A Song of Nature
According to the introduction of Perek Shirah (A Chapter of Song), after King David finished composing the Book of Psalms, he cried out to God: “Is there any creature that You have…
Humility’s Gift
Moses’ job of leading the Israelites was not easy. Not only were the people “stiff-necked,” they also spent a great deal of time complaining. When the nation cried out that they wanted…
Nature’s Rules
When you think about the "Laws of Nature," like gravity, take a moment to be in awe of the fine details of God's creation.
Acts of Nature, with a Little Help
Our Rabbis have taught: On entering the barn to measure the newly harvested grain one shall recite the benediction, ‘May it be Your will O Lord, our God, that You may send blessing upon…
A Day Celebrating Humility
You probably won’t find “Be Humble Day” listed on most commercial calendars, but the concept of the day highlights a core value in Jewish life. The Book of Proverbs declares that “A…
The Cedar and the Hyssop: A Lesson In Humility
One of the most challenging categories of Jewish law is the one associated with lashon harah (which literally means ‘evil speech’ and refers to gossip and slander). What is assumed…
B’ha’alot’cha 5771-2011
"The Nature of Moses’ Humility" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat B’ha’alot’cha, we learn that Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses concerning the Kushite…
Va’eira 5774-2013
“Moses, the Reluctant Prophet” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Tradition maintains that the 53 Hebrew prophets and prophetesses were generally a reluctant group of Divine servants, who were…
Where in the World is Moses?
The centerpiece of Parashat Yitro is the Decalogue, the Revelation at Sinai, where the Aseret Hadibrot, the Ten Utterances (also known as the Ten Commandments) were declared. But you…