Chayei Sarah 5785-2024
“Reaching Out to Family Members”
(updated and revised from Chayei Sarah 5765-2004)
Despite the fact that all his family who still resided in his native Mesopotamia were steeped in idolatry, Abraham decides to send Eliezer back to his homeland to find a bride for his son, Isaac. There is much we can learn from Abraham>s perseverance and persistence to reach out to and retrieve his family members who were so distant from his faith and his traditions.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Haazinu 5783-2022
“The Final Song”
(updated and revised from Haazinu 1999-5759)
The final song of Moses is intended to help the Jewish people remember the days of yore. The past is truly vital for Israel, as there is much to be learned from previous generations. Much pain and suffering can be avoided if only the future is approached through the wisdom of the past.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Acharei Mot 5782-2022
“The Jewish Method of Achieving Moral Perfection”
(Updated and revised from Acharei Mot 5763-2003)
In parashat Acharei Mot, G-d exhorts the Jewish people to observe His decrees and His laws in order to live a sanctified life, a life of dignity and a life of meaning. But how does one live an ethical and moral life in a world that seems to be constantly drawing us away from good? Judaism's educational methodology through ritual training has proven to be the most effective means of educating large numbers of people over long periods of time to ethical and moral living.
0 Comments6 Minutes
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5781-2021
“Shaatnez: Understanding ‘Irrational’ Decrees”
(updated and revised from Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5762-2002)
The laws of Shaatnezrecorded in parashat Kedoshim, of not wearing wool and linen together, fall under the category of laws that are known as chukim--decrees which are commands from G-d that have no apparent rational reason. The esoteric laws of Shaatnezthat appear so out of place with contemporary times, have much to teach us about developing sensitivity toward others, and that the great gift of having clothes to wear must never be taken for granted.
0 Comments12 Minutes
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5780-2020
"Who is Truly Religious?”
(Updated and revised from Parashiot Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5761-2001)
Traditional “religious” Jews are often identified as those who scrupulously observe the “Big Three:” Shabbat, Kashrut and the laws of Family Purity. From parashiot Acharei Mot and Kedoshim we learn that this definition needs to be updated to include an ethical component–that one must be certain to behave and act honestly and morally, within all realms of life.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Lech Lecha 5774-2013
“Setting the Stage for the Jewish Future”
Our sages say that the deeds of the forefathers are signposts for the children. The story of Abraham and Sarah are truly predictive of both future Jewish history and contemporary Jewish life.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Re’eh 5773-2013
"How Far Must We Go to Avoid Evil?"
How far must contemporary Jews go to separate from the “new paganism,” from the new evils that not only confront us, but seem bent on consuming us?
0 Comments8 Minutes
Emor 5773-2013
"Sanctifying G-d’s Name"
Chilul Hashem, the profanation of G-d’s name, is one of the most severe sins a Jew can commit, while sanctifying G-d’s name is one of the greatest mitzvot a Jew can perform.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Chayei Sara 5765-2004
"Reaching Out to Family Members"
Despite the fact that all his family who still resided in his native Mesopotamia were steeped in idolatry, Abraham decides to send Eliezer back to his homeland to find a bride for his son, Isaac. There is much we can learn from Abraham's perseverance and persistence in reaching out to and retrieving his family members who were so distant from his faith and his traditions.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Acharei Mot 5763-2003
"The Jewish Method of Achieving Moral Perfection"
In parashat Acharei Mot, G-d exhorts the Jewish people to observe His decrees and His laws in order to live a sanctified life, a life of dignity and a life of meaning. But how does one live an ethical and moral life in a world that seems to be constantly drawing us away from good? Judaism's educational methodology has proven to be the most effective means of educating large numbers of people over long periods of time to ethical and moral living. Its secret is the rituals of Judaism that effectively prepare people for ethical and moral living.
0 Comments5 Minutes
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5761-2001
"Who is Truly Religious?"
People often define a traditional Jew as one who keeps the "Big Three:" Shabbat, Kashrut and the laws of Family Purity. From parashat Kedoshim we can learn that this definition needs to be revised and updated to include an ethical component--that one must behave and act morally, especially within the realm of business.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Haazinu 5760-1999
"The Final Song"
The final song of Moses is intended to help the Jewish people remember the days of yore. The past is truly vital for Israel, as there is much to be learned from previous generations. Much pain and suffering can be avoided if only the future is approached through the wisdom of the past.
0 Comments8 Minutes