14 Lessons
The Aliya Test
Looking at a Rashi commentary on this week's Torah reading Lekh Lekha to reveal greater truth behind every single Aliyah story.
Baruch Gordon | Cheshvan 9 5782
The Dove, The Olive Branch & The Land of Israel
Israel National Torah
A surprising symbolism of the dove and the olive branch in this week's Parshat Noah.
Baruch Gordon | Cheshvan 2 5782
Diaspora Is Affliction (Even When You're Rich)
Israel National Torah
An explanation of why Yosef referred to Egypt as the "land of my affliction" even when he was one of the most powerful and wealthy individuals living there. (Hint: It's connected to the fact that Egypt is not Israel)
Baruch Gordon | Tevet 3 5780
The Proper Diaspora Mindset
Beyond the 4 Amot
In this week's Parasha Vayechi, there is a huge gap in the story. Ya'akov says he will tell his children what will happen to them at the end of days. Instead of revealing the plan of the final return to Israel, he blesses them. How can we explain this gap?
Baruch Gordon | Tevet 13 5780
Return to Israel the Moment It's Possible
Beyond the 4 Amot
In this week's Torah reading of Vayigash, Yosef's brothers come down to Egypt because of the terrible famine in the land of Israel. There is a difference between their original plan and the reality at the end of the Parasha.
Baruch Gordon | Tevet 6 5780
Secrets of the Return to Zion in the Story of Yosef
Beyond the 4 Amot
In this week's Torah reading of "Vayeshev", the central figure is Yosef. The Talmud tells us that before the appearance of Mashiach Ben David, there is another one, Mashiach Ben Yosef. Why do we need both?
Baruch Gordon | Kislev 20 5780
The Importance of Purchasing Property in Israel
Beyond the 4 Amot
In this week's Torah reading of "Vayishlach", Ya'akov settles the land and purchases the land where he settled. Why was that so important, and what can we learn from it?
Baruch Gordon | Kislev 15 5780
How Can Jews Know When to Return to Israel?
Beyond the 4 Amot
What is the right time for Jews to leave the exile and to come to Israel? In this week's Parsha of "Vayezeh" we can find a direction. We can learn from the time Ya'akov understood it's time for him to come back to Israel.
Baruch Gordon | Kislev 8 5780
The Shared Power of Circumcision & The Land
Beyond the 4 Amot
This week I was named Sandak in my grandson's circumcision. How does the celebration of a circumcision connect to the this week's Parasha of "Toldot"?
Baruch Gordon | Kislev 1 5780
Purchase the Land or Take by Force?
Beyond the 4 Amot
In this week's Torah reading of "Chayei Sara", Avraham Avinu purchases the area around Me'arat Hamachpela. Hashem had already promised the land to Avraham. Why then did he agree to pay for it?
Baruch Gordon | Cheshvan 24 5780
The Torah's Stand on Land Concessions for Peace
Beyond the 4 Amot
What is the Torah's view on giving away land in order to make a peace agreement with other nations? This week's Parasha "Vayera" gives us an insight into this question.
Baruch Gordon | Cheshvan 17 5780
Judaism starts with the Land of Israel
Beyond the 4 Amot
In this week's Parasha, Hashem commands his first command to the first jew. The commandment is to move to the land of Israel.
Baruch Gordon | Cheshvan 10 5780
Connecting Creation With Sovereignty
Beyond the 4 Amot
Rashi explains the creation story is our answer to allegations leveled against us that we stole the land of Israel from the nations. How does that work?
Baruch Gordon