Va'etchanan

The Fewest of All Peoples

What has happened to all the promises of Bereishit, that Abraham’s children would be numerous, uncountable, as many as the stars of the sky, the dust of the earth, and the grains of sand on a seashore?

Honor the Elderly!

Am I required to stand up anytime I see a senior citizen walking down the street? I give a daf yomi shiur. Many of those who attend are old enough to be my grandfather. Am I required to stand up for them when they arrive at the shiur? Does one older person need to stand up for another older person?

Heaven's Refusal

Although our teacher Moshe figuratively tears down the gates of heaven with his prayers and supplication to be allowed to enter the land of Israel, his wish is not granted. The question itself remains a vexing one, even thousands of years later.

Who Heard Ten?

Parashat Vaetchanan returns us to the Ten Commandments. We also read the parasha of Shema, which we recite twice a day, thereby accepting Hashem’s sovereignty over us. One thing that unites these special Torah portions is the matter of shemi’ah (hearing).

Va'etchanan

Follow the Leader

The Spiritual Effects of Diaspora

Israel National Torah

A look at the claim in this week's Torah reading VaEtchanan that Jews who live outside the Land of Israel will serve idols and reconciles it with commentators who seemingly disagree.

Moshe’s Military Message