Sedrat Nitzavim 5782
This week we find ourselves in Parshat Nitzavim. A person's relationship with God is the most important connection in their life, providing a rock of stability and unchanging values regardless of how volatile the world becomes. In this week's portion, we learn of two distinct approaches to connecting with the Almighty. The first is the human to God approach, where we recognize and experience His divine power in our lives. The second is the God to human approach, centered on the unique reality that the Jewish people are ruled directly by God rather than through any intermediaries. Both paths are [...]
The Sedra Shoftim
This week we find ourselves in Parshat Shoftim. While we have merit to live in our land, we must recognize that exile is not just a geographical location, it is a state of being. We have lost so much, and one of the most vital components missing today is the clarity of judgment and divine advice. Our portion begins with the command to appoint judges and officers, ensuring a justice system that governs with true righteousness. The Torah describes a situation where a matter is too baffling for the people to decide. Ibn Ezra explains that baffling means hidden. In [...]
