73 Lessons
Masei Retribution and Revenge
Near the end of Bamidbar, we encounter the law of the cities of refuge: three cities to the east of the Jordan and, later, three more within the land of Israel itself. There, people who had committed homicide could flee and find protection until their case was heard by a court of law.
Masei Retribution and Revenge
Even justified acts of bloodshed, as in the case of war, still communicate impurity. That is what lies behind the idea of revenge.
Matot Oaths and Vows
Can freedom and order coexist in the human sphere? Can there be a society which is both free and just at the same time?
Pinchas Elijah and the Still, Small Voice
To preserve tradition and at the same time defend those others condemn is the difficult, necessary task of religious leadership in an unreligious age.
Balak The Curse of Loneliness
The battle against antisemitism can be won, but it will not be if Jews believe that we are destined to be alone. That is Bilaam’s curse, not God’s blessing.
Chukat Anger Management
“Is this the Torah and this its reward?” we are tempted to say. What was Moses’ sin that it merited such punishment?