Beit El: Modern-Day Site of Yaakov's Dream

The Attributes of Truth and Eternity: One and the Same

Guarding the Honor of Israel

Some people ask if it is permitted to endanger oneself for the sake of the honor of the People of Israel. It seems from this week's Torah portion that the answer is yes.

Yosef & His Brothers / The National Religious & the Left

A comparison of the relationship between the left-wing and the Jewish population of Judea and Samaria (Yesha), and the first ten sons of the Patriarch Yaakov and their young brother Yosef.

Bereishis - the stories' Chumash

Take Responsibility!

Why Where the Foremothers Barren?

Time to get big!

I Have a Dream!

Joseph and His Brothers

The Settlers and the Israeli Left

Relations between Israel's left and the settler community seem to mirror the sort of relations that existed between Joseph and his brothers. The settlers, like Joseph, dream messianic dreams about the redemption of Israel; the brothers are spiteful.

Jacob Remained Alone

Parashat Vayishlach

The success of the nations finds expression in the dislocation of the hip joint. They succeed only in causing us to limp. Though they manage to slow down the pace of Israel's advance toward the final redemption, they are unable to stop us entirely.

In the Beginning

Parashat Bereshit

In studying the ways of creation, we must remember that everything evolves from one ultimate source - the Torah. The Torah is the inner essence of all worldly matters. Creation is a mere manifestation - a reflection of the true essence, the Torah.

For the Sake of the Beginning

Parashat Bereshit

The Torah is the Universe's source. It is not like a blueprint that can be discarded once the construction is finished and the structure stands on its own; it is not like an idea that, after it has been actualize, can be forgotten.

Parshat Noach

1. Two Torahs 2. Covenantal Foundation 3. Hints in the Shma 4. A "Permissible Pleasure" 5. Torah and the Process of Redemption

Parshat Vayera

The Path of Avraham Avinu

Seeking the Good, Confronting Challenges, Some Family History, "Igniting" Others, A Modern Application.

Of Conversations and Commandments

Parshat Chayey-Sara

Eliezer’s Mission, A Deeper Look, Blind Faith? Long-Standing Debate. Coming Full Circle. Of Late.

More Than Meets the Eye

Parashat Toldot

Two Approaches, Comparison, Self-Restraint. Tzaddik Talks, People Listen. The Birth of Ya'akov and Esav, Internal Struggle.

Parashat Vayetze

Ya'akov's Home

1. The Gate 2. Boundless Bounty 3. Drawn to Ya'akov's Home 4. Reflecting on the Present 5. Laying the Groundwork

Ya'akov's Messengers

Dispatching Angels, Something in Common, Imitatio Dei, Individuality and Inclusiveness.

Parshat Noah

The Flood and the Tower

The Sin of the Generation of the Flood symbolizes the world's drive to satisfy its base physical desires, while that of the Generation of the Tower of Babel represents spiritual rebellion and denial of God's rule in the world.