Parashat Vayera – The Akeida: A Hero’s Journey
- Schneider, Sarah Yehudit
- "When I told you take your son I didn’t say to slaughter him, only to raise him up onto the altar. You have raised him up, now take him down.” - Bereshit Rabbah 56:8
WELCOMING SHABBAT
CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND COMPILED EXCERPTS ON THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION FROM THE TEACHINGS OF LEADING RABBIS AND JEWISH LEARNING INSTITUTIONS
Parashat Noah: Holiness, and the Journey Toward Redemption – Insights from Aderet Eliyahu
- Chacham Yosef Hayim - The Ben Ish Chay
- Noah's story marks humanity's mission for holiness and refinement, laying a foundation for a world aligned with Hashem’s presence.
Eretz Yisrael as God’s Designated Inheritance: Rashi’s Foundational Insight on Bereshit
- Emor Project
- The Land of Israel as the Inheritance of the Jewish People: A Principle Rooted in Our Torah
Parashat Ki Tavo: The Blessing and the Curse
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- The blessings and curses in the Bible have both supernatural and natural elements. Israel's fate depends on its faithfulness to God's covenant, while its survival as a small, vulnerable nation also relies on unity and moral purpose.
Parashat Shofetim: Torah Study and Fear of Heaven: Connected?
- Pfeffer, Rabbi Yehoshua
- When HKBH gave the Torah, He didn't just give us the opportunity for intellectual pursuit; He gave us Himself.
The Sefat Emet on Parashat Re’eh
- Emor Project
- HKBH imprinted, in each Jew, the potential to choose the beracha, aside from what his current spiritual level is or in which situation he presently stands.
Parashat Chukat: Descartes’ Error
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- That...is the logic of the chukim... the laws that seem to make no sense in terms of rationality... ...in the light of recent neuroscience we can suggest that they are laws designed to bypass... the rational brain, and create instinctive patterns of behaviour....
Parashat Naso: Death and Determination
- Silber, Rabbi Shmuel
- Sometimes, you just have to let go in order to move on.
Parashat Bamidbar: Jewish Unity
- Amital, Rabbi Yehuda
- They were to be a diverse people, unified by a common loyalty to the principle represented by the Ark. This would lead to the dwelling of the Divine Presence amongst Am Yisrael… Even today, Jerusalem serves as the heart of the modern Jewish nation… Jerusalem bonds a nation fragmented and divided, and within it can be heard the rallying cry of religious and non-religious alike…
Parashat Bechukotai
- Morrison, Rabbi Chanan, adapted from Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook
- There is… a unique reason for the Jewish people to live in the Land of Israel. They need to dwell together in the Land so that there will be a nation in the world… for whom Divine providence is revealed in its history and circumstances.
Parashat Behar
- Krakowski, Rabbi Yissachar Dov
- The Torah tells us it is... a Shabbos for the land… The purpose for the land’s rest is to tell us that it isn’t Mother Nature but rather Hashem’s nature.
Parashat Emor: Turning Gola into Geulah
- Lubavitcher Rebbe Sichot
- The words ge’ula (redemption) and gola (exile) differ by an aleph. Ge’ula will not be a new reality but a transformed one where God's presence is recognized. In this redeemed state, it will be acknowledged that God is the supreme creator and ruler, with everything depending on Him.
Parashat Kedoshim: You Shall Keep All My Status and All My Judgments
- Lichtenstein, Rabbi Aharon
- So it is with the entire Torah…. If a part is impaired, then the whole cannot be complete.
Parashat Acharei Mot – Rav Tzadok HaKohen on the Parsha
- Schwartz, Rabbi Yitzchak
- Our relationship with Hashem operates through two main channels: hisoreroosah d’leilah, actions initiated from above by Hashem, and hisoreroosah d’letatah, actions initiated from below by human beings. All our actions and thoughts have a deep impact on the Higher Worlds.
Parashat Shemini – You Are What You Eight
- Winston, Rabbi Pinchas
- One need only visit an existing Orthodox study hall, and witness first hand the emphasis on accuracy of learning; even more so, a poseik (halachic-decisor) who is rendering new law for future generations of G-d-fearing Jews.
Making Connections: The Message of Mitzvos
- Tauger, Rabbi Eliyahu
- A bond can indeed be established between the material and the spiritual. This is the purpose of the mitzvos..
PARASHAT VAYIKRA – LESSON IN BRINGING HOLINESS INTO OUR LIVES
- Schwartz, Rabbi Yitzchak
- Parshat Vayikra seen through the eyes of Rav Tzadok HaKohen reveals a lesson as to how to transform evil into goodness and the mundane into the holy.
PARASHAT HA’SHAVUA PEKUDEI – Where does the Divine Presence live?
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- Parshat Pekudei hints about a principle that has immense implications for the entire structure of Judaism: It is not objects that are holy. It is human action and intention in accordance with the will of God that creates holiness.
The Fire of Shabbat
- THETRUGMANS.COM
- Building the Tabernacle does not supersede the sanctity of Shabbat. By juxtaposing Shabbat in the Tabernacle ...we are taught the fundamental connection between the types of work done in order to build the Tabernacle and the types of work that are forbidden on Shabbat.
The Bris HaTorah
- Bernstein, Rabbi Yaakov
- After they made the Eigel Hazahav, the letters flew off the luchos; the tablets were too heavy for Moshe, they fell and broke. It was the Torah Sh’ba’al Peh which flew away! This is why the luchos were too heavy — it’s impossible to have the Torah bichsav without the Torah Sh’ba’al Peh.
TERUMAH – The Sanctuary Within
- Schwartz, Rabbi Yitzchak
- On Shabbos, Hashem calls upon us to detach from mundane creative tasks and apply our time and energy to delve into the wisdom of the Torah. In that way, we can build a virtual Mishkan - a dwelling place for the Shechina (the aspect of Hashem’s presence that is openly revealed within the realm of physical creation).
Parshas Mishpatim
- Leff, Dr. Nosson Chayim ZT"L
- "The Sfas Emes explains that to match His Omnipresence, HaShem has given us mitzvos in all areas of human activity. Thus, when we are engaged in our weekday activities, we can still connect with HaShem’s Presence."
Keeping In Touch – Vol. 1: Yisro
- Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
- The Torah contains teachings that bring G-d within our understanding for He has invested Himself in the Torah.
