The story goes that in the Polish village of Chelm there was a dangerously steep hill. People were always falling down this hill and getting injured. The village elders gathered

In perashat Pinehas, identity is a prominent theme. People are mentioned with elaborate pedigree

“A new truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die, and a new generation grows up that

“Which arguments are for the sake of Heaven? Those of Hillel and Shamai. Which arguments are not for the sake of Heaven? Those of Korah and his company.” (Abot, 5:17)

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”  ― Abraham Lincoln In perashat Shelah we find our ancestors standing upon the threshold of

“I will insist the Hebrews have

Bemidbar 5774: Whole in One The book of Bemidbar describes the desert sojourns of the nation of Israel upon leaving Mount Sinai. In these travels, the nation no longer congregates

Behukotai is not an easy parasha to read. There is the obvious reason — its graphic presentation of harrowing events that a disobedient Jewish people might suffer — but even

Behar 5774: At Your Service “For the Children of Israel are servants unto Me; they are My servants…I am the Lord Your G-d.” (25:55) Years ago, when I first studied this

Emor 5774: Do As I Say Not As They Do Our environment affects us profoundly. We are social animals who are strongly influenced by the actions and behaviors of those