5784

“Shabbat as a Priority in Jewish Life”
(updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5765-2005)

In the middle of the Torah portions that deals with building the Tabernacle and the sin of the Golden Calf, the Torah, unexpectedly, reaffirms the sanctity of the Sabbath day. From this, our rabbis deduce that Shabbat is a foremost priority that supersedes even the building of the Tabernacle, the Mishkan. This same overriding principle profoundly impacts on Jewish life in contemporary times.

“A Flame in Every Jewish Heart"
(updated and revised from Tetzaveh 5765-2005)

The "light" of the Menorah has multiple meanings. Our commentators teach us that every Jew must light a Ner Tamid, an eternal lamp, in his/her own heart, not only in the Tabernacle or the tent, but in the street, the marketplace and at the baseball game. Committed Jews must see themselves as "ambassadors" for Jewish life in order to stem the tide of assimilation and to win back the masses who have already walked away from Jewish life.

“Make for Me a Sanctuary, and I Shall Dwell in Their Midst”
(updated and revised from Terumah 5766-2006)

The syntax of the verse "and they shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I shall dwell among them," is rather odd. The purpose of this strangely constructed verse is to teach that G-d does not dwell in a sanctuary, but rather among the people of Israel. The questions remain: How are Jews to develop true passion in their relationship with G-d? How are we to light the fire that will ignite our hearts and souls in our worship of the Al-mighty G-d?

“The Conundrum of Charity--Who Benefits More?”
(updated and revised from Mishpatim 5765-2005)

The Torah teaches that a person who steals an ox or a sheep and then slaughters or sells the stolen animal, must pay the value of five oxen in place of the ox, and four sheep in place of the sheep. Why is there such a stiff penalty for stealing these particular animals, and why is there a greater penalty for the theft of an ox as opposed to a sheep?

“Jethro’s Advice to an Overburdened Leader”
(updated and revised from Yitro 5765-2005)

Jethro warns his son-in-law, Moses, that he is in danger of experiencing burn out by biting off more than he can chew. It takes a great man like Moses to heed Jethro's difficult advice and share the leadership responsibilities with others. The well-being of the People of Israel was always Moses's utmost concern. Hence, his decision to delegate authority resulted in great benefit for the People of Israel.

“Vah’chah’moo’shim--A Call to Arms?”
(updated and revised from B’shalach 5765-2005)

In parashat B'shalach the Torah informs us that the Israelites went out of Egypt, "chah'moo'shim," usually translated as "armed." "chah'moo'shim," however is a word that has many interpretations and many deep and subtle meanings that teach us that much more than physical/military defense is needed to protect the Jewish people.

“The More Things Change...”
(updated and revised from Bo 5764-2004)

In the last moments of their ‘sojourn” in the Egypt where they were held them in bondage for hundreds of years, the Israelites are told to gather gold and silver from their former Egyptian masters. To the casual observer it appears that the Jews are vengefully looting Egypt. Perhaps, though, the fulfillment of this command represents the mental journey that the Jews must travel from slavery to freedom, or compensation for the years of slavery and the property they had to leave in Egypt.

“The Names of G-d and their Meanings”
(updated and revised from Va’eira 5764-2004)

The names of G-d are many, each revealing to the world a different aspect of the Creator. In this parasha, the universe's understanding of G-d is heightened by Moses to a level never before conceived, even by the patriarchs. After Moses, the world's notion of G-d is never to be the same.

“The Message of the Burning Bush”
(updated and revised from Shemot 5764-2004)

Why does G-d choose to reveal Himself to the world's greatest prophet from the midst of a burning bush? What lessons reside in the endowments of a small thornbush that are reflected in the manifestation of the Divine presence? It is a message of humility on G-d's part, and a means of elevating all His people.

"Can It Be a Mitzvah to Lie?”
(updated and revised from Vayechi 5764-2004)

When Joseph's brothers come to seek forgiveness from him, a battle of "truth" versus "peace" takes place. The meaning of these two values goes from absolute to relative, leaving the ethical fabric of the world to appear tattered and threadbare, without the proper perspective.

“The Secret of Jewish Survival in Exile?”
(updated and revised from Vayigash 5764-2004)

From Jacob's plans to bring his family to Egypt to be with his long-lost son Joseph, we learn a profound lesson about
Jewish continuity. Jacob sees to it that the people of Israel will be securely ensconced in Goshen, the suburb of Egypt, that is to be their new home. What Jacob regards as essential for the survival of his family in his day, is truly timeless for Jews in every one of the lands that Jews will call home.