Meaning of Five
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "'And the children of Israel went up armed from the land of Egypt' (Exodus 13:18). What is the meaning of the use of the word 'armed?'"
Bo – Thinking
- "One of the most distinctive aspects of the Ten Plagues was the persistent refusal of Pharaoh to recognize the error of his ways and accept that the G-d of the Jews was indeed all-powerful. Miracle after miracle failed to persuade him of the veracity of Moshe Rabbeinu's claims of being Hashem’s shliach (messenger) and not merely an expert sorcerer.
The Place of Prayer
- Sternberg, Rabbanit Dr. Adina
- "One must disconnect from the impurities and distractions of the outside world to enter a space of intentional prayer while remaining cognizant of people’s needs in order to pray for them with the proper intention.
Turning Curses into Blessings
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "The worse things get, the stronger we become. Jews are the people who not only survive but thrive in adversity."
A Small Glimpse of the Larger Picture
- Menken, Rabbi Yaakov
- "We need to constantly remind ourselves that G-d controls His world. Most of the time, however, He hides His influence..."
Illuminating the Darkest Moments of Your Life
- Bolotin, Katia
- "Strive to view your challenges in life as opportunities through which to express the greater purpose that only you are meant to reveal."
Why Was Pharaoh Blown Away by Joseph
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "The priorities you cultivate during your ‘good times’ should be of the kind that will sustain you during your challenging times as well."
Living Emunah on the Parashah
- Ashear, Rabbi David
- "Yaacov lowered himself [in bowing to Eisav] in order that Hashem should raise him up. When people lower themselves to Hashem, it's a wondrous segulah [action that is capable of leading to a positive response from Hashem] for yeshuah [deliverance]."
Be Strong In The Way Of Awakening From Below
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "In Jacob’s dream, the angels ascend first to indicate the ideal way to approach Hashem: by arousing ourselves from below. If we feel that we are unable to motivate ourselves sufficiently, we need to pray to Hashem to arouse us."
Parashat Toledot
- Emor Project
- To merit Hashem's protection, we must recognize His supreme involvement in our lives. It's not just about politics and security. We need to engage in physical hishtadlut (effort) while following the will of Hashem, as taught in our Torah.
Parashat Chayei Sarah: Elevating the Land of Israel and the Entire World
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "For the Land provides the Jewish people with their own rightful place in which to ascend in holiness and produce physical as well as spiritual fruit, while the Jewish people elevate the Land by providing it with their tender love and the care it needs to bring forth its holy bounty.
Parashat Vayera: Rav Asher Weiss: In Light of the War
- Weiss, Rabbi Asher
- In the merit of our fulfilling the mitzvot of tzitzit and tefillin, Hashem should save us from our enemies.
Parashat Lekh Lekha: At 90, A Man Turns Around His Life
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "Go away from your superficial self and open yourself up to the Divine infinite light at the core of your being."
Parashat Noach: Living Emunah on the Parashah: Serenity and Faith in the Weekly Torah Reading
- Ashear, Rabbi David
- "We live in a time when there are many questions about the way Hashem runs the world. We have to bear in mind that there is so much we cannot see.
Parashat Haazinu: Heaven & Earth
- Feldman, Rabbi Menachem
- On Yom Kippur we reach to the heavens, we connect to the core of our soul and feel unified with G-d. But, just as we reach the climax of the holiness of Yom Kippur, we transition to preparation for the holiday of Sukkot, when we celebrate the physical bounty with which we have been blessed
Parashat Nitzavim: A Ba’al Teshuvah Is Greater Than a Tzaddik
- Kook, Rabbi Avraham Isaac Zt"L
- When a person repents and God returns the Shekhinah to him, it does not return to its former level of love. Rather, it spirals upward.
Parashat Nitzavim: Two Levels of Teshuvah
- Kook, Rabbi Avraham Isaac ZT"L
- The Torah portion of Nitzavim is always read before Rosh Hashanah, a fitting time to speak about [teshuva], reflection and repentance
Parashat Ki Tavo: Keeping In Touch – Vol. 1
- Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
- This week’s Torah reading begins with the mitzvah of Bikkurim
Parashat Ki Tetze- A Measured Approach to Change
- Dixler, Mordechai
- To make real change in your life, commit to a positive practice, and pledge to do it every day. As Rosh Hashana approaches, we look to make lasting changes in our lives.
Parashat Shoftim: The Wisdom in Civil Law
- Kook, Rabbi Avraham Isaac ZT"L
- All judges are required to be wise and humble, to love truth and hate bribes, to be well-liked and respected
Parashat Re’eh: The Power of Seeing: The Path to Blessing and Personal Growth
- Bolotin, Katia
- The ultimate aim is to train the Vital Soul according to the parameters of the Godly Soul.
Parashat Ekev 5783
- Kahn, Rabbi Ari
- Why is it written, "if you will listen to my commandments"? Wouldn't it be more appropriate to focus on "doing" the mitzvot rather than "hearing" them?
Parashat Va’etchanan – How can I love God?
- Hashem has blessed us with many things we take for granted, such as physical and mental facilities. Without these gifts, God forbid, we must take time to imagine what it would be like and focus on appreciating their preciousness.
Parashat Va’etchanan- Fully Alive
- Wallerstein, Rabbi Zecharia, ZT"L
- Shabbos Chazon, Tishah b'Av, Shabbos Nachamu... A Shabbos of solemnity...before Tisha b'Av, followed by a day of intense mourning... on Tisha b'Av itself, and bookended by a Shabbos of comfort and consolation.
The Torah: With Or Hachaim’s Commentary Translated, Annotated, and Elucidated
- "The forces of evil have no authority over anything upon which one invokes the Divine Name."
Make It Real
- Kroll, Chana
- "..every individual can access this power for change in a tangible way, by meditating this Shabbat on what our soul will see, a vision of a House which will fuse the upper and lower worlds, spiritual and physical reality, in permanent union."
How to turn a crises or disaster to success
- Anava, Rabbi Alon
- What is the Torah approach to failure? …Why would Hashem cause me to fail?... How do you turn failure into success?
Parashat Pinchas: Touching the Core
- Tauger, Rabbi Eliyahu
- "This is zealousness: putting one’s own welfare both spiritual and material to one side, and making an unbounded commitment to carry out G-d’s will."
