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PARSHAT NITZAVIM/VAYELECH TESHUVAH: GOD'S RETURN TO US SEPTEMBER 3-4, 2010/ 25 ELUL 5770 Parshat Nitzavim, the first of the two portions we read this week, is replete with the message of teshuvah (repentance). Teshuvah PARSHAT KI TAVO ANTI-ZIONISM IS A COVER FOR ANTI-SEMITISM AUGUST 27-28, 2010 / 18 ELUL 5770 Three covenants (brit) are mentioned in the Torah, the covenant of the pieces (Genesis 15), the covenant of Sinai (Exodus 19), and the covenant of our portion, PARSHAT KI-TETZE THE CHALLENGE OF MORALITY IN THE FACE OF WAR AUGUST 20-21, 2010 / 9 ELUL 5700 "All is fair in love and war." Not so in Judaism. PARSHAT SHOFTIM THE ROLE OF THE JEWISH KING AUGUST 13-14, 2010 / 4 ELUL 5770 Whether appointing a king is legally obligatory or not is a subject of great controversy. But whether it is or is not, the Torah recognizes that it is human nature that people PARSHAT RE'EH ADDING AND SUBTRACTING FROM THE TORAH: THE RABBI'S ROLE IN THE LEGAL PROCESS AUGUST 6-7, 2010 / 27 AV 5770 This week's Torah portion gives us a curious mitzvah. It tells us not to add or subtract to the commandments. (Deuteronomy 13:1) PARSHAT EKEV THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LAND OF ISRAEL JULY 30-31, 2010 / 20 AV 5770 Over and over our portion emphasizes the importance of inheriting the land of Israel. (Deuteronomy 8:1, 9:1) Why is Israel so crucial to our covenant with God? PARSHAT VAETCHANAN NACHAMU STAYING CONNECTED TO ISRAEL JULY 23-24, 2010 / 13 AV 5770 Moshe (Moses) in this weeks' portion implores God for permission to enter into Israel. PARSHAT DEVARIM/CHAZON THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN ENDEAVOR AND DIVINE INTERVENTION JULY 16-17, 2010 / 6 AV 5770 There is a Talmudic story that reveals a lot about how we should react when facing adversity. PARSHAT MATOT-MASEI IN TIMES OF DANGER, RUN TO ISRAEL RATHER THAN FROM ISRAEL JULY 9-10, 2010 / 28 TAMMUZ 5770 In one of this week’s portions, Reuven, Gad and half of Menashe request to remain on the eastern side of the Jordan. A cursory review of their request gives us insight into why these particular tribes tried to remain outside Israel. PARSHAT PINCHAS WHY DO WE PRAY WITH A SET TEXT? JULY 2-3, 2010 / 21 TAMMUZ 5770 An opinion recorded in the Talmud states that prayers correspond to the daily sacrifices offered in the Temple which are mentioned in this week’s portion. (Berakhot 26b, Numbers 28:4) PARSHAT BALAK THE POWER OF LOVE TO CONQUER HATRED JUNE 25-26, 2010 / 14 TAMMUZ 5770 Could it be that Bilaam, the gentile prophet, saddled his own animal when he set forth to curse the Jews? (Numbers 22:21) For someone of his stature, a prophet, it certainly seems beneath his dignity. PARSHAT CHUKAT KEEPING THE EGO IN CHECK JUNE 18-19, 2010 / 7 TAMMUZ 5770 In this week’s portion Moses is told that he would not enter Israel because he hit the rock instead of speaking to it. PARSHAT KORACH THE MAKING OF A SUCCESSFUL RABBI JUNE 11-12, 2010/ 30 SIVAN 5770 From the time that Moshe (Moses) comes on the scene, he is under attack. As he breaks up a fight between Jews while still in Egypt, one turns to him and says, "who made you a ruler and judge over us." (Exodus 2:14) PARSHAT SHELACH THE GIFT OF OPPORTUNITY IS NOT LIMITLESS JUNE 4-5, 2010 / 23 SIVAN 5770 A glimpse at the narrative in the book of Numbers reveals an almost parallel pattern of events to that which occurred to the Jews after their leaving Egypt. PARSHAT BA-HA'ALOTCHA THE GREAT SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SMALLEST BOOK OF THE TORAH MAY 28-29, 2010 / 16 SIVAN 5770 The words we recite when taking the Torah from the Ark are found in this week's portion. "And it came to pass, when the Ark set forward, that Moshe (Moses) said 'rise up O Lord and let Your enemies be scattered; and let them that hate You flee before You.'" (Numbers 10:35) PARSHAT NASO AND SHAVUOT THE INTEGRAL LINK BETWEEN NATION AND FAMILY MAY 18-20, 2010 / 6-7 SIVAN 5770 The story of Ruth is one of a family in dissolution. Naomi's husband and two sons die leaving her with her two daughters in law, Orpah and Ruth. PARSHAT BAMIDBAR THE LINK BEWTEEN PARSHAT BAMIDBAR AND THE HOLIDAY OF SHAVUOT MAY 