Judaism

“The Torah’s Revolutionary Economic System”
(updated and revised from Behar 5765-2005)

Parashat Behar often gets lost in the shuffle following Passover and before the summer, and yet contains many revolutionary concepts, challenging the prevailing ideas of both capitalism and socialism. The Torah provides its own modified economic system that attempts to insure the humanity of all people in all situations.

“The Counting of the Omer and the Celebration of Israel’s Independence”
(updated and revised from Emor 5763-2003)

The counting of the Omer underscores the ultimate purpose of the Exodus from Egypt—the anticipation and excitement of receiving the Torah! Therefore, the period from the second day of Passover until the sixth day of Sivan, when the festival of Shavuot is celebrated, is counted with great enthusiasm. Counting the Omer is always done in ascending numerical order rather than descending order, underscoring its positive, joyous and optimistic nature--celebrating the victory of light over darkness, morality over immorality and love over hate.

“Living a Truly Sanctified Life”
(updated and revised from Kedoshim 5765-2005)

The revolutionary concept of living a sanctified life might seem daunting, but in reality, it is a goal to be aspired to by every Jew. The exalted concept of being G-d-like is not out of the realm of human possibility.

“The Unfathomable Practice of Molech Worship”
(updated and revised from Acharei Mot 5771-2011)

After presenting an extensive list of prohibited marital and family relationships, the Torah, in parashat Acharei Mot, concludes with specific prohibitions against Molech worship, sodomy and bestiality. What was Molech? How was it practiced? Did Jews actually engage in this horrendous form of idolatry?

Passover 5784-2024
“In Every Generation”
(updated and revised from Passover 5765-2005)

The story of the Exodus and the celebration of the Passover recall the physical salvation of the Jews from the slavery of Egypt at the hand of Pharaoh. But more than the physical suffering of the Jews throughout the ages, the spiritual losses have taken an even greater toll on the Jewish people. Although we are justly focused at this time on the physical security of the State of Israel, the festival of Passover is an important opportunity for Jews the world over, who are now rapidly assimilating, to experience a true spiritual redemption during this Festival of Redemption.