Can I See Anxiety as an Opportunity?
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- ""What is the deeper meaning of suffering? And how do some people know how to accept affliction with love and grace?
Parashat Korach: How to Measure a Person’s True Level
- Kaplan, Rabbi David
- Our true level is not measured by the great things we have done, but rather by who we are as a person, and what our station will be in the world to come is defined by what we do on a day-to-day basis…
Parashat Shelach – What is the Tekhelet All About
- Greenberg, Rabbi Zushe
- The tzitzit strings symbolize the mitzvot, which connect the physical world to God. Performing mitzvot, like making blessings or giving charity, acknowledges God's presence and unites the material with the divine, fostering spiritual connection and humility.
Parashat Beha’alotecha: Rush and Return: The Anatomy of a Flame
- Tauber, Rabbi Yanki
- The soul of man is a lamp of God whose purpose in life is to illuminate the world with divine light. God provided us with the 'fuel' that generates His light — the Torah and its commandments (mitzvot), which embody His wisdom and will and convey His luminous truth.
The Priestly Blessing – Birkat Kohanim
- Scherman, Rabbi Nosson
- "Moses was commanded to instruct the Kohanim that they would have the privilege and the duty to bless the nation of Israel, both in the Temple and, for all time, in the synagogue.
Finding One’s Place in the World
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "One of the lengthy census’ fundamental messages is that both the nation as a whole and its component parts are exceedingly important and unique."
Keeping In Touch – Vol. 4: Bechukotai
- Lubavitcher Rebbe Sichot
- "Torah study...involves comprehension and understanding, giving man the opportunity to intellectually grasp and identify with G-d's truth."
A Short Thought on Parshas Emor
- Weiss, Rabbi Asher
- "Kedusha is everywhere. It’s just a question of concentration, the level of kedusha."
Parashat Acharei Mot – Kedoshim: A Holy Life
- Richman, Rabbi Chaim
- The command in Vayikra (Leviticus) 19:2 to "be holy" involves engaging actively and ethically in the world rather than withdrawing from it.
The Omer and Holiness Parshas Kedoshim
- Winston, Rabbi Pinchas
- "The Ramban explains [that] kedushah—holiness—is not merely about how you deal with that which is forbidden to you....
Context and Perspective
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "Just as the Tabernacle was the meeting place of finite and infinite, physical and spiritual, the mundane and the holy, so is the body.
The Light We Make
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "Holiness consists in respecting boundaries and honouring the natural order.
Giving Thanks
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "The first words we are taught to say each morning, immediately on waking, are Modeh Ani, 'I give thanks.'
Hearing the Still Small Voice – Parshat Vayikra
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- "There is a way that Hashem speaks to us that is beyond language. There is the language of the emotions - the still small voice that speaks to us.
Making Space: Vayakhel-Pekudei
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "Why, if the Torah is timeless, does it devote such space to what was essentially a time-bound structure?
The Aleph Beit Of Creation – Ki Tissa
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- "The mystics teach that G-d created the whole of existence with permutations of the 22 letters of the alef-bais… The entire world is nothing more than Hebrew letters connected in a myriad of different ways.
Oil, Wick, Vessel, Flame
- Tauber, Yanki
- "The flame is more than a symbol of spirituality. The flame is our own mirror, in which are reflected the strivings of our deepest self. In the words of the author of Proverbs, 'The soul of man is a lamp of God.'
The Gift of Giving
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "God doesn’t live in a house of stone. He lives in the hearts of those who give."
Doing and Hearing
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "That is the difference between na’aseh and nishma. We do the Godly deed 'together.' We respond to His commands 'with one voice.' But we hear God’s presence in many ways, for though God is one, we are all different, and we encounter Him each in our own way."
The Ten Commandments and Creation
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "[There is an] intrinsic connection between the ten utterances through which the world was created and the Ten Commandments…
Why the Sea Needed to Split
- Jacobson, Rabbi Simon
- "The waxing and waning moon reflect the ups and downs of life and history. By commanding to sanctify the new moon, G-d was imparting to Moses the power of renewal: Just as the moon is reborn right after it disappears, so too will the Jewish people experience a renaissance following their darkest moments.
The Mystery of the New Moon
- Jacobson, Rabbi Simon
- "The waxing and waning moon reflect the ups and downs of life and history. By commanding to sanctify the new moon, G-d was imparting to Moses the power of renewal: Just as the moon is reborn right after it disappears, so too will the Jewish people experience a renaissance following their darkest moments.
A Short Thought on Parshat Va’eira
- Weiss, Rabbi Asher
- "There were two objectives in the ten plagues: to punish Pharaoh and the Mitzrim (Egyptians)... for the way they treated the Jewish people… and to bring back the Jewish people to HKBH, to strengthen their emunah and bitachon.
Moses Confronts the Inner Human Struggle (The Burning Bush and the Tanya)
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "...wherever you are in life, you can become a conduit for the infinite and bring heaven down to earth."
Parshas Vayechi
- Leff, Dr. Nosson Chayim ZT"L
- "Knowing that there is a keitz will give meaning to history, removing the impression that history is nothing but a sequence of random , painful events."
Parshas Vayigash
- Leff, Dr. Nosson Chayim ZT"L
- "The Sfas Emes tells us that when a person encounters a rough patch in life, he should realize that he is also gaining the opportunity for a richer relationship with HaShem."
Why Was Pharaoh Blown Away by Joseph?
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "The stories of the Torah describe not only physical events that took place at a certain point in history, but also detail metaphysical and timeless tales occurring continuously within the human heart."
King David Strong In The Ways Of Judah’s Repentance
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "In Vayeishev, Judah’s words and actions pave the way for his descendants to engage in teshuvah, sincere repentance, one of Judaism’s cornerstones."
Vayishlach
- Della Rocca, Rabbi Roberto
- As if fighting with the angel to become Israel also meant defending the earthly, concrete part of Judaism, where this hypothetical angel instead represents an attempt to pulverize it.
Did Jacob Really Hate His Wife?
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "We each have our 'Rachel' and our 'Leah,' within ourselves, within… our entire lives—and, of course, in our experience of God.
The Other Face of Esau
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "What does it mean when we call Jews 'the chosen people'?"
