The Sedra Nasso 5783
This week we read Parshat Nasso, the longest Torah portion of the year. Within its many verses, we find the account of the Nesiim, the leaders of the tribes, and their contributions to the Mishkan. While their offer to fill in any gaps left by the community's donations seemed generous, our sages offer a critique of their timing. By waiting to see what was needed, they displayed a lack of Zerizut, or zealousness. As Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto explains in Mesillat Yesharim, zeal is not just about speed; it is about reflecting our excitement and love for God's commandments. We [...]
Misnomers in the Torah: There’s no superstition in Judaism
Today, we are diving into a topic that might be a bit controversial for some: the role of superstition in Judaism. Many people believe that certain folk practices, like wearing red strings or using a hamsa, are deeply rooted in our tradition. However, the truth is that Judaism is a faith based on logic, rationality, and the belief that God alone runs the world. Superstition, by definition, involves beliefs and phenomena that exist outside of this divine and rational order. The Torah teaches us that these practices are not only nonsensical but are actually forbidden. There are no hidden forces [...]
Jewish philosophy: The Value of Jewish Women
In this video on Jewish philosophy, we are going to explore the profound value the Torah places on Jewish women and the sanctity of relationships. We are all familiar with the three cardinal sins for which one must give up their life rather than violate: idolatry, murder, and sexual indiscretions. Often, we think of that last category only in terms of adultery, but the law goes much deeper, touching on the very essence of human dignity. We will discuss a fascinating and extreme case from our legal tradition involving a man's infatuation and the clear boundaries the Torah sets to [...]