14-15, 2010 / 2 SIVAN 5770 This week's parsha, Bamidbar is always read on the Shabbat prior to the Shavuot holiday. This year is no different. Rabbi Isaiah Halevy Horowitz, PARSHAT BEHAR-BEKHUKOTAI LET'S BE THANKFUL FOR OUR BLESSINGS MAY 7-8, 2010 / 24 IYAR 5770 In today's second portion, Bekhukotai, we read the tokheha-the curse, in which a series of punishments that will be meted out if the Jewish people PARSHAT EMOR THE LESSONS OF SEFIRAT HA-OMER APRIL 30-MAY 1, 2010 / 17 IYAR 5770 Our Torah portion talks of the fifty days between Passover and Shavuot commonly known as Sefirat Ha-omer. From a biblical perspective, these days relate to PARSHAT ACHAREI MOT-KEDOSHIM THE LESSONS OF HOLINESS EVEN IN DEATH APRIL 23-24, 2010 / 10 IYAR 5770 From a literal perspective, the names of portions are nothing more than the first major word of the part of the Torah that is read during the week. PARSHAT TAZRIA-METZORA EXPLAINING THE LAWS OF FAMILY PURITY APRIL 16-17, 2010 / 3 IYAR 5770 Why is there a time of physical separation between PARSHAT SHEMINI MAINTAINING THE PURITY OF SHOAH MEMORY APRIL 9-10, 2010 / 26 NISAN 5770 Survivors of the Shoah encounter the experience through what can be called "pure memory." PASSOVER 5770 THE HIDDEN MESSAGE OF THE FOUR CHILDREN MARCH 29 - APRIL 6, 2010 / 15-22 NISAN 5770 The literal approach to the Haggadah's four children is straightforward. On four different occasions, the Torah describes questions asked by children about Passover. PARSHAT TZAV SACRIFICES CELEBRATE OUR LOVE OF GOD MARCH 26-27, 2010/ 12 NISAN 5770 This week's portion continues the theme of the sacrificial service. There are many suggestions as to the reasoning behind this enigmatic, yet important element of our tradition. PARSHAT VAYIKRA TWO TYPES OF LOVE OF GOD FOR THE JEWISH PEOPLE MARCH 19-20, 2010/ 5 NISAN 5770 The Book of Leviticus opens with the word Va-yikra, "and He [the Lord] called." (Leviticus 1:1) Rashi points out that va-yikra PARSHAT VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI THE MISHKAN AS A SYMBOL OF DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS MARCH 12-13, 2010 / 27 ADAR 5770 In the portion of Pekudei a reckoning of the work done in the Tabernacle is recorded. PARSHAT KI TISA THE LESSONS OF SEEING ONLY GOD'S BACK MARCH 5-6, 2010 / 20 ADAR 5770 One of the most extraordinary images in the Torah appears in this week's portion. Moshe (Moses) asks God PARSHAT TETZAVEH THE OBJECTIVE IMPORTANCE OF REMEMBERING FEBRUARY 26-27, 2010 / 13 ADAR 5770 In both the Purim and Joseph stories, seemingly meaningless sub plots eventually turn into major focal points. PARSHAT TERUMAH THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF THE HOLINESS OF JERUSALEM FEBRUARY 19-20, 2010 / 6 ADAR 5770 This week's portion talks about the first synagogue of all time-the mishkan. Because the chasm between the finite human being and the infinite God is PARSHAT MISHPATIM/SHEKALIM THE INTEGRAL CONNECTION BETWEEN PRAYER AND ACTION FEBRUARY 12-13, 2010 / 29 SHEVAT 5770 The Talmud states that the source of prayer is the biblical phrase: "And you shall serve Him with all your heart." (Deuteronomy 11:13) Service is usually associated with action. PARSHAT YITRO A MESSAGE OF INCLUSIVENESS AT THE FOOT OF MT. SINAI FEBRUARY 5-6, 2010 / 22 SHEVAT 5770 The Torah tells us that at the moment of revelation all the Jews at Sinai were able to see. (Exodus 20:15) Is it possible that PARSHAT BESHALAH JEWISH BLOOD IS NOT CHEAP JANUARY 29-30, 2010/ 15 SHEVAT 5770 Although the Torah often points out the infinite value of every human life, this week's parsha gives a clear message about PARSHAT BO THE INTERDEPENDANCE OF ACTIONS AND FEELINGS JANUARY 22-23, 2010/8 SHEVAT 5770 In this week's portion, the Torah begins to present PARSHAT VA'ERA REDEMPTION COMES IN STAGES JANUARY 15-16, 2010 / 1 SHEVAT 5770 In this week's portion, God tells Moshe to tell the children of Israel that he will soon take them out of Egypt. PARSHAT SHEMOT THE BUSH AS A SYMBOL OF EMPATHY JANUARY 8-9, 2010 / 23 TEVET 5770 Why, out of all places, did God reveal himself to Moshe (Moses) through the burning bush - sneh (Exodus 3:2)? PARSHAT VA-YECHI THE SIGNIFICANT RESPONSE OF SILENCE JANUARY 1-2, 2010 / 16 