“Chanukah--The Struggle of Joseph and Judah”
(updated and revised from Mikeitz 5764-2003)

Clothed in his coat of many colors, Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and eventually sold to Egypt. His subsequent involvement in Egyptian society is contrasted by Judah's purist, more conventional philosophy. These two viewpoints are echoed in the struggle of Chanukah, as Jews throughout the ages question how much to participate in the culture of the day.

“A Personality Profile of Joseph"
(updated and revised from Vayeishev 5764-2003)

The personality of Joseph is complex and fascinating. Much of Joseph’s future life is determined by his early childhood experiences, especially the death of his mother and the fact that he was favored by his father. How Joseph deals with these elements of his life, constitutes one of the most fascinating stories in human literature.

“Who Was Esau?”
(updated and revised from Vayishlach 5764-2003)

It's hard to imagine why there is an entire chapter of the Torah dedicated to the genealogy of the descendants of Esau, Jacob's wicked brother. Yet, a remarkable lesson may be learned from this seemingly out-of-place chapter. Through the distinctive nuances that are found in the text, the legacy of Esau and his family is better understood, their way of life elucidated, and as a result, the worthiness of the nation of Jacob, who emerge as the people of Israel, is validated.

“In Praise of Humility”
(updated and revised from Vayeitzei 5764-2003)

Perhaps, the greatness of our forefather Jacob, lies in the fact that he recognized the need to "nullify" himself before G-d in order to come ever closer to Him. Humility, recognizing who one really is in relation to G-d, and removing one's ego from the picture, is a trait that is to be aspired to in every generation by Jewish leaders and laymen alike.

“The Theological Underpinnings of Antisemitism”
(updated and revised from Toledot 5764-2003)

In one of the first recorded acts of antisemitism, the Philistines blocked up the wells that had been dug by Abraham's servants. The juxtaposition of this act with the description of the economic success that was enjoyed by Abraham's son has led many to believe that the motivation for the evil acts perpetrated against him was economic envy. Is that truly the primary cause of this and other hateful acts perpetuated against Jews? Perhaps not.

“Who was the Matriarch Sarah?”
(updated and revised from Chayei Sarah 5764-2003)

The death of Sarah, one of the physical and metaphysical progenitors of the Jewish people, is recounted in this week's parasha. In a few short lines of this week's parasha, an abundance of information is revealed about who Sarah was. Her life, though not easy, was full. And when she departed from the mortal world, she left an invaluable spiritual legacy for posterity.

“The Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim--Visiting the Sick”
(updated and revised from Vayeira 5764-2003)

The directive to cling to G-d, entails that mortals follow G-d's ways. In this parasha, the Al-mighty pays a visit to an ailing Abraham, and thus introduces the practice of visiting the sick. This commandment is more intricate than it appears at first glance, and the reward associated with it, is often beyond comprehension.

“A Scriptural Assessment of Lot”
(updated and revised from Lech Lecha 5764-2003)

Abram's nephew, Lot, is perhaps the classic Biblical example of “Everyman” or of an “Average Joe." With relatives who range from saintly to dastardly, it's no wonder that his deeds and descendants similarly run the broad range of the moral spectrum.

“Using Technology in the Service of the Al-mighty”
(updated and revised from Noah 5764-2003)

The Tower of Babel, an ill-conceived enterprise, is an example of the harm that results when human creative forces run amok. The use of modern-day advances and technology is positive only when the motive behind such practice is grounded in the Divine architectural plan.

“’Naked’ Means More than Naked”
(updated and revised from Bereshith 5765-2004)

One of the most joyous days of the Jewish calendar, Simchat Torah, as it is celebrated today, is a relatively new holiday that became popular in the Middle Ages, around the 14th century. The customs and rituals of this holiday have interesting origins, and, in fact, seem to still be evolving and developing in contemporary times.

“The Evolving Holiday”
(updated and revised from Simchat Torah 5767-2006)

One of the most joyous days of the Jewish calendar, Simchat Torah, as it is celebrated today, is a relatively new holiday that became popular in the Middle Ages, around the 14th century. The customs and rituals of this holiday have interesting origins, and, in fact, seem to still be evolving and developing in contemporary times.

“Worshiping G-d Wholeheartedly”
(updated and revised from Sukkot 5765-2004)

In an affluent society, such as the one in which we live, it is often difficult to find opportunities to worship G-d wholeheartedly. By sacrificing our creature comforts and entering the ill-furnished sukkah, we send G-d a message that we are prepared to give up some of our earthly conveniences for Him. History shows that when we make these sacrifices, we often get paid back--big time!

A Propitious Time for Repentance"
(updated and revised from Haazinu 5762-2001)

Our rabbis say that the month of Tishrei is a propitious time for Teshuva, repentance. It is a time when G-d comes out into the “field” to meet us. G-d does not desire for
anyone to die, but rather that the wicked will return from their evil ways and survive.