The Sedra Re’eh 5783
This week we find ourselves in Parshat Re’eh, where the Torah presents us with a clear choice: a blessing if we obey God's commandments, and a curse if we turn away to follow other gods. In the modern world, idolatry might seem like an irrelevant concern of the past. However, the Rambam teaches us that the principal purpose of the entire Torah is the utter destruction of idolatry and all that is connected to it. Rashi notes that one who acknowledges an idol is as though they denied the entire Torah. This is because the prohibition is not just about [...]
The Sedra Veetchanan 5783
This week we find ourselves in Parshat Va'etchanan. The Rambam teaches us a fundamental truth about human nature: we are inevitably influenced by those around us, our friends, and our local norms. This principle applies not just to individuals, but to our entire nation. In this week's portion, we are strictly warned to watch ourselves scrupulously so that we do not forget the revelation at Sinai. The Sforno explains that this is a warning against being swayed by foreign philosophies that could lead us away from God. Our success in the land of Israel is entirely dependent on our allegiance [...]
