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PARSHAT NITZAVIM/VAYELECH TESHUVAH: GOD'S RETURN TO US SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2006/ 23 ELUL 5766 Parshat Nitzavim, the first of the two portions we read this week, is replete with the message of teshuvah (repentance). PARSHAT KI TAVO ANTI-ZIONISM IS A COVER FOR ANTI-SEMITISM SEPTEMBER 8 - 9, 2006 / 16 ELUL 5766 Three covenants (brit) are mentioned in the Torah, the covenant of the pieces (Genesis 15), the covenant of Sinai (Exodus 19), and the covenant of our portion, which was made just prior to our entry into Israel (Deuteronomy 29). Truth be told, they each contribute to the making of the nation of Israel. PARSHAT KI-TETZE THE CHALLENGE OF MORALITY IN THE FACE OF WAR AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 / 13 ELUL 5766 "All is fair in love and war." Not so in Judaism. In fact, the test of moral PARSHAT SHOFTIM THE ROLE OF THE JEWISH KING AUGUST 25-26, 2006 / 2 ELUL 5766 Whether appointing a king is legally obligatory or not is a subject of great controversy. But whether it is or is not, the Torah recognizes that it is human nature that people will ask for leadership in the form of a king. (Deuteronomy 17:14) PARSHAT RE'EH ADDING AND SUBTRACTING FROM THE TORAH: THE RABBI'S ROLE IN THE LEGAL PROCESS AUGUST 18-19, 2006 / 25 AV 5766 This week's Torah portion gives us a curious mitzvah. It tells us not to add or subtract to the commandments. (Deuteronomy 13:1) PARSHAT EKEV THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LAND OF ISRAEL AUGUST 11-12, 2006 / 18 AV 5766 Over and over our portion emphasizes the importance of inheriting the land of Israel. (Deuteronomy 8:1, 9:1) Why is Israel so crucial to our covenant with God? PARSHAT VAETCHANAN NACHAMU AUGUST 4-5, 2006 / 11 AV 5766 Moshe (Moses) in this weeks' portion implores God for permission to enter into Israel. PARSHAT DEVARIM/CHAZON THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN ENDEAVOR AND DIVINE INTERVENTION JULY 28-29, 2006 / 4 AV 5766 There is a Talmudic story that reveals a lot about how we should react when facing adversity. It is one that is obviously an appropriate one to focus upon just days before Tisha B'Av, the 9th of Av, when both Temples were destroyed in Jerusalem. PARSHAT MATOT-MASEI IN TIMES OF DANGER, RUN TO ISRAEL RATHER THAN FROM ISRAEL JULY 21-22, 2006 / 26 TAMMUZ 5766 In one of this week's portions Reuven, Gad and half of Menashe request to remain on the eastern side of the Jordan. PARSHAT PINCHAS WHY DO WE PRAY WITH A SET TEXT? JULY 14-15, 2006 / 19 TAMMUZ 5766 An opinion recorded in the Talmud states that prayers correspond to the daily sacrifices offered in the Temple which are mentioned in this week's portion. (Berakhot 26b, Numbers 28:4) It has been argued that PARSHAT CHUKAT/BALAK KEEPING THE EGO IN CHECK JULY 7-8, 2006 / 12 TAMMUZ 5766 In this week's portion Moses is told that he would not enter Israel because he hit the rock instead of speaking to it. Immediately afterwards, Moses sends a delegation to Edom asking that the Jewish people be allowed to go through his territory on their way to Israel. (Numbers 20:14) PARSHAT KORACH THE MAKING OF A SUCCESSFUL RABBI JUNE 30-JULY 1, 2006/ 5 TAMUZ 5766 From the time that Moshe (Moses) comes on the scene, he is under attack. PARSHAT SHELAKH THE KEY TO ISRAEL'S EVERLASTING HOLINESS JUNE 23-24 2006 / 28 SIVAN 5766 In this week's portion, Moshe sends forth spies to search out the land of Israel. This is the first step leading to the conquest of the land. PARSHAT BE-HAALOTECHA THE GREAT SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SMALLEST BOOK OF THE TORAH JUNE 16-17, 2006 / 21 SIVAN 5766 The words we recite when taking the Torah from the Ark are found in this week's portion. PARSHAT NASO ORDINARY PEOPLE CAN ACCOMPLISH THE EXTRAORDINARY JUNE 10, 2006 / 14 SIVAN 5766 The very name of our portion Naso, encapsulates a central Jewish idea which resonates, especially during the difficult times in Israel today. PARSHAT NASO AND SHAVUOT THE INTEGRAL LINK BETWEEN NATION AND FAMILY JUNE 2-3, 2006 / 6-7 SIVAN 5766 The story of Ruth is one of a family in dissolution. Naomi's husband and two sons die leaving her with her two daughters in law, Orpah