Parashat Chayei Sarah: The Influence of Abraham
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "Torah ideas have spread literally throughout the world, leading to a situation wherein legal systems everywhere have incorporated many of the basic principles enumerated in the Torah, as well as the more fundamental premises of justice, responsibility, and fairness on which all law depends.
Parashat Vayera: Rav Tzadok HaKohen on the Parsha
- Schwartz, Rabbi Yitzchak
- The greatness of Avraham's actions lies not in the physical act itself, but in the passion that flowed from his heart.
Parashat Lekh Lekha: Ten Challenges
- Jacobson, Rabbi Simon
- "By virtue of being created in the 'Image of G-d' every soul contains enormous reservoirs of extraordinary potential.
Parashat Noach (based on the teachings of the Sefat Emet)
- Lubavitcher Rebbe Sichot
- "Why, rather than mentioning 'the toledot', 'the generations of Noach, the Torah mentions that he was 'a righteous man in his generation', 'ish tzadik b'dorotav'?
Or HaChaim – Vol. 1
- Adlerstein, Rabbi Yitzchok
- "Hashem created everything in one Utterance...
Parashat Haazinu: Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- Every person, on his own level, can have an appreciation for Torah. Therefore, the pasuk aptly refers to Torah when it says 'And now, write for yourselves this 'song’…
Post 2 – And You Are Standing Today All of You Before God
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "Even if all the curses (God forbid) came to pass, the Jewish people would still be ‘standing’ before God, for He would never abrogate the covenant He made with them.
Parashat Nitzavim: And You Are Standing Today All of You Before God
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "Even if all the curses (God forbid) came to pass, the Jewish people would still be ‘standing’ before God, for He would never abrogate the covenant He made with them.
Parashat Ki Tavo: The Pursuit of Joy
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- Celebrating together binds us as a people: that and the gratitude and humility that come from seeing our achievements not as self-made but as the blessings of God.
Parashat Ki Tetze – Davar Torah based on the Or HaChaim
- Or HaChaim (Rabbi Haim Ben Attar)
- Every soul descends from the upper world and becomes enclothed into a body in this physical world. This descent is for the explicit purpose of fighting against the yetzer hara.
Parashat Ekev: Broken: Why Breaking the Tablets Was Moses’ Greatest Accomplishment
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "From the broken pieces of life, you can create a holy of holies."
Parashat Va’etchanan- The Soul Purpose
- Dixler, Mordechai
- ...The Torah did not need to tell us to watch our health merely to survive. The lesson is to channel and enhance that drive for a higher purpose so you can have the strength, intellect, and extra days and years to pursue spiritual goals in full capacity."
Parshat Devarim
- Leff, Dr. Nosson Chayim ZT"L
- "Klal Yisroel as a collectivity can be rebuilding the Beis Hamikdash right now... the same process also operates at the level of the individual... Thus...we should be aware that each individual's actions can also help to rebuild the Beis HaMikdash right now!"
Parshat Matot-Masei: A Short Thought by Rabbi Asher Weiss
- Weiss, Rabbi Asher
- "Words have kedusha (holiness)… It is what is unique about humankind: only we use words. [Language is] the greatest gift HKBH gave to human beings.
Parashat Pinchas: Rav Tzadok HaKohen On the Parsha
- Schwartz, Rabbi Yitzchak
- The shattering of the first tablets opened up vast new vistas of Torah wisdom to the Jewish people.
Is Your Anxiety Killing You? Looking Up: The Meaning behind the Snake on the Pole
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "The key to healing is not by fleeing the cause of the suffering, but by gazing at it... Because deep inside the pain, you will find the healing light.
Understanding Am Yisrael’s Stubbornness in the Midbar – Post 2
- Emor Project
- Every human being must proceed upon a path of personal and communal growth, one of going from katnut (immaturity) to gadlut (maturity).
Understanding Am Yisrael’s Stubbornness in the Midbar – Post 1
- Emor Project
- Am Yisrael (the nation of Israel) achieved an extremely high level of spirituality and connection to HKBH after viewing open miracles in Egypt, at the splitting of the sea, and experiencing Divine revelation when they received the Torah. Yet they immediately sinned by making the golden calf.
Korach – Peaceful Disagreements
- Riter, Rebbetzin Orit Esther
- In this world, good and evil are intermingled and are present in every person and situation. Our task is to seek out the good and raise its sparks of holiness.
The Quest – Post 2
- Jacobson, Rabbi Simon
- "G-d wants us to develop our world…not to escape it.
The Quest
- Jacobson, Rabbi Simon
- For though Korach’s deeds were sinful and destructive, his motivation was meritorious.
The Sin of the Spies
- Simmons, Rabbi Shraga
- "The Torah teaches that when one’s 'vision' is driven by a connection with God, then the ability to achieve transcends all boundaries.
Parashat Shelach: Human Effort vs. Faith
- Heller, Rebbetzin Tziporah
- God created the world requiring our efforts, challenging us to either recognize His role or attribute success to ourselves. The key is acknowledging His wisdom behind everything.
Parashat Shelach – I Spy With My Little Eye
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- "When a person trains himself to speak good, automatically there is a symbiotic relationship and he will see good."
Until the Flame Rises Up on its Own
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "Spiritually, this means that a superficial love of God from obligation or a sense of duty will not do, as that is something that is imposed from without.
The Book of Numbers – Parshat Beha’alotcha – Post 2
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "There are certain times in life…when we have moments of clarity.
The Book of Numbers – Parshat Beha’alotcha – Post 1
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "Moses had a direct line to G-d…he had clear prophecy. All the other prophets had unclear prophecy
Parshat Nasso 5773 – The Number 8
- Liebenberg, Rabbi Mordechai
- "This world is bound by 7…[The number] 8 is on a higher level… [It] represents something that is…beyond this world
The Sound of Silence – Bamidbar
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "To hear the voice of God you need a listening silence in the soul.
The Promise Of The Land – Parshat Bechukotai
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- "The Ramban…points out that the desolation of the land of Israel is really a blessing in disguise.
A Mountain of Light
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "The Torah which was given at Mount Sinai is itself referred to light. Thus, there exists a deep and essential synergy between the infinite light of God as revealed in the Torah and the physical, material world that God has created.
