Judaism

“The Responsibility not to be Misled”

When recounting the story of the Scouts in the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses omits many details of the original story, while other seemingly less pertinent facts are emphasized. There is a profound lesson that is taught by these unexpected changes about the individual’s responsibility not to be misled.

“The Never-Ending Journey of the Jewish People”

It is important to carefully consider and review the ancient journeys of our people and learn from them, both the successes and the failures, as we travel on our own personal journeys to our own longed-for destinations.

“Leadership and its Moral Responsibilities”

Parashat Matot underscores the complexity of Jewish leadership. It is from the episode in this parasha that our rabbis derive the important principle that leaders are to be held responsible for the wrongdoings of the people, for they have the power and authority to protest.

"‘Pinchas’--What’s in a Name?"

Throughout the Torah, the name of a parasha often reflects many, if not most, of the themes found in that particular weekly Torah portion. The story of Pinchas and his G-dly reward, however, is only a very small portion of this week’s parasha. How then is the name parashat “Pinchas” justified?

"Taking the Law Into One’s Own Hand"

In response to a lewd sexual act performed publicly by Zimri and Cozbi, Pinchas the son of Elazar responds zealously, spearing the perpetrators and killing them. How does tradition look upon Pinchas’ decision to take the law into his own hands?