Paradoxical Communication with One’s Maker

Torah, in All Its Forms, Goes Forth From Zion

Speaking last week about the weekly Torah portion, we noted that on Israel Independence Day, Yom HaAtzma'ut, we should thank G-d not only for the historic formation of the State of Israel in our generation, but also for the fact that Israel today is a Torah powerhouse, the likes of which we've never seen in any generation. The number of Torah students today is the largest ever, and the amount of hours spent studying Torah is the largest ever – all this mainly thanks to the State of Israel. The level of Torah study here in Israel is also the highest in the entire Jewish world. (We also stated that we must increase our in-depth Torah study, which is the most important part of our engagement with Torah.)

On the Centrality of Yerushalayim and on Vegetarianism

In this week’s Torah reading, we learn of a prohibition to slaughter an animal and not bring it as a sacrifice (Vayikra 17:1-7). In Parashat Eikev, the Torah allows one who is at a significant distance from the Mikdash to slaughter an animal and eat it locally (Devarim 12:21).

From Kriat Yam Suf to Yom Ha'atzma'ut

In these days after the seventh day of Pesach and around the time of the declaration of the State, we will try to explain the connection between two national historical events – “Brit Bein Hab’tarim” (covenant with Avram) and Kriat Yam Suf (splitting of the sea). David Hamelech describes Kriat Yam Suf in Hallel Hagadol as “to cut (gozer) the sea into strips (gezarim), forever is His kindness” (Tehillim 136:13). The use of the word “gozer” brings us to a new understanding of that event. The root of the splitting of the sea starts at the historical event of Brit Bein Hab’tarim. There the Torah used the word “Bein Hagezarim” (Bereishit 15:17) to describe the covenant with Avram.

“Be Holy” – Regarding Workers Rights, Too

The Two Sons

Do Not Do Iniquity in Judgment

Four Who Are One

Inside Out Revisited

On the eighth day, the outside turned into inside, whereas, on Yom Kippur, the inside, which is usually off limits to visitors, turns into an outer area, in that it can be selectively approached.

The National Tongue

Parashat Acharie Mot

Parashat Acharie Mot

In Your Blood, You Shall Live

Parashat Acharei Mot

Parashat Acharei Mot

Let Your Animal Bring You Up, Not Down

Parashat Acharei Mot

Parashat Acharei Mot