Radical Uncertainty – Parshat Emor
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "It becomes important to embed in a people’s memory the knowledge that we can handle the unknown. God is with us, giving us the courage we need.
The Omer and Holiness – Parshas Kedoshim
- Winston, Rabbi Pinchas
- "The Ramban explains kedushah—holiness—is not merely about how you deal with that which is forbidden to you.
Living Torah – Parashas Acharei Mot-Kedoshim
- Pfeffer, Rabbi Yehoshua
- "How is it that keeping the Torah gives us life? Surely we have life even if we don’t keep the Torah.
Why Do We Love Gossip?
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- When we speak disparagingly about other people…the words being spoken are broken, coming from human beings who are themselves broken.
Comfort In Times of Loss – Parshat Tazria
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- "Tumah, meaning impurity, is connected to the word atum, meaning sealed. The Jewish idea of impurity is something that seals us off from holiness...
The Light We Make
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "Holiness consists in respecting boundaries and honouring the natural order."
Two-minute drill with Rabbi Dov Lipman: Parshat Tzav
- Lipman, Rabbi Dov
- "We learn the laws [in this week’s parsha] of the 'korban toda' which is the sacrifice giving thanks to G-d…. This sacrifice is different from all of the others - one had to bring massive amounts of food with it and [the sacrifice and extra food] all had to be eaten all within one day and one night…
Creation, Israel, and Humility
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh
- "The alef, written especially small in the word ‘vayikra’ in traditional Torah scrolls alludes ...in some deeper sense ... to God’s humility; for when God invited Moses to enter the Tabernacle, he could not because God’s glory filled the entire structure.
Labor of Carrying
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- "When I refrain from carrying on Shabbos, I am making the statement, that not only is G-d Master over the physical world, but G-d is Master over social interaction. G-d is Master over history.
The Fire of Shabbat
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh and Rachel
- "Moses was teaching the people that in order to create a Sanctuary for God in this world, a place where man and God could meet and commune, it needed to be infused first and foremost with the holiness of Shabbat.
Broken: Why Breaking the Tablets Was Moses’ Greatest Accomplishment
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "Moses did not break the tablets because he was angry and lost his control. Rather, the breaking of the tablets was the beginning of the healing process.
5 Powerful Insights from the Rebbe – Tetzaveh
- Rubin, Mordechai
- "Our Sages note that there is an allusion to Moshe’s demise in Tetzaveh, in that this is the only Torah portion (from the time of Moshe’s birth…), in which he is not mentioned by name.
Do You Believe In God? Parshat Teruma
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- "The word mikdash comes from the word kodesh, meaning holy. God wants me to make everything I do holy, connected back to Him.
An Eye for An Eye? Really?
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "Why did the Torah not use the more appropriate ‘ayin baad (literally, for) ayin’ instead of ‘ayin tachat’ (literally, underneath)?
Why You Should Be a Proud Jew
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "When Jethro heard of the powerful institutions of Judaism...he fell in love with Torah and joined the People of the Book.
Living on a Prayer – Parashas Beshalach
- Bigman, Rabbi David
- "HKBH is with us and without His partnership with us, without His accompanying us on our everyday challenges, in our everyday needs, in our everyday occupations, then we wouldn’t have bread to eat from, we wouldn’t have success in our wars.
Unifying the Physical and Spiritual
- Trugman, Rabbi Avraham Arieh and Rachel
- "One of Judaism’s basic goals is the unification of the physical and spiritual realms, both on the practical and mystical levels.
Two-minute drill – Parshat Vayechi
- Lipman, Rabbi Dov
- "Why do we bless our children to be like Ephraim and Menashe?
What does “Jew” mean? – Parshat Vayigash
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- "The job of the Jewish people in this world is to testify that there is a G-d.
Wake Up Calls
- Goldman, Yossy
- "It's not easy to change ingrained habits. But Chanukah, which...falls during this week's Parshah [Miketz], carries with it a relevant message in this regard. Take one day at a time. One doesn't have to do it all at once. One light at a time is all it takes.
The Heroism of Tamar (Vayeshev)
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "Judah could acknowledge his error without loss of face. It was from this episode that the Sages derived the rule...it is better to risk being thrown into a fiery furnace than to shame someone else in public.
In the Merit of Esav
- Haber, Rabbi Yaacov
- "When R’ Yochanan ben Zakkai asked his disciples to go and see which is the best quality to which a man should cling, his disciple R’ Eliezer answered: 'A good eye'. What he meant here was...the ability to see the good in a person or situation.
Parshas Vayeitzei
- Leff, Dr. Nosson Chayim ZT"L
- "Ya’akov Avinu…went to his destination in order to extend the greatness of HaShem’s Presence even to a place where His Presence was hidden.
The Difference between Knowledge and Wisdom
- Goldwicht, Eitiel
- "Jewish wisdom is about integrating knowledge and understanding into our daily lives.
Parashat Vayera: Why Believing in God Should Make You More Kind
- Coopersmith, Rabbi Nechemia
- Abraham realized that he could create an affinity with God by emulating Him.
Parashat Noach: The Purpose of My Soul
- Haber, Rabbi Yaacov
- "Rashi brings the Talmud’s comment in Sanhedrin 108a on Noach’s status as a ‘perfect tzaddik in his generation’... Rav Kook...explains that every Soul has its unique purpose and mission. This mission can only be accomplished at a particular time in history. Souls are time released to the generation to which they belong. If that Neshama would come into this world at a different time in history it would be unable to make its contribution or fulfill its function and purpose...
The Genesis of Justice (Bereishit)
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "The question Genesis seeks to answer is not 'How did the universe come into being?' but 'How then shall we live?'"
The Genesis of Justice (Bereishit)
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "God says, 'Let there be,' and there is... the key word of the narrative, appearing seven times, ...is the word tov, good. Tov is a moral word. The Torah...is telling us something radical. The reality to which Torah is a guide (the word 'Torah' itself means guide, instruction, law) is moral and ethical.
Parashat Hazinu: Hide and Seek
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- When we keep the Torah, we see G-d more clearly in our lives. If we don’t keep it, then G-d becomes more and more difficult to see
Parashat Nitzavim: Sefat Emet Series on Parshat Nitzavim
- Leff, Dr. Nosson Chayim ZT"L
- The Sfas Emes... tells us that access to Torah depends on one’s ye’gia (input of time, effort, and strain). Hence, if a person truly longs for the Torah, he/she will make the effort to attain it.
