Vayigash 5778-2017
“Jacob’s Enhanced Joy from Joseph His Righteous Son”
Jacob’s reunion with his beloved son Joseph, after a separation of 22 years, was enhanced by the knowledge that Joseph had remained true to his faith during that long separation from his family.
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Vayishlach 5778-2017
“The Tragic Death of Mother Rachel”
While the Torah does not provide a single reason for the Matriarch Rachel passing away at the young age of 36, the commentators suggest a host of answers for her tragic premature demise.
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Devarim 5777-2017
“The Transformation of Moses is Completed”
The book of Deuteronomy confirms that the transformation of Moses is now complete. The man who said, ”I am not a man of words,” the man who asked, “Did I conceive this entire people, did I give birth to it?,” eventually became the great orator and the thoroughly devoted nursemaid of his people.
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Chukat 5777-2017
“Moses’ Painful Words of Comfort”
During the moving ceremony marking the passing of his beloved brother Aaron, Moses forces himself to say words of comfort to Aaron that are personally devastating.
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Vayeitzei 5777-2016
“The Great Deception”
Deceptions are found frequently in the book of Genesis. While they are often painful and devastating, they, on occasion, lead to great redemption and salvation.
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Va’etchanan 5776-2016
“Blessing G-d for the Good and the Bad"
Surprisingly, Jews are advised to bless G-d both for the bad as well as for the good. Few recognize that the challenges that we face in life are very often the true source of inner strength and blessing.
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Matot-Masei 5776-2016
"Rosh Chodesh Av – Remembering the Passing of a Beloved Leader"
Aaron, the High Priest, is the only great figure in the Bible whose exact date of death is known.
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Shelach 5776-2016
“A Name Change Becomes a Game Changer"
By changing the name of Hoshea to Joshua, Moses also changes Joshua’s personal powers and his ultimate destiny.
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Naso 5776-2016
“Reflections on the Meaning of Peace"
The Birkat Kohanim, the threefold priestly blessing, was one of the most impressive features of the ancient Temple service. The ultimate of the three blessings was the blessing of peace.
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Behar 5776-2016
“Bernie Sanders Meets Parashat Behar"
Among many important themes, parashat B'ha'a'lot'cha contains two fascinating stories about the Israelites in the wilderness. Both stories can be seen as a metaphor for contemporary Jewish life: Jews who feel that their "souls are dried up" and that Judaism has little or nothing to say to them, and Jews who love their Judaism and do not want to miss out on the wonderful benefits of living a full Jewish life.
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Passover 5769-2009
"What is the Prophet Elijah Doing at Our Passover Seder?"
What is Elijah, the zealous and angry prophet of Israel, doing at our joyous Passover Seder? This seemingly inappropriate guest turns out to be a most appropriate visitor who adds important dimensions to our Passover Seder.
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