Parsha
On Shabbat Nachamu, Isaiah reminds us that human power is just an illusion
Isaiah declares, “Behold, the nations are as a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as the dust on the scales... All the nations are as nothing before Him” (Isaiah 40:15,17).
Parashat Hukat: A life of meaning
Beyond the Headlines: A letter from New Zealand - opinion
Beyond the headlines: Finding an anchor in the shelter - opinion
Israel's first olim: Abraham and Sarah
The story of his life up until the moment God tells Abraham to leave is tantalizingly elusive. This is why the midrash there plays such a central role in answering: Why was he chosen?
Parashat Lech Lecha: Abraham and Lot - A study in greatness
The differences between Abraham and Lot chart the future - In this week’s Torah portion God tells Abraham to go and each generation of our people is taken along on his journey.
Parashat Lech Lecha: Justice – the source of blessing
Abraham’s unique path - and ours nowadays - is to pursue justice and perform acts of loving-kindness.
Why is Abraham the chosen one?
Shouldn’t this great man be introduced along with his heroic credentials? Why is this his past résumé kept confidential?
Parashat Vayelech: Who writes your story?
The notion that Moses received everything on the mountain in the Book of Exodus runs into considerable problems, as our sages knew.
Parashat Vayelech: The concealed face of God
Why is a punishment in the Torah described as "the concealment of God’s face" , and what is the meaning of this?
Nitzavim and Returnings
In Judaism, we emphasize the past through saying Kaddish (the Mourner’s Prayer) and Yizkor (the Memorial Prayer).
Parashat Nitzavim: Two rules for getting lost
On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we have the chance to stop, and admit that in our lives we are lost. We can reset our spiritual GPS, and begin anew.
Parashat Nitzavim: Who cleanses you?
Centuries of sin, exile and distance created a sort of spiritual cover over the heart that thickened as time passed.
Don't forget to say thank you
Too often we perceive our great achievements as a testament to our greatness and fall prey to “And you may say in your heart, ‘My strength and the might of my hand made this victory’.”