Parashat Ki Tavo: A Nation of Storytellers
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- History is an account of events that happened sometime else to someone else. Memory is 'my story.' It is the past internalised and made part of my identity...
Parashat Ki Tetze: Or HaChaim Retrieves Hidden Message from Mitzvah of Returning Lost Objects
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- The Torah is discussing returning a person’s lost [object], but at the same time, the Torah is eluding a situation where the person himself is lost… the Torah is urging us to bring 'lost souls' back to the Master of the Universe.
Parashat Shofetim: The Knock on the Door
- Mansour, Rabbi Eli J.
- When we take the initiative of performing Misvot, we 'awaken' blessing from the heavens.
Parashat Re’eh: How To Give to G-d
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- Every mitzvah that involves giving to our fellow beings is a reflection of our relationship with G-d… We have nothing to give except the giving itself. Everything else belongs to G-d.
Parashat Ekev: Why Civilisations Fail
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "Moses was saying: ...It will be when all your physical needs are met – when you have land and sovereignty and rich harvests and safe homes – that your spiritual trial will commence. The real challenge is not poverty but affluence, not insecurity but security, not slavery but freedom. Moses, for the first time in history, was hinting at a law of history... Societies start growing old when they lose faith in the transcendent. Only faith in God can... give us the humility that alone has the power to defeat the arrogance of success
Parashat Devarim: The cumulative process of the Ge’ula.
- Leff, Dr. Nosson Chayim ZT"L
- The Sefat Emet explains that the Ge’ula (final redemption) will come through the cumulative spiritual achievements of each generation. As we approach Shabbat Chazon, let's improve in Torah and mitzvot, seeking Hashem's help, knowing that while our efforts are important, ultimately, everything is directed by Hashem.
The Self Made Man
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- "For every thousand soldiers who went out for the Jewish people, another thousand stayed behind in Eretz Yisrael and prayed for...each soldier at the front...
Parashat Pinchas: Picture The Scene of The Petition of Tzelofchad’s Daughters
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- Master of the World! The personality of each individual is revealed before You; they do not resemble one another. Appoint a leader who can put up with each individual according to his personality.” You, G-d, know better than any human that no two people on this planet are exactly the same.
Parashat Balak: Leadership and Loyalty
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "There are people with great gifts, intellectual and sometimes even spiritual, who nonetheless fail to achieve what they might have done. They lack the basic moral qualities of integrity, honesty, humility and above all loyalty..."
Why Was Moses Denied The Promised Land?: I Am a Rock
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "What is the reason that in the first incident [which occurred 40 years before the second] G-d instructed Moses to strike the rock, while in the second incident He insisted exclusively on verbal communication?….
The Color of Heaven – Parshat Korach
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- Korach was not the first nor the last to make the utopian mistake of thinking that all that is needed to perfect the world is within this world. Perfection, however, can only come from G-d. Only He... can bring peace to… all mankind.
Parashat Shelach – Commentary based on the Sefat Emet
- Leff, Dr. Nosson Chayim ZT"L
- "[The Medrash Rabba states] ‘Nothing in this world is as beloved (chaviv) to HaShem as sheluchei mitzva — people who are sent on a mission to do a mitzva — who give their all in order to accomplish their mission.’
The Hidden Light – Be’halot’cha
- Sinclair, Rabbi Yaakov Asher
- "In the world of darkness in which we live, events seem random and cruel. There seems to be no justice, no connection between cause and effect.
Parashat Naso: Our Collective Responsibility
- Mansour, Rabbi Eli J.
- "Each and every one of us contributes to the creation of the environment in which we, our community, and our society live.
Leading a Nation of Individuals (Bamidbar 5781)
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "The book of Bamidbar begins with a census of the Israelites… what is the significance of this act of counting?
Parashat Behukotai: The Unparalleled Power of a Group
- Mansour, Rabbi Eli J.
- "When larger numbers of people come together, their potential increases not proportionally, but exponentially. ...The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 155:1) writes that one is obligated to set times for the study of Torah, and the Hafetz Haim comments that although this obligation Is fulfilled even if one learns alone, nevertheless, 'optimally, it is a Misva to enhance [one’s study] as much as possible by learning in a group, because this way, greater honor is given to G-d.'
Emor – The Heart in Which the Shechina Dwells
- Rav Tzadok HaKohen
- "...we often lose focus of Hashem's presence. The distractions and challenges of everyday life tend to do that... on Shabbos, we are lifted from most of these distractions...
When G-d Becomes an Excuse for Fear
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "G-d... is not defined by any conventions; let your soul, too, not be confined by any external conventions.
Changing the “Eye” – Parshas Tazria
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- "[There is] a beautiful insight, quoted in the name of the Chidushai HaRim. The Gemara in Meseches Ayrachin tells us that there are a number of avayros [sins] which can cause tza’aras. The most commonly known avayrah is loshon horah [evil tongue; slander].
Reticence vs. Impetuosity (Shemini 5781)
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "To do anything great we have to be aware of these two temptations. One is the fear of greatness: who am I? The other is being convinced of your greatness: Who are they? I can do it better.
The Diminutive Aleph
- Twerski, Rabbi Dr. Abraham
- "In the Torah scroll, the word for 'He called,' vayikra, is written with a diminutive aleph. ... aleph is a word that means 'learning.' The message of the diminutive aleph is that one can learn only when one is humble. There are some very bright people who do not learn much because they think they already know everything….
The Human Miracle
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "The Torah has a unique perspective on life. For an infinite G-d to create a home for finite man is not a big deal; however, for a finite man to create a home for an infinite G-d—that is a revolutionary notion. It constitutes the essential revolution of Judaism that from the fragmented pieces of our lives we can construct a home for G-d.
Torah: Particle or Wave? As the Tablets Splintered, Judaism Was Redefined
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "Why did Moshe have to smash the Tablets? If the Jews were undeserving of them, he could have hidden them or returned them to their maker? Why destroy this most sacred item?
The Human Miracle
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "Creation of the universe is G-d's miracle—the miracle of converting energy into matter... Creation of a structure to house the Divine in a desert is man's miracle—the miracle of converting matter into energy...