TEVET 5770 As Ya'akov (Jacob) blesses his children, he tells his eldest, Reuven, that kingship will not come from him as he PARSHAT VAYIGASH YEHUDAH: A FITTING MODEL OF RECONCILIATION DECEMBER 25-26, 2009 / 9 TEVET 5770 Our portion opens with Yehudah (Judah) standing before Yosef (Joseph). Through Yehudah's plea, the entire family of Ya'akov (Jacob) is kept intact. PARSHAT MIKETZ REMAINING TRUE TO OUR ROOTS WHEREVER WE ARE DECEMBER 18-19, 2009 / 2 TEVET 5770 When Yosef (Joseph) is appointed second to the king by Pharaoh he is given an Egyptian name. In the words of PARSHAT VAYESHEV - A CHANUKAH REFLECTION SPIRIT: A NECESSARY COMPONENT OF TRUE STRENGTH DECEMBER 11-12, 2009 / 25 KISLEV 5770 It is well known that on the first day of Chanukah one candle is lit. On each successive night, one more is kindled. This in fact is the view of Beit Hillel PARSHAT VAYISHLACH YA'AKOV'S STRUGGLE: A MODEL OF TESHUVAH DECEMBER 4-5, 2009 / 18 KISLEV 5770 Could Ya'akov's (Jacob) altercation with a mysterious man have been the beginning of a process of repentance for having taken the blessings of his brother Esau? PARSHAT VAYETZE TRANSFORMING THE IMPOSSIBLE INTO THE POSSIBLE NOVEMBER 27-28, 2009 / 11 KISLEV 5770 Although we are given a tremendous amount of information about their lives, it is certain that not every PARSHAT TOLDOT YAAKOV AND YISRAEL: THE INTEGRATION OF BODY AND SOUL NOVEMBER 20-21, 2009 / 4 KISLEV 5770 This week's portion tells of Yitzchak's (Isaac) special love for Esav (Esau) and Rivka's (Rebecca) special love for Yaakov (Jacob). (Genesis 25:28) PARSHAT CHAYEI SARAH TRUE OWNERSHIP COMES ONLY THROUGH PERSONAL EFFORT NOVEMBER 13-14, 2009 / 27 CHESHVAN 5770 Years ago I was privileged to be in Rav Ahron Soloveichik's shiur (Torah class). Although most know him for his PARSHAT VAYERA THE QUESTION IS NOT WHETHER ONE WILL STRAY, RATHER HOW WILL WE RESPOND WHEN WE STRAY NOVEMBER 6-7, 2009 / 20 CHESHVAN 5770 As Hagar sits a distance from her dying son Yishmael an angel appears and declares "Mah lakh Hagar? What ails you Hagar?" (Genesis 21:17) PARSHAT LECH-LECHA THE GREATEST ROLE MODELS ARE ONES THAT SHOWS THEY ARE TRULY HUMAN OCTOBER 30-31, 2009 / 13 HESHVAN 5770 At Sarah's insistence, Abraham marries Hagar. Soon after, Hagar becomes pregnant and Sarah then becomes enraged. Here, the Torah uses the word va-te-a' ne-hah, PARSHAT NOACH LIFE IS MADE UP OF A BALANCE BETWEEN SAMENESS AND NEWNESS OCTOBER 23-24, 2009 / 6 CHESHVAN 5770 At the conclusion of the deluge, God proclaimed that "while the earth remains...day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8:22) Rashi deduces from this verse that PARSHAT BEREISHIT THE MESSAGE OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN OCTOBER 16-17, 2009 / 29 TISHREI 5770 Why did Adam and Eve disobey God and eat from the tree of knowledge? PARSHAT VEZOT HA-BRACHAH A SIMCHAT TORAH REFLECTION OCTOBER 10, 2009/ 22 TISHREI 5770 The last portion of the Torah reverberates with the image of circles. After all, immediately after its reading, we start the Torah from the beginning again. We have, indeed, come full circle. SUKKOT: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS OCTOBER 3, 2009 / 15 TISHREI 5770 Sukkot is the only festival referred to as Zman Simchateinu, the time of happiness in our liturgy. The Torah, in its TRUSTING GOD A YOM KIPPUR REFLECTION SEPTEMBER 25-28, 2009 / 8-10 TISHREI 5770 Rabbi Yaacov ben Asher writes that during different times in prayer, there are different physical postures that we take. We stand when reciting the Amidah and fall on our faces when saying the prayer of Tahanun. (Tur, Orakh Hayyim 131) A TASTE OF TORAH IN HONOR OF SHABBAT AND YOM TOV A ROSH HASHANAH REFLECTION SEPTEMBER 19-20, 2009/ 1-2 TISHREI 5770 We live in a world where people emphasize history-their past, or the future-their hopes and dreams. Does the PARSHAT NITZAVIM/VAYELEKH TESHUVAH: GOD'S RETURN TO US SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2009 / 23 ELUL 5769 Parshat Netzavim is replete with the message of teshuvah (repentance). Teshuvah is most often associated with our return to God. We have previous Weekly Divrei Torahs, just click here: |
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