Vayeira 5780-2019
"The Preciousness of Hospitality"
(Updated and Revised from Vayeira 5760-1999)
While 99-year-old Abraham is recovering from his recent circumcision, he sees potential guests on the horizon. Despite his pain, he quickly runs toward the wayfarers and begs them not to pass by his tent without accepting his hospitality. There is much we can learn from Abraham’s manner of welcoming guests. It is essential that we not lose the capacity to properly perform the noble and ennobling mitzvah of “Hachnassat Orchim.”
0 Comments10 Minutes
Bechukotai 5779-2019
“The Big ‘IF.’ The Gift of Free Choice”
(Revised and updated from Bechukotai 5760-2000)
The little Hebrew word “im“–“if,” that begins the verse, “If you follow my decrees” is a critical word for all of humankind. It implies that all human beings have a very special gift from G-d–-freedom to choose. Our Torah does not speak of predestination, it speaks of choice. Even the Hebrew word for faith, “Emunah,” begins in Hebrew with the same letters as im, implying choice.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Yitro 5775-2015
“I Shall Come to You and Bless You”
There are many important lessons to be learned from the verse in parashat Yitro: “Wherever I cause My Name to be mentioned, I shall come to you and bless you.”
0 Comments7 Minutes
Eikev 5773-2013
"Eating Bread Without Poverty"
How is it possible for G-d to assure the people who reside in the Land of Israel that they will lack nothing?
0 Comments8 Minutes
Yitro 5773-2013
"The Third Commandment: Against Perjury and Profane Swearing"
The third commandment against perjury and profane swearing is often dismissed as “small stuff,” especially when compared to the "big-time" prohibitions against idolatry, adultery and murder. In reality, the third commandment is a key element in Judaism’s efforts to attain a truly moral, ethical and beneficial way of life.
0 Comments11 Minutes
Vayechi 5772-2012
"The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah"
The commentators are divided over whether Jacob’s statement, that the scepter shall not depart from Judah, was intended as a decree or as a promise.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Toledot 5772-2011
“Isaac Blesses His Sons”
Professor Menashe Duvshani was for many years the premier Bible educator for Israeli high school students. He offers a unique view on the story of Isaac blessing his sons.
0 Comments15 Minutes
Rosh Hashana 5771-2010
"G-d’s Struggle to Repent"
Does G-d pray? If He does, what is His prayer? The Talmud provides a fascinating answer to these questions, and in the process sends us a most valuable message for the High Holy Days.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Noah 5770-2009
"The Message of the Rainbow"
What is the origin of the rainbow that the Al-mighty showed the survivors of the Great Flood? What is the symbolic meaning of this beautiful natural phenomenon?
0 Comments7 Minutes
Toledot 5768-2007
"Esau's Loud and Bitter Cry"
When Esau realizes that he has been deceived of his blessing, he lets out a loud and bitter cry. Our commentators struggle to understand the cause and repercussions of this bitter cry. Some of the commentators suggest that all future generations pay for causing undue pain to Esau, expressed in his loud and bitter cry.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Lech Lecha 5767-2006
"The Souls That Were Made in Haran"
In this week's parasha we read of Abram's journey from Haran to Canaan. Abram not only takes his family and his belongings to Canaan, but also the "souls that he had made in Haran." The rabbis offer a number of interpretations of who or what these "souls" are. However, the big question remains: What ever happened to those "souls"?
0 Comments11 Minutes
Bechukotai 5760-2000
"The Big 'If': Reflection of Free Choice"
The little word "im"--"if," that begins the verse, "If you follow my decrees" is a critical word for all of humankind. It implies that all human beings have a very special gift from G-d-- freedom to choose. Our Torah does not speak of predestination, it speaks of choice. Even the Hebrew word "Emunah," faith, begins in Hebrew with the same letters as im, implying choice.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Vayeira 5760-1999
"The Preciousness of Hospitality"
The 99-year-old Abraham is recovering from his recent circumcision when he sees potential guests on the horizon. Despite his pain, he quickly runs towards the wayfarers and begs them not to pass by his tent without accepting his hospitality. There is much to learn from Abraham's manner of welcoming guests. It is essential that we not lose the capacity to perform the important mitzvah of "Ha'chanasat Orchim."
0 Comments10 Minutes