and Ruth. By the end of the book, family is found once again. PARSHAT BAMIDBAR THE LINK BEWTEEN PARSHAT BAMIDBAR AND THE HOLIDAY OF SHAVUOT MAY 27, 2006 / 29 IYAR 5766 This week's parsha, Bamidbar is always read on the Shabbat prior to the Shavuot holiday. PARSHAT BEHAR-BEKHUKOTAI IN THE MIDST OF THE TERRORISM, LET'S BE THANKFUL FOR THE GREATNESS OF ISRAEL MAY 19-20, 2006 / 22 IYAR 5766 In today's second portion, Bekhukotai, we read the tokheha-the curse, in which a series of punishments that will be meted out if PARSHAT EMOR THE LESSONS OF SEFIRAT HA-OMER MAY 12-13, 2006 / 15 IYAR 5766 Our Torah portion talks of the fifty days between Passover and Shavuot commonly known as Sefirat Ha-omer. PARSHAT ACHAREI MOT-KEDOSHIM THE LESSONS OF HOLINESS EVEN IN DEATH MAY 5-6, 2006 / 8 IYAR 5766 From a literal perspective, the names of portions are nothing more than the first major word of the part of the Torah that is read during the week. It can, however, be argued that deep meaning actually lies within the names themselves. PARSHAT TAZRIA-METZORA EXPLAINING THE LAWS OF FAMILY PURITY APRIL 28-29, 2006 / 1 IYAR 5766 Why is there a time of physical separation between husband and wife every month-a law found in this week's Torah portion? (Leviticus 15) To be sure, a mandate ought be observed no matter-but is there a rationale? PARSHAT SHEMINI MAINTAINING THE PURITY OF SHOAH MEMORY APRIL 21-22, 2006 / 24 NISAN 5766 Survivors of the Shoah encounter the experience through what can be called "pure memory." Their relationship to the event is direct, with very little intervening. As we move structure of the further away from the Shoah, CHAD GADYA AS A MEANINGFUL END TO THE PESACH SEDER PASSOVER 5766 APRIL 12, 2006 / 14 NISAN 5766 At first glance, Chad Gadya is a kind of light hearted song whose sole purpose is to provide an entertaining ending to the seder.?Yet, in order to truly understand its meaning an analysis of the structure of the seder is required. PARSHAT TZAV SACRIFICES CELEBRATE OUR LOVE OF GOD APRIL 7-8, 2006 / 10 NISAN 5766 This week's portion continues the theme of the sacrificial service. There are many suggestions as to the reasoning behind this enigmatic, yet important element of our tradition. PARSHAT VAYIKRA TWO TYPES OF LOVE OF GOD FOR THE JEWISH PEOPLE MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2006 / 3 NISAN 5766 The Book of Leviticus opens with the word Va-yikra, "and He [the Lord] called." (Leviticus 1:1) Rashi points out that va-yikra is a term of endearment. PARSHAT VAYAKHEL-PEKUDE THE MISHKAN AS A SYMBOL OF DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS MARCH 24-25, 2006 / 25 ADAR 5766 In the portion of Pekude a reckoning of the work done in the Tabernacle is recorded. Interesting, is the Hebrew word for reckoning\pekude. (Exodus 38:21) PARSHAT KI TISA THE LESSONS OF SEEING ONLY GOD'S BACK MARCH 17-18, 2006 / 18 ADAR 5766 One of the most extraordinary images in the Torah appears in this week's portion. Moshe (Moses) asks God "Show me your glory." God responds that He PARSHAT TETZAVEH THE OBJECTIVE IMPORTANCE OF REMEMBERING MARCH 10-11, 2006 / 11 ADAR 5766 In both the Purim and Joseph stories, seemingly meaningless sub plots eventually turn into major focal points. PARSHAT TERUMAH THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF THE HOLINESS OF JERUSALEM MARCH 3-4, 2006 / 4 ADAR 5766 This week's portion talks about the first synagogue of all time-the mishkan. PARSHAT MISHPATIM THE INTEGRAL CONNECTION BETWEEN PRAYER AND ACTION FEBRUARY 24-25, 2006 / 27 SHEVAT 5766 The Talmud states that the source of prayer is the biblical phrase: "And you shall serve Him with all your heart."?