Judaism

“Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue”
(updated and revised from Shoftim 5764-2004)

The Torah’s ideas of a judicial system and the pursuit of justice has revolutionized jurisprudence throughout the world.

"The Sanctity of Land and its Implications”
(updated and revised from Re’eh 5765-2005)

In parashat Re’eh, we find a number of verses underscoring the sanctity of the Land of Israel. Because of the land’s sanctity, the Jewish people are required to wipe out all vestiges of idolatry. They are also enjoined not to do so to the L-rd, their G-d. From this the rabbis deduce the absolute sanctity of the Temple and of G-d’s name. The prohibition of violating the sanctity of holy places has contemporary ramifications regarding the destruction of Jewish places of worship and the evacuation of Jewish settlement in Israel for the so-called “sake of peace.”

“Battling Contemporary Abominations”
(updated and revised from Eikev 5764-2004)

Referring to idolatry, the Torah in Deuteronomy 7:26 states: "You shall not bring an abomination into your home. You shall surely loathe it and you shall surely abominate it, for it is something bad." It is fallacious to think that there is no idolatry today. While the debate rages concerning the impact of television on children and home life, internet and violent video games have been added to the mix. There is no question whether these "idolatries" are impacting on our homes and schools. The only question is: How much? Society today is facing a battle for its survival and the survival of our children's souls. We must aggressively do battle with these modern-day evils that are rapidly chipping away at our morality and our humanity.

"The Dialectic of Body and Soul"

Judaism has always placed a premium on the spiritual, an emphasis that has kept Jewish life alive and flourishing for over 3000 years. While we certainly need to continue to focus on the well-being of our souls, now may be the propitious time for all people, especially the Jewish community, to pay significantly more attention to our bodies than we have done in the recent past. Jewish leaders need to speak out forcefully regarding the danger of overeating, liquor, drug use and internet addiction, and encourage proper eating and exercise. This parasha, which features some of the ultimate spiritual texts of the Torah, such as the Shema and the Ten Commandments, also underscores the critical attention that needs to be placed upon the mitzvah of taking care of our bodies.