Midos Tovos Are The Key: Parshas Yisro
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- "The reason the additional parsha which earned 'Yeser' his name begins with Yisro’s proposal for a solution (rather than his recognition of the problem) is because criticism is never an addition. Anyone can criticize. Anyone can come along and say 'That is not a good idea.' 'What you are doing does not work....
Looking Up (Beshallach)
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "A leader must empower the team. They cannot always do the work for the group; they must do it for themselves. But the leader must, at the same time, give them the absolute confidence that they can do it and succeed.""
It’s Your Inner Light That Matters Most
- Weinstein, Rabbi Aryeh
- "...how much time do you spend every day to develop your inner self?
Why Do You Need to Control Me? “Let My People Go!” But Can They Let Themselves Go
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- "You can take a man out of slavery, but it may prove more challenging to take slavery out of a man.
Women as Leaders (Shemot 5781)
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "Yocheved, Miriam, Shifra, Puah, Tzipporah and Batya were leaders not because of any official position they held (in the case of Batya she was a leader despite her official title as a princess of Egypt. They were leaders because they had courage and conscience. They refused to be intimidated by power or defeated by circumstance. They were the real heroes of the Exodus. Their courage is still a source of inspiration today."
Parshat Vayechi: The Eternal Life in This World
- Nagen (Genack), Rabbi Dr. Yakov
- "...there are specific opportunities unique to this world – namely, the ability to 'do'. Man can only change through doing; this change has implications on man’s eternal identity.
I Am Joseph: The Light Born of Life’s Challenges
- Jacobson, Rabbi YY
- “Joseph’s life embodies the entire drama and paradox of human existence… his outer behavior never did justice to his authentic inner grace… The Midrash understands The Torah’s description of Joseph at the age of seventeen as a ‘young boy’ to indicate that he devoted much time to fixing his hair, grooming his eyes, and measuring his every step. … Then, when Joseph rose to become the vizier of Egypt, he donned the persona of a charismatic statesman, a handsome, charming and powerful young leader, a skilled diplomat and a savvy politician with great ambition. It was not easy to
Joseph and Preserving Someone’s Dignity
- Twerski, Rabbi Dr. Abraham
- "Joseph wished...to give his brothers an opportunity to redeem themselves and retain their self-esteem.
It’s All About God
- Hurwitz, Yitzi
- "Joseph’s paradigm was the key to his positive outlook. Joseph saw himself as part of G?d’s plan; he saw every situation as part of the plan. When you perceive the world from this perspective, every difficulty, hardship and challenge is positive. To Joseph, it was all about G?d.
The Better Angels
- Weinreb, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh
- "We all are capable of performing good deeds…We can step outside the Jewish tradition and learn that others have discovered this secret—namely, that we have spiritual abilities within us that cry out for expression. There are potential angels within us all."
Here’s What Nobody Told You About Adam and Eve
- Friedman, Rabbi Manis
- "Eve said 'G-d is asking us to choose: don’t eat from it and live or eat from it and die, it’s your choice.'
When the “I” is Silent
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "Less than prayer changes the world, it changes us. The Hebrew verb lehitpalel, meaning 'to pray,' is reflexive, implying an action done to one- self. Literally, it means 'to judge oneself.' It means, to escape from the prison of the self and see the world, including ourselves, from the outside. Prayer is where the relentless first person singular, the 'I,' falls silent for a moment and we become aware that we are not the centre of the universe. There is a reality outside. That is a moment of transformation.
Parshat Toldot: Do the Ends Sanctify the Means?
- Nagen (Genack), Rabbi Dr. Yakov
- "It seems that the Torah wants us to understand that we pay the price for our moral decisions, even when we choose correctly."
Parashat Chayei Sarah: Making the Count of Our Days Count
- Perlberger, Hanna
- “There is a mystical idea that our days on earth will ultimately be comprised of the garments that clothe our soul after we die. These garments are those of ‘thought,’ ‘speech’ and ‘action.’ The quality of these garments will not be determined by the years of our life, but by the ‘life in our years.’ In other words, we stitch together these holy garments from our good deeds (our mitzvot) and the moments we create that we endow with the quality of ultimate meaning, and therefore, infinite reality.”
Parashat Lekh Lekha: Leaving Our Comfort Zone
- Reflections on the passing of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and Rabbi Dovid Feinstein, may their memories be for a blessing.
Parashat Lekh Lekha: The Courage not to Conform (Lech Lecha 5781)
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "Abraham is, without doubt, the most influential person who ever lived
Parashat Noach: The 17th of Cheshvan: When the Great Flood Began
- Sarah Yehudit Schneider
- "R. Tzadok… derives a spiritual law from Noach’s story. R. Tzadok says that it is always true, that whenever we stumble in our lives, (be it our spiritual lives, emotional lives, career lives, whatever) there was some blessing that was trying to come through in that moment, and for whatever reason we didn’t rise to the occasion...
Parshas Bereishis: The Final Letters Spell ‘Emes’
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- "Our Rabbis point out that the final letters of the words 'Bereshis Barah Elokim' [In the beginning G-d created] [Bereshis 1:1] form the word Emes [Truth], which alludes to the idea that the 'Signature' (chosamo) of the Almighty is Truth. ... All of us should have pleasant and carefree lives. But unfortunately, life is not always like that. A person sometimes goes through very difficult periods in which he might question why G-d is doing these things to him. Such occurrences happen all too frequently. We must always bear in mind that the Signature of the Almighty is Truth. We might
Parashat Haazinu: Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- Because Eliyahu never died — he has been around in all generations. We need someone who has an understanding of each generation to pasken the shaylos [issue Rabbinic rulings on Halachic questions] for that generation.
Parashat Nitzavim: Doing Business with Hashem
- Brody, Rabbi Lazer
- Now's the time to invest in teshuva; with teshuva, we'll all merit our personal and national redemption, speedily and in our days, amen.
Parashat Ki Tavo: Blessings and Curses
- Steinsaltz, Rabbi Adin Even-Israel ZT"L
- The purpose of the curses is to make us aware that following the Torah presents a great challenge.
Parashat Ki Tetze: Finding Humanity in Animals
- Levy, Rabbi Benji
- The Torah is painfully aware that our perceived dominion over animals may easily lead us to practice cruelty, greed and destruction upon our helpless fellow creatures. Equally, it is concerned with inculcating the character traits of empathy and kindness within all of humanity.
