandchildren. It is not unlikely that these children, grandchildren and great grandchildren influenced the world with the little Abrahamic tradition that they undoubtedly imbibed from their grandfather and great grandfather.

"Confronting Adversity, Lessons from Father Isaac"

Especially when compared to the lives of the dynamic Abraham and Jacob, Isaac's life seems to be one of passivity and tragedy. And yet, with his unique ability to arise boldly from challenge and emerge from darkness, Isaac's life serves as a most valued example to his progeny. It is the model of Isaac that most closely parallels the history of the Jewish people.

"Abraham, Father of the Jewish Nation"

Abraham plays such a key role in the development of the Jewish people and in the world arena that there are more chapters devoted to his life than to the creation of the world and to the previous 20 generations of humankind. It is Abraham's ethical and moral character that leads to Abraham being the chosen of G-d. The multi-talented Abraham becomes the religious and nationalistic leader of Israel, and the forefather who takes hold of the land of Israel/Canaan for the Jewish people.

"The Seven Commandments Given to the Descendants of Noah"

Parashat Noah is the source for what is known as the Seven Noahide Principles, seven basic laws that are the fundamentals of civilization and humanity. All non-Jews are required to abide by these seven principles, which are regarded as the minimal standards of human behavior in society. These laws also play a significant role in Judaism's reluctance to accepts converts.

"P'roo Ur'voo --Jewish Attitudes Towards Procreation"

As we once again begin the Book of Genesis, we learn about the central mitzvah of procreation, "p'roo ur'voo," (Genesis 1:28). Judaism diverges from much of Christianity in its forthright and positive attitude towards sexuality. Not only is bearing children a mitzvah in Judaism, but even pleasure in sexuality is a mitzvah. Furthermore, even those who are not blessed with children can bear spiritual fruit, by becoming teachers of Torah or by supporting the study of Torah.

"When Life Revolves Around G-d"

The magnificent poetry of parashat Haazinu informs us that the People of Israel were the only nation created without a land. In this way, it was assured that G-d would be the people's primary influence, rather than allow the natural environment of the land to influence His people. So it is that in the midst of our abundant creature comforts, Sukkot comes to teach us a formidable lesson-- that we are never truly secure unless G-d is in the forefront of our minds, and a constant presence in our dwelling places.

"Sharing the Blanket"

The Ten Days of Penitence--Aseret Y'may Teshuvah--are days in which we focus on ourselves to become better people so that our fate is determined favorably in the Divine judgment. But if we are only for ourselves, what are we? We need to learn what Howard Schultz, founder and chairman of Starbucks, learned from Rabbi Nosson Zvi Finkel, the head of Mir Yeshiva, that we must "share the blanket."

"Actions and their Implications"

Rosh Hashanah provides us with a unique opportunity for introspection and self-evaluation. Unfortunately, most people often fail to realize the implications of their actions, deeds and words. What we think is innocuous, can often be terribly destructive.

"The Hidden Things Belong to G-d"

Parashat Nitzavim contains one of the most enigmatic verses of the Torah, which states that the hidden things are for the Lord, our G-d, but the revealed things are for us and for our children forever, to carry out all the words of the Torah. In their efforts to clarify the meaning of this verse, our rabbis offer a number of cogent elucidations. One of the most moving explanations is that, when the final redemption comes, the Jews who had become so assimilated (hidden) among other peoples that their origins have become forgotten will be reunited (revealed) with the rest of the Jewish people, and restored to their status as beloved members of the Jewish nation.

"Contemporary Implications of an Ancient Ritual"

In this week's parasha, we read of the formula of confession that the Israelite farmer of old recited when he redeemed his tithes, declaring that he hasn't given in grief, impurely, or to the dead. While the vast majority of Jews no longer work as farmers, the statement recited by the ancient Israelites is relevant today to those who wish to properly redeem their charity tithes. There is much that may be learned from this ancient ritual.

"The Revolution that Started with a Fence"

Although the Torah is often looked upon by its detractors as an ancient, even primitive, code of law, parashat Kee Teitzei demonstrates clearly how the Torah was really light-years ahead of its time. The simple law of ma'akeh, the requirement to place a protective parapet or barrier around the roof, underscores the Torah's central theme--that any hazard that may compromise public or private safety must be eliminated.

"The Extent of Rabbinic Authority"

In this week's parasha, we are introduced to the Torah law that affirms rabbinic authority. In the traditional observant Jewish community today, the nature and extent of rabbinic authority is a matter of dispute. This dispute regarding Daat Torah (whether advice given by great Torah scholars must be followed by Jews committed to Torah observance) very much revolves around the meanings and interpretations of the verses cited in parashat Shoftim.

