Vayeilech-Yom Kippur 5773-2012
“The Limits of Free Will”
During the period of the Ten Days of Penitence, and especially with the imminent arrival of Yom Kippur, it is most appropriate to inquire about the limits of human free will.
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Devarim 5772-2012
"The Al-mighty’s Relationship with the Nations of the World"
As the People of Israel conclude their 40 year trek through the wilderness, they emerge as a triumphant nation, having defeated the most powerful nations in the world. Nevertheless, Moses tells them in G-d's name that they must zealously respect the rights and privileges of the other nations as well.
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Behar-Yom Ha’atzmaut 5771-2011
"A State is not Delivered on a Silver Platter"
One of the most moving stories to be told regarding the contemporary State of Israel, concerns a great European rabbi, Rabbi Yisroel Zeev Gustman and a famed professor of economics, Robert J. Aumann.
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B’ha’alot’cha 5770-2010
"The Murmurers"
The ancient "murmurers" were people of little faith whose lack of confidence led them to mourn their own lives. Murmuring is hardly only an ancient Jewish manifestation. It is very much part of today's reality, one that leads only to greater tragedy.
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Vayakhel-Pekudei 5770-2010
"Heaven Helps Those Who Help Themselves"
The biblical verse announcing the completion of the building of the Tabernacle describes the Tabernacle as if it had erected itself, and also that it had been erected by the people. This conflict is resolved by the rabbinic interpretation, which concludes that the Al-mighty helped the people build the complex structure, but because of the people's uncommon devotion, attributed the entire building to the people.
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