(Deuteronomy 11:13) Service is usually associated with action. PARSHAT BESHALAH A MESSAGE OF INCLUSIVENESS AT THE FOOT OF MT. SINA FEBRUARY 17-18, 2006 / 20 SHEVAT 5766 The Torah tells us that at the moment of revelation all the Jews at Sinai were able to see. (Exodus 20:15) Is it possible that of the several million there was not one single person who was blind? PARSHAT BESHALAH JEWISH BLOOD IS NOT CHEAP FEBRUARY 10-11, 2006 / 13 SHEVAT 5766 Although the Torah often points out the infinite value of every human life, this week's parsha gives a clear message about the value of Jewish life. We are told that no one will be permitted to murder Jews with impunity. PARSHAT BO THE INTERDEPENDANCE OF ACTIONS AND FEELINGS FEBRUARY 3-4, 2006 / 6 SHEVAT 5766 In this week's portion, the Torah begins to present commandments given to the Jewish people. One wonders why so many commandments are proscribed in such detail. PARSHAT SHEMOT THE BUSH AS A SYMBOL OF EMPATHY JANUARY 20-21, 2006 / 21 TEVET 5766 Why, out of all places, did God reveal himself to Moshe (Moses) through the burning bush - sneh (Exodus 3:2)? PARSHAT VA-YECHI THE SIGNIFICANT RESPONSE OF SILENCE JANUARY 13-14, 2006 / 14 TEVET 5766 As Ya'akov (Jacob) blesses his children, he tells his eldest, Reuven, that PARSHAT VAYIGASH YEHUDAH: A FITTING MODEL OF RECONCILIATION JANUARY 6-7, 2006 / 7 TEVET 5766 Our portion opens with Yehudah (Judah) standing before Yosef (Joseph). Through Yehudah's plea, the entire family of Ya'akov (Jacob) is kept intact. PARSHAT MIKETZ REMAINING TRUE TO OUR ROOTS WHEREVER WE ARE DECEMBER 30-31, 2005 / 30 KISLEV 5766 When Yosef (Joseph) is appointed second to the king by Pharaoh he is given an Egyptian name. In the words of the Torah; "and Pharaoh called Yosef - Tzafnat Paneach." (Genesis 41: 45) PARSHAT VAYESHEV - A CHANUKAH REFLECTION SPIRIT: A NECESSARY COMPONENT OF TRUE STRENGTH DECEMBER 23-24, 2005 / 23 KISLEV 5766 It is well known that on the first day of Chanukah one candle is lit. On each successive night, one more is kindled. This in fact is the view of Beit Hillel as recorded in the Talmud. (Shabbat 21b) PARSHAT VAYISHLACH YA'AKOV'S STRUGGLE: A MODEL OF TESHUVAH DECEMBER 16-17, 2005 / 16 KISLEV 5766 Could Ya'akov's (Jacob) altercation with a mysterious man have been the beginning of a process of repentance for having taken the blessings of his brother Esau? PARSHAT VAYETZE TRANSFORMING THE IMPOSSIBLE INTO THE POSSIBLE DECEMBER 9-10, 2005 / 9 KISLEV 5766 Although we are given a tremendous amount of information about their lives, it is certain that not every event in the lives of our matriarchs and patriarchs is mentioned in the Torah. PARSHAT TOLDOT RIVKAH'S EXAMPLE OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE DECEMBER 2-3, 2005 / 2 KISLEV 5766 As Ya'akov (Jacob) leaves his parents' home at the behest of his mother Rivkah (Rebecca), the Torah declares that Rivkah was PARSHAT CHAYE SARAH TRUE OWNERSHIP COMES ONLY THROUGH PERSONAL EFFORT NOVEMBER 25-26, 2005 / 24 CHESHVAN 5766 Years ago I was privileged to be in Rav Ahron Soloveichik's shiur (Torah class). Although most know him for PARSHAT VAYERA THE QUESTION IS NOT WHETHER ONE WILL STRAY, RATHER HOW WILL WE RESPOND WHEN WE STRAY NOVEMBER 11 - 12, 2005 / 10 HESHVAN 5766 As Hagar sits a distance from her dying son Yishmael an angel appears and declares "Mah lakh Hagar? What ails you Hagar?" (Genesis 21:17) PARSHAT LEKH LEKHA CLARIFYING THE COVENANT NOVEMBER 11 - 12, 2005 / 10 HESHVAN 5766 After God tells Avraham that Sarah, his wife, would have a child, Avraham declares "if only Yishmael would live before you." (Genesis 17:18) PARSHAT NOACH LIFE IS MADE UP OF A BALANCE BETWEEN SAMENESS AND NEWNESSN NOVEMBER 4-5 2005 / 3 CHESHVAN 5766 At the conclusion of the deluge, God proclaimed that "while the earth remains…day and night shall not cease." PARSHAT BEREISHIT THE MESSAGE OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN OCTOBER 28-29, 2005 / 26 TISHREI 5766 Why did Adam and Eve disobey God and eat from the tree of knowledge? A TASTE OF TORAH IN HONOR OF SHABBAT SUKKOT: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS OCTOBER 22, 2005 / 19 TISHREI 5766 Sukkot is the only festival referred to as Zman Simchateinu, the time of happiness in our liturgy. A YOM KIPPUR REFLECTION TRUSTING GOD OCTOBER 14-15, 2005 / 10 TISHREI 5766 Rabbi Yaacov ben Asher writes that during different times in prayer, there are different physical postures that we take. We stand when reciting the Amidah and fall on our faces when saying the prayer of Tachanun. (Tur, Orach Chayim 131) PARSHAT VA-YELEKH REALIZING THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE OCTOBER 7-8, 2005 / 5 TISHREI 5766 In this week's portion, God declares that the time will come when He will hide his |
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