Judaism

“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.