"The Sanctity of Land and its Implications"

In parashat Re’eh, we find a number of verses underscoring the sanctity of the Land of Israel. Because of the land’s sanctity, the Jewish people are required to wipe out all vestiges of idolatry. They are also enjoined not to do so to the Lord, their G-d. From this the rabbis deduce the absolute sanctity of the Temple and of G-d’s name. The prohibition of violating the sanctity of holy places has contemporary ramifications with regard to the evacuation of the synagogues in Gush Katif.

"Understanding Birkat Hamazon, the Grace After Meals"

Parashat Eikev contains the verse that serves as the source of the mitzvah mandating the reciting of Birkat Hamazon--the Grace after Meals. What is the purpose of the Grace after Meals? Furthermore, how can a lowly mortal hope to bless or acknowledge the source of his food?

"The Jewish Attitude Towards Intermarriage"

In parashat Va'etchanan, we read of the stern prohibition against intermarriage with those who are not members of the Jewish faith. Different arguments are often presented why Jewish young people should not intermarry. Perhaps the most compelling argument is that only those who marry within the faith can hope to be part of the revolutionary mission of the Jewish people to perfect the world under the rule of the Al-mighty and to serve as a light unto the nations.

"The Book of Deuteronomy-Mishneh Torah and the Purpose of Repetition"

The book of Deuteronomy, known as Mishneh Torah, the repetition of the Torah, serves several important purposes as a complement to the first four books of the Torah: 1. It explains mitzvot that had already been mentioned 2. It provides additional details about previously mentioned narratives 3. It frequently serves as a forum for ethical teachings and lessons regarding reward and punishment 4. It introduces a host of new mitzvot.

"The Role of Witnesses and Testimony"

Parashat Masei features a chapter devoted to the case of accidental homicide. Nevertheless, this chapter also includes laws regarding premeditated homicide and definitively states that one witness is not acceptable in capital cases. This revolutionary Jewish juridical innovation underscores once again the principle of the sanctity of human life that governs all of Judaism.

"Love of G-d Trumps Lust for Life"

In parashat Matot, Moses is told to lead the people in battle to avenge the Midianites and afterwards he will be gathered unto his people. Moses not only does not hesitate, he responds with alacrity and joy, even though he knows that the fulfillment of this command will hasten his death. This diminutive verse reveals much about our leader, our master, Moses.

"Whatever Became of the Sons of Korach?"

Appearing very much out of place in parashat Pinchas is a verse that informs us that the sons of Korach did not die. What was their fate, and how did they save themselves? What lessons may contemporaries learn from their actions?

"Bilaam, Prophet to the Nations"

The Midrash says that G-d gave the gentile nations a prophet of the stature of Bilaam so that the nations would not be able to say, "If we had a prophet, we would be as righteous as Israel." Instead of leading his people to good, Bilaam led the people to evil and corruption. But is it truly Bilaam and others like him who fail, or is it the failure of the Jews to provide a proper role model?

"Moses gets Battered by the Commentaries"

The tragic episode of Moses hitting instead of speaking to the rock at May Meriva is one of the most difficult and enigmatic in the Torah. The commentators struggle mightily with this Torah portion. As a result, many sins, mistakes and transgressions are attributed to Moses and Aaron. Are they justified?

"Lessons from the Rebels"

The sad story of the rebellion of Korach and his tragic demise are remote and far-removed from the minds and experiences of most contemporary men and women. There are, however, many profound lessons to be learned from the Korach saga regarding individual destiny choices, living up to one's potential and working within given structure.

"Bread Alone"

On the heels of the grievous sin of the scouts, G-d forbids an entire generation of men, 20 years old and up, to enter the land of Israel. Strangely, the story of the scouts is followed immediately by two Torah portions that focus specifically on Israel--sacrifice and libations, and the giving of challah. The law of challah required that a portion of dough from every loaf of bread that is baked be given to the Priest. This gift of challah, underscores the primacy of sustaining our teachers and spiritual leaders and maintaining the excellence of Jewish education throughout the generations, even in the diaspora.

"The Message of the Trumpets"

The Torah in parashat Beha'alotecha tells us that Moses is to fashion two silver trumpets to be sounded by him during his lifetime at special moments and occasions for the Jewish people. The trumpet is different from the shofar, and is meant to arouse enthusiasm in Jewish life.