Spring has arrived in Jerusalem. Our hearts fill with a sense of appreciation for the balmy spring weather, blossoming fruit trees... Since spring makes us feel especially grateful, examining the Thanksgiving Offering provides us with a timely and relevant message.
David's Sling
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The word "vayikra" "He called," from the root kra, to call, indicates that God wished to speak to Moshe and purposely called to him...
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Vayakhel Pekudei: The Heart Counts
There are two types of givers: those “whose spirit moves them” to give wholeheartedly what they can afford, and an even nobler category of people “whose heart inspires them” to give more than they can afford.
Ki Tisa: The Golden Calf
One of the most disturbing incidents in the Torah is the sin of the Golden Calf. The generation that witnessed the Revelation of God’s...
Tetzaveh: Seek the Truth
When I entered a baal teshuvah Yeshiva twenty-eight years ago my clarion cry was “Clarity or Death!”
Terumah: The Tabernacle in Our Heart!
This week’s Torah portion focuses on the Mishkan (the Tabernacle), which is the dwelling place for the Shechinah (Divine Presence).
Yitro: Preparation for Matan Torah
Any worthwhile endeavor in life requires preparation. When I was a Boy Scout, I learned the Scout’s Motto: “Be prepared.” Before embarking on a camping trip...
Bo: The Four Sons
God gave us 613 beautiful and uplifting mitzvot. We are permitted, and even encouraged, to discover inspiring and meaningful "reasons" for them...
Mishpatim: Blueprint of Reality
A startling insight into Judaism is provided by the Torah’s juxtaposition of the civil laws with the Ten Commandments. Most people think of religion as a matter of ritual...
Shmini: The Eternal Soul
If we have solid emunah in God, we realize that death is really the bridge to a better world. Our weeping over the loss of...
Re’eh: You Never Lose From a Mitzva
Someone may think: “Okay, so I’ll start a new business. I’ll avoid horticulture and turn to financial instruments to make a living...
Mikeitz: Faith and Trust
“It happened at the end of two years to the day: Pharaoh was dreaming that behold! – he was standing over the river”...
Tazria Metzora: Who Wants Life
The slanderer does not go to a doctor, because his physical symptoms were the result of a spiritual disease...
Shoftim: No Bribery!
Not being attuned to religious issues at the time, I didn’t give much thought to the point my biology professor was trying...
Vayishlach: The Roman Parade
This parade through the streets of Rome exemplifies the contest for the identity of the chosen people and thereby the definition...
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Eternal Life
The eternal Torah is the nourishment for the eternal soul. Fulfilling the Torah creates an eternal light that radiates the light of...
Ki Teitzei: God Helps
Hashem is ready and willing to help us remove the load that weighs us down. If we fall, He will help us get back up again!
Evil Reports..and Gossip – Vayeishev
One of the most perplexing events recorded in the Torah is the near killing of Yosef (Joseph) and his sale into slavery...