5776

“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.

“Blessing G-d for the Good and the Bad"

Surprisingly, Jews are advised to bless G-d both for the bad as well as for the good. Few recognize that the challenges that we face in life are very often the true source of inner strength and blessing.

“Moses the Stammerer, Becomes a World-Class Orator"

At the Burning Bush, Moses describes himself as “a stammerer and stutterer.” The book of Deuteronomy testifies, however, that the tongue-tied Moses was apparently transformed into a bold and talented orator, whose words resound throughout the world to this very day.

"Rosh Chodesh Av – Remembering the Passing of a Beloved Leader"

Aaron, the High Priest, is the only great figure in the Bible whose exact date of death is known.

“Pinchas the Zealot, and King David"

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik explains why Pinchas the zealot, who had blood on his hands, was allowed to serve in the Holy Tabernacle as a priest, while King David was not permitted to build the Temple in Jerusalem.

“Balaam Sees the Kenites"

It is fascinating to see how the Kenites, one small nation, who seems to play a rather insignificant role, has a profound impact on Jewish destiny and on the stage of world history.

“The Bronze Serpent"

The Biblical serpent has a long and complex history and relationship with the People of Israel. The Bronze serpent represents an important change in the serpent’s role.

“Givers and Takers"

The Netziv states that the entire world is divided up between givers and takers. Rabbi Filber shows the great distinction between Moses, the giver, and Korach, the taker.

“A Name Change Becomes a Game Changer"

By changing the name of Hoshea to Joshua, Moses also changes Joshua’s personal powers and his ultimate destiny.

“Moses Realizes that His Dreams Were Not Going to be Fulfilled"

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik provides new insights into a well-known narrative in parashat B’ha’a’lot’cha, explaining why Moses’ dreams of entering the Promised Land were not realized.

“Reflections on the Meaning of Peace"

The Birkat Kohanim, the threefold priestly blessing, was one of the most impressive features of the ancient Temple service. The ultimate of the three blessings was the blessing of peace.

“A Tiny Letter Conveys a Profound Lesson"

The minor change in the spelling of the name Deuel, gives us much to ponder and has much to teach.

“The Tochaycha–G-d’s Daunting Reproof of Israel"

The Tochaycha repeats the dire prediction that G-d will punish those who fail to abide by the Torah “sevenfold for their sins.” The Midrash maintains that there is a seven-step process for those who abandon the Al-mighty and walk away from Jewish life.

“Bernie Sanders Meets Parashat Behar"

Among many important themes, parashat B'ha'a'lot'cha contains two fascinating stories about the Israelites in the wilderness. Both stories can be seen as a metaphor for contemporary Jewish life: Jews who feel that their "souls are dried up" and that Judaism has little or nothing to say to them, and Jews who love their Judaism and do not want to miss out on the wonderful benefits of living a full Jewish life.

“The Sabbath: Meeting G-d"

What the Tabernacle/Temple is in space, the Sabbath and festivals are in time. They are both intended to unite G-d with His people

“Tattoos"

Parashat Kedoshim includes the prohibition of making cuts on one’s skin as a sign of mourning and forbids the drawing of permanent tattoos on the body.

“Never Give Up Hope"

The Torah boldly declares that the Al-mighty dwells amidst His people Israel even amidst their impurity. Like G-d, we must never give up hope on anyone.

“The Final Days of Passover: Love and Hope"

The final days of Passover are a precursor to the “End of Days.” They reflect the hope that the Messianic days are at hand, when peace will prevail on earth and when Israel’s special love relationship with G-d Al-mighty will be fully restored.

“The Children, The Children!”

The order of the Passover Hagaddah is unusually complex. The Malbim explains that there is a fundamental message that the Haggadah is trying to convey that accounts for the unusual order of the text.

“G-d Has Pity on the Property of Israel”

The Kohen who comes to inspect the house that may be afflicted with Tzara’at (the spiritual/dermatological disease), orders that all the home’s furnishings be removed prior to the inspection. Our sages teach that this is done because the Al-mighty has pity on the possessions of Israel.

“Heavenly Reminders”

It is from parashat Tazria that we learn that we dare not disregard even a simple Bohak, a non-defiling discoloration of the skin. G-d continuously sends us messages. We must keep our eyes and ears open constantly to recognize them, hear them, and properly respond to them