Matot-Masei 5779-2019
“Jeremiah’s Prophecy: An Ancient Message for Contemporary Times”
(Revised and updated from Matot-Masei 5760-2000)
The message of prophet Jeremiah, which is read during the “Three Weeks,” is entirely appropriate for this period of sadness that we experience each year at this time. In addition, there are distinct and powerful parallels between the rebuke that Jeremiah gave to the ancient people, and our contemporary experiences.
0 Comments12 Minutes
Pinchas 5779-2019
“The Daughters of Zelophehad: Legitimate Feminist Claims”
(Revised and updated from Pinchas 5760-2000)
Distinguishing between legitimate and non-legitimate claims has become a challenging issue, especially when “political correctness” is mixed into the brew. In parashat Pinchas, we encounter the revolutionary claim of the daughters of Zelophehad who win the right to inherit their father’s ancestral land in Israel. Along with other issues concerning women that are found in the Torah, the case of Zelophehad’s daughters underscores that Judaism was always ahead of other civilizations in establishing fair and equitable parameters for Jewish women.
0 Comments10 Minutes
Balak 5779-2019
“History Repeats Itself! Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose”
(Revised and updated from Chukat-Balak 5760-2000)
According to tradition, the nations of Moab and Midian were mortal enemies. As usual, as we see once again in parashat Balak, that the one thing that unites our enemies is their unremitting enmity of Israel, which is greater than their hatred for each other. That pattern has repeated itself throughout Jewish history. Indeed, parashat Balak confirms that: “The deeds of the fathers are the signposts for the children.”
0 Comments6 Minutes
Chukat 5779-2019
“Can Death Be Sweet?”
(Revised and updated from Chukat 5761-2001)
In parashat Chukat we learn of the death of Aaron, one of the Jewish people’s most beloved figures. According to the Midrash, Aaron had the privilege of leaving the physical world knowing that his children were following in his footsteps, and committed to serving the Jewish people. Aaron truly has a “sweet demise.”
0 Comments7 Minutes
Korach 5779-2019
“Controversy Versus Conflict”
(Revised and updated from Korach 5760-2000)
The Mishnah in Avot teaches that every controversy that is for the “sake of Heaven” will endure, while those that are not for the sake of Heaven will not endure. The example that the Mishnah provides for a controversy that was not for the sake of Heaven is the conflict of Korach and his assemblage. Although some of Korach’s claims may have been legitimate, the method that he used to drive them home proves that he was not a pursuer of truth, but, rather, a pursuer of controversy.
0 Comments8 Minutes