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 [...]
The Sedra Balak 5783
In this week's video for Parshat Balak, we explore the complex dynamics between neighboring nations. The threat one country poses to another is not always physical; it can be economic, social, or psychological. As the Israelites approached the land of Moab, they came in peace, yet Balak, the king of Moab, was overcome with dread. Rashi and the Ramban explain that this fear was twofold: a terror of the numerous people and a deep disgust with their own lives. Despite the fact that the Jewish people had no intention of capturing Moabite land and had even been commanded by God [...]
Misnomers in the Torah: Confusing free and right to choose
In this video, we examine a crucial misnomer regarding the concept of free choice. Many people believe that because we have the freedom to choose, we have the right to choose anything, including whether or not to follow Jewish law. This is a profound misunderstanding. While we certainly have the technical ability to make our own decisions, that does not mean those choices are without weight. The true consequence of ignoring the Mitzvot is not necessarily a sudden divine punishment, but rather the internal damage we do to ourselves and our souls. Every choice we make shapes the person we [...]
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 [...]
