Balak 5784-2024
“Bilaam, Prophet to the Nations”
(updated and revised from Balak 5765-2005)
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 serve as a proper role model for others?
0 Comments8 Minutes
Pinchas 5775-2015
“Learning by Example”
Role models can serve as sources of inspiration, for both good and evil. The zealous actions of Pinchas can be traced back to the heroic actions of his grandfather Aaron.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayeitzei 5772-2011
“In Haran--A Kiss is Still a Kiss”
When Jacob arrives in Haran, he meets his beautiful cousin, Rachel, at the well. Not long after, Scripture reports that Jacob kissed Rachel, and wept. Jacob’s bold action launched a millennia-long controversy about the propriety of male-female contact in Judaism.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Noah 5771-2010
“Man’s Struggle with Evil”
In parashat Noah we learn much about man’s struggle with evil. Furthermore, there are quite a few unexpected similarities between the times of Noah and contemporary times.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Va’eira 5769-2009
"Why Didn't the Egyptians Rebel Against Pharaoh?"
Egypt had already suffered through seven plagues. The Egyptian people were down on their knees. Why didn't the citizens rebel against Pharaoh? Why did they allow their storied civilization to be destroyed before their very eyes?
0 Comments12 Minutes
Balak 5765-2005
"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?
0 Comments8 Minutes