In our fast paced 24/7 world, we are constantly faced with the issue of job security. A job that may look safe today may be gone tomorrow. I can remember a time not too long ago when computer programming was considered a lucrative field to enter; six months later the word got out to stay […]
Jews have been synonymous with charity since the formative days of the nation. Our father Abraham had four doors on his tent, one on each side, so that passersby from all sides would enter and feel welcome. Throughout our long history, each town that housed a Jewish community has had a special charity fund and […]
The concept of reward and punishment is part and parcel of life. From the moment we’re old enough to understand it, we’re faced with choices. If we listen to our parents and teachers and cooperate with our bosses we’ll be rewarded in some appropriate manner; if not, we’ll have to face the music. This motivation […]
The Key To Jewish Survival This week’s Torah portion, Haazinu, provides a prophetic snapshot of our nation’s long history. It speaks of G-d’s eternal love for His nation. The Torah speaks glowingly of how the Jews followed G-d in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt, trusting that He would provide for their needs. He […]
In this week’s Torah portion, Vayelech, Moshe once again, exhorts the Jewish People before he dies, to adhere to the Torah’s commandments. Moshe introduces the final two commandments of the Torah: each person should write his own Torah scroll, and Hakhel. The Hakhel ceremony takes place every seven years, in the year following Shemitta. All […]
The Rosh Hashanah holiday is a holiday that tugs at the heart of every Jew. Regardless of denomination, most Jews find themselves in the synagogue for some part of the Rosh Hashanah day. Have you ever seen a synagogue that isn’t full to capacity on Rosh Hashanah? A Jew’s conscience is aroused on this day. […]
Korach, a descendant of the Tribe of Levi, led a group of 250 people in a revolt against Moshe. His rebellion began after Moshe has appointed his brother Aaron as High Priest and a cousin as a leader of the Levites. This seemed like nepotism to Korach, as if Moshe was acting without G-d’s directive. […]
Parshas Ki Sisa begins with G-d commanding Moses to take a census of the Jewish population by collecting one half-shekel piece from each male between the ages of twenty and sixty. G-d then describes to Moses the kiyor (copper wash basin)that the kohanim (priests) were to use to sanctify their hands and feet before doing […]
Parshat Ki Savo begins with a description of the mitzvah of bikkurim: Each year, the farmers would bring their first (ripe) fruits to the Temple, where they would say a special prayer of thanks to G-d for giving them a wonderful crop. They would then give the fruits to a Kohen (Priest). This mitzvah teaches […]
Parshas Ki Saitzai focuses primarily on a variety of interpersonal relationships and the need to be sensitive to the feelings of others. The portion opens with the intriguing case of the gentile woman who is captured in battle. The Torah then moves on to list a wide variety of mitzvos. It discusses the firstborn son’s […]