Parashat Shofrim: A Sage is Greater than a Prophet
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- If there is a chance of changing someone for the better, then you must try a hundred times, but if there is no chance at all, better be silent.
Parashat Re’eh: Redeeming Relevance: How to See God in the World
- Nataf, Rabbi Francis
- Whether in its variation or in its norms, the world around us provides countless ways to see God.
Parashat Ekev: Spiritual Nourishment
- Wagensberg, Rabbi Abba
- "Where do we see that studying Torah can be an adequate substitute for eating a meal?
Parashat Va’etchanan: Answering Unanswered Prayers
- Weinreb, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh
- Judaism insists upon a balance between faith in the divine and the exercise of practical human effort. It acknowledges that while there must be bitachon, trust in the Lord, there must also be hishtadlut, old-fashioned hard work on our part.
Parshat Devarim: ‘A Good Eye’
- Wein, Rabbi Berel
- A 'good eye' allows one to be optimistic and hopeful, even though the realities of life are often discouraging and negative. One of the tests of faith in Judaism is the ability to be optimistic even in the face of overwhelming difficulties...
Honesty and Integrity
- Weinreb, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh
- "Judaism teaches us the primary importance of keeping our word. But it does not lose sight of our human frailties and limitations
Parshat Pinchas : The Passage to Courage
- Lapin, Rabbi David
- "A person can be deeply engaged in a relationship, but not be attached to it in a needy or addictive manner.
Yaakov Recognized That Without Unity, The Jewish People Have No Hope: Parshas Korach
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- When Jews are at peace with one another, the Shechinah dwells amongst us.
Tzitzis and Creation
- Bernstein, Rabbi Immanuel
- "Creation is referred to allegorically as a garment. Even concerning light, the most elevated of physical creations, the pasuk states '????? ???? ????????????' – 'Envelops with light as with a garment.'
Empathy and Wisdom Be’halot’cha (Numbers 8-12)
- Gefen, Rabbi Yehonasan
- "...the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot... enumerates the 48 qualities... essential in order to acquire Torah. One of the requisite virtues is ‘hanoseh b’ol chaveiro’, (participating with someone else’s troubles).
Sages and Saints: Two Versions of the Moral Life (Naso 5775)
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "Is the aim of the moral life to achieve personal perfection? Or is it to create a decent, just and compassionate society? The intuitive answer of most people would be to say: both.
Parshat Bamidbar: Man Plans and The Almighty Laughs
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- "Many times in life, we look at situations and we are certain regarding what the outcome will be, al derech hateva [based on natural expectations]. 'The Leviim who are not oppressed – they will prosper. The rest of the Jews will dwindle away.' The Torah teaches us that the opposite occurred."
Parshat Behar
- Stav, Rabbi David
- "The prohibition of wronging others is one of the more challenging prohibitions in the Torah. It is easy to identify with the idea that murder, rape or theft are despicable acts that have no place in civil society, but it is much harder to internalize that wronging others in apparently minor ways can destroy the fabric of society to a similar extent.
Parshat Emor 5766: Counting the Omer – The Fifth Dimension
- Lapin, Rabbi David
- "A complete twenty-four-hour period is not a complete day in the true sense of the word. Nor is a full seven days necessarily a complete week. A complete day is a day in which we fulfilled our Divine missions, we carried out Retzono shel Makom (the will of G-d). G-d asks of us to count seven complete weeks. He wants weeks that are not only complete in their measurement of 49 complete time units, but also of seven weeks of Divine mission accomplishment. Divine mission accomplishment gives meaning and completeness to time.
The Scapegoat: Shame and Guilt (Acharei Mot – Kedoshim 5775)
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "There is another difference, which explains why Judaism is overwhelmingly a guilt rather than a shame culture. Shame attaches to the person. Guilt attaches to the act. It is almost impossible to remove shame once you have been publicly disgraced. It is like an indelible stain on your skin.
Changing the Eye: Tazria (Leviticus 12-13)
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- "The affliction of tzaraas is spiritual rather than medical in nature. The Talmud discerns (Arachin 16a) seven different causes for tzaraas, the most famous of which is lashon hara, improper speech. The other six are not as well known. One of them is tzarus ayin, which translates literally as 'narrowness of the eye.' It refers to mean-spiritedness, a tendency to see the negative and overlook the positive in everything. It is a singular lack of generosity in all things, a constricted view of the world and everything in it.
Hearing the Voice: Vayikra (Leviticus 1-5)
- Frand, Rabbi Yissocher
- "God 'spoke to Moshe from the Tent of Meeting.' Rashi explains that the voice of Hashem reached Moshe’s ears, but the Jewish people did not hear it….It was a powerful voice…
Communities and Crowds
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- In commanding Moshe to get the people to make the Tabernacle, God was in effect saying: ‘To turn a group of individuals into a covenantal nation, they must build something together.’
Parshat Ki Tisa: On Golden Calves and Other Heroes
- Adlerstein, Rabbi Yitzchok
- "Our job is not to understand Him, but to become more like Him. We are not to bring Him closer to us, but to move ourselves closer to Him!
Inspiration & Perspiration
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- Judaism’s greatness is that it takes high ideals and exalted visions... and turns them into patterns of behaviour. Ritual is to spiritual greatness what practice is to a tennis player... They are the precondition of high achievement. Serving God is avodah, which means hard work."
Have Poles, Will Travel
- Anava, Rabbi Alon
- "The study of Torah requires intense concentration, and detachment from any outside concerns or distractions. This too is comparable to the Aron, hidden away in the Kodesh Hakadashim, the Holy of Holies in the Mishkan, which was off-limits to all but the Kohen Gadol (and even he, only once a year.)
Parshat Mishpatim: Doing and Hearing
- Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan ZT"L
- "One of the most famous phrases in the Torah makes its appearance in this week’s parsha. It has often been used to characterise Jewish faith as a whole.
Parshat Yitro: The Good Midianite
- Nataf, Rabbi Francis
- The challenge is whether we are able to listen when advice and even criticism comes from someone who does not share our own commitments. Moshe meets this challenge and teaches us that we need to listen to what others have to say if it is correct.