Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5783-2023
“The Promise of Total Return”
(updated and revised from Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5762-2002)
It has been said regarding Jewish life in America that our grandparents prayed for a “Melting Pot,” but what we've gotten instead is a meltdown! Despite the staggering losses of Jews to assimilation, the Torah in parashat Nitzavim gives us hope for the future. If we are to bring our lost brothers and sisters back, we need to mobilize the community of committed Jews to reach out to the non-committed. “For the price of a chicken, we can bring a Jew home!”
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Vayakhel-Pekudei 5783-2023
“Celebrating the Month of Nissan”
(updated and revised from Vayakhel-Pekudei 5764-2004)
The Jewish month of Nissan, the first month that was celebrated by the Israelites after the birth of the Jewish nation, is heralded each year by an additional reading from the Torah on Shabbat HaChodesh. This special Shabbat serves as a reminder for the Jewish people that G-d grants His people solace in times of grief, support in the face of challenge, and light in the darkest of hours. The month of Nissan signals that redemption and renewal are at hand, and will soon blossom forth.
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Chayei Sarah 5783-2022
“The Torah’s Recipe for Finding a Proper Mate”
(updated and revised from Chayei Sarah 5763-2002)
This week's parasha is a primary source from which we learn much about the qualities that one should look for when seeking a mate. The lessons that may be gleaned from our scriptures serve as a sound guide, even for contemporary times. They are not primitive. In fact, in many instances, they are light-years ahead of contemporary practices and understandings.
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Kedoshim 5782-2022
“Giving Proper Reproof”
(updated and revised from Kedoshim 5763-2003)
Judaism maintains that if one has a justified complaint against another it is preferable to state it directly rather than to brood over it. However, giving proper reproof is an art, in and of itself. The great Chazon Ish declared that since we no longer know how to give proper reproof, it is preferable not to offer reproof.
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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.
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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.
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