Judaism

“Understanding the Ritual of Circumcision”
(updated and revised from Lech Lecha 5760-1999)

The ritual of circumcision, performed on the eighth day on the flesh of the Jewish male, has always been the fundamental mark of identity for the Jewish man. There are those who say that the letting of blood during the circumcision is a constant reminder that the Jewish people must live by their blood. It may also mean that whether the Jewish people live or die will be determined by the organ that is circumcised. After all, Jewish destiny depends upon how the Jewish males choose to use their sexual organ.

“The Vital Importance of Truthful Judgment”
(Updated and Revised from Noah 5760-1999)

In the narrative of the Tower of Babel, the Bible depicts a would-be omniscient G-d as having to come down to see the city and the tower that the people had built. If G-d is truly omniscient, why should He have to come down; surely He knows of the wickedness of the people? The Torah is faced with a daunting challenge: Are moral lessons more important than theological truths?

How to Achieve Immortality the G-dly Way
(Revised and updated from Bereshith 5760-1999)

The Biblical story of the Garden of Eden teaches that two of the greatest human aspirations are the desire for omniscience and the desire for immortality. Both of these aspirations are symbolically represented by the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life. However, immortality cannot be achieved through immorality. Fortunately, we can regain entry into the Garden of Eden by following G-d’s instruction. The story of the Garden of Eden may appear to be simplistic, but it is actually one of the most important lessons for all humankind.

“A Sukkot Story: Devotion to a Festival”
(Updated and revised from Sukkot 5761-2000)

The great O’heiv Yisrael, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, taught a wealthy Jew with an Etrog, what it means to be devoted to the festival of Sukkot.