Judaism

“The Jewish Attitude Toward Intermarriage”
(updated and revised from Va’etchanan 5765-2005)

In parashat Va’etchanan we read of the stern prohibition against intermarriage with those who are not members of the Jewish faith. Different arguments are often presented why Jewish young people should not intermarry. Perhaps the most compelling argument is that only those who marry within the faith can hope to be part of the revolutionary mission of the Jewish people to perfect the world under the rule of the Al-mighty and to serve as a light unto the nations.

“The Book of Deuteronomy-Mishneh Torah and the Purpose of Repetition”
(updated and revised from Devarim 5765-2005)

The book of Deuteronomy, known as Mishneh Torah, the repetition of the Torah, serves several important purposes as a complement to the first four books of the Torah: 1. It explains mitzvot that had already been mentioned 2. It provides additional details about previously mentioned narratives 3. It frequently serves as a forum for ethical teachings and lessons regarding reward and punishment 4. It introduces a host of new mitzvot.

“Taking a Stand Against the Banality of Evil”
(updated and revised from Matot-Masei 5766-2006)

In Parashat Matot, we learn that the Israelite soldiers are instructed to avenge the harlotry of Midianites that resulted in the deaths of 24,000 Israelites in a plague. Despite
this exceptional instance, the Jewish soldiers are reluctant to kill the women and children, until a Divine command is issued.
Why a Divine command? To teach how concerned Judaism is that killing never ever becomes casual or mundane, and to assure that
indifference to life never finds a home in the hearts of the Jewish people.

"Whatever Became of the Sons of Korach”
(updated and revised from Pinchas 5765-2005)

The Midrash says that G-d gave the gentile nations a prophet of the stature of Bilaam so that the nations would not be able to say, “If we had a prophet, we would be as righteous as Israel.” Instead of leading his people to good, Bilaam led the people to evil and corruption. But, is it truly Bilaam and others like him who fail, or is it the failure of the Jews to serve as a proper role model for others?

“Bilaam, Prophet to the Nations”
(updated and revised from Balak 5765-2005)

The Midrash says that G-d gave the gentile nations a prophet of the stature of Bilaam so that the nations would not be able to say, “If we had a prophet, we would be as righteous as Israel.” Instead of leading his people to good, Bilaam led the people to evil and corruption. But, is it truly Bilaam and others like him who fail, or is it the failure of the Jews to serve as a proper role model for others?

“Moses gets Battered by the Commentaries”
(updated and revised from Chukat 5765-2005)

The tragic episode of Moses hitting, instead of speaking to, the rock at Mei Merivahis one of the most difficult and enigmatic in the Torah. The commentators struggle mightily with this Torah portion. As a result, many sins, mistakes and transgressions are attributed to Moses and Aaron. Are they really justified?