5777

“Inspiring the Next Generation”

The ritual of הַקְהֵל--“Hak’hel,” which takes place in Jerusalem on the festival of Sukkot every seven years, is an unprecedented national educational celebration that is meant to inspire future generations of Jews to live committed Jewish lives.

“The Choice Parts to G-d”

From the Bikkurim, the gift of the first-born fruits brought to the Temple, we learn that everything done for the sake of Heaven needs to be done in the most beautiful and elegant manner.

“Lessons from the Wayward Son”

The laws of the rebellious child have much to teach the members of the gluttonous society in which we live.

“Judaism and the Principle of the Sanctity of Human Life”

The principle of the sanctity of life, a foremost principle in Judaism, is highlighted on multiple occasions in parashat Shoftim.

“Coming to Jerusalem–-The Festival Pilgrimages”

The sages maintain that the Torah’s requirement for the Children of Israel to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the three pilgrim festivals, Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot, is meant to serve as far more than mere communal celebrations.

“Stages of Religious Growth”

Moses presents the people an educational and spiritual “journey” of spiritual growth, from reverence of G-d, to loving Him, and, ultimately, uniting one’s soul with the sanctity of G-d’s Divine Presence.

“The Power of Prayer”

Moses’ prayers were able to make the heavens tremble, but there is nothing more powerful than the prayers that emanate from a broken heart.

“The Transformation of Moses is Completed”

The book of Deuteronomy confirms that the transformation of Moses is now complete. The man who said, ”I am not a man of words,” the man who asked, “Did I conceive this entire people, did I give birth to it?,” eventually became the great orator and the thoroughly devoted nursemaid of his people.

“Vows and Oaths”

As a unique gift from G-d to humankind, the endowment of speech must be fiercely guarded and used correctly. It is perhaps the most powerful tool in the human repository to bring goodness and blessing to the world.

"Pinchas and King David"

While both Pinchas and King David killed in the name of G-d to bring sanctity into G-d’s world, only Pinchas was rewarded immediately with the eternal covenant of the priesthood. King David, on the other hand, was denied the right to build the Temple in Jerusalem.

“Influencing the Will of G-d”

Balaam seems to be able to influence G-d’s will. Despite G-d’s initial decision not to allow him to go with Balak to curse the Jews, he is eventually allowed to go.

“Moses’ Painful Words of Comfort”

During the moving ceremony marking the passing of his beloved brother Aaron, Moses forces himself to say words of comfort to Aaron that are personally devastating.

“Mrs. Ohn: The Unsung Hero”

Without faith, the people cannot overcome their fears that are stoked by a slave mentality. This is not a people who can succeed in the Promised Land. Only a new generation, who have a relationship with the Al-mighty based on a loving faith will enter the land.

“The Slave Mentality”

Without faith, the people cannot overcome their fears that are stoked by a slave mentality. This is not a people who can succeed in the Promised Land. Only a new generation, who have a relationship with the Al-mighty based on a loving faith will enter the land.

“The Convert and the Second Passover”

The fascinating laws of פֶּסַח שֵׁנִי--Pesach Shay’nee, the second Passover, not only inform us of the true reasons for Passover observance, but also enlighten us regarding important practices in determining Jewish law.

"G-d's Gift of a Second Chance"

G-d instructed Moses to command the People of Israel to purify the camp by expelling those Israelites who were impure. The Midrash maintains that those expelled were rebellious and ungrateful people who had been previously healed by G-d, and rejected G-d to embrace the Golden Calf.

“The Danger of Seeing the Holy Furnishings”

The closing verses of parashat Bamidbar underscore the great sanctity of the Torah, a particularly timely theme for the eve of Shavuot.

“If Your Brother Becomes Impoverished”

The mitzvah to redeem the land of a fellow Jew who has become impoverished has an important metaphoric message for contemporary times.

“Communicating a Vital Message Clearly”

The Torah prohibits the priests from performing the one mitzvah--burying the dead, that seems so natural for them.

“Judging Others Favorably”

Unfortunately, it is sadly true that many of us too frequently look at the negative rather than focus on the positive.

“Insights to be Gleaned from the Metzorah, the Person Stricken with the Tzaraat Disease"

The Tzaraat disease and its accompanying rituals, appear at first blush, rather primitive. However, Tzaraat, like many other obscure concepts that appear in the Torah, when studied carefully, is deeply insightful and conveys a message of timeless importance to all of humankind.

“The Unending Mourning"

From the deaths of Nadav and Abihu we learn that mourning for certain losses are truly never-ending.

“לֶחֶם עֹנִי --Lechem Oni: The Bread of Affliction

Matzah is referred to in scripture as "Lechem Oni," the bread of affliction. It is important for contemporary Jews to remember the message and meaning of "Lechem Oni," during our own Passover celebrations.

“Lessons from the Ceremony of the Consecration of the כֹּהֲנִים—
the Priests”

From the ceremony of the consecration of the priests we learn that mitzvot must be performed with sincerity and full- hearted devotion.

“רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ --A Sweet Savor unto the L-rd”

Does G-d really need to smell the “sweet savor” of the sacrifices in order to be appeased?

Bezalel--Master Craftsman, Master Teacher”

Bezalel, the chief architect of the Mishkan, was not only a master craftsman, he was a master teacher as well.

“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.