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Parashat Hukat haftarah: The argument that persists

BY KENNETH BRANDER — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 01:14:59 GMT

The conclusion is clear: a nation that attacks another in an attempt to annihilate it forfeits its claims to protection. Israel did not conquer out of ambition. It defended itself.

Parashat Hukat: The red heifer's lesson in an age of multitasking and fragmentation

BY MOSHE TARAGIN — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 01:14:39 GMT

We strive to understand divine will, but when our understanding falls short, we do not walk away from obedience. Commitment to divine command remains the bedrock of religious life.

Parashat Hukat: A life of meaning

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:55:55 GMT

The Torah teaches that genuine values require commitment and effort. A person who remains connected to their values only when it is convenient will struggle to maintain them over time.

Parashat Korah: Misreading intentions

BY MOSHE TARAGIN — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:22:15 GMT

Korah's rebellion shows how mistrust and competing narratives destroy dialogue, as reflected today in Israel’s haredi draft divide.

Parashat Korah: The story of the almond – and of diligence

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:51:12 GMT

When Korach questions Moses’ authority, a simple staff becomes a powerful symbol of divine choice and enduring leadership.

What the ma'apilim teach us about faith and judgment

BY MOSHE TARAGIN — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 06:09:00 GMT

The story of the spies shows how belief in destiny can falter in fear or slip into reckless overconfidence.

Joshua's spies chose faith over fear - can Israel do the same?

BY MICHAEL FREUND — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 06:08:52 GMT

Joshua’s spies returned with faith and confidence, teaching a timeless lesson about courage, purpose, and the Land of Israel.

Parashat Shlah: The absolute truth

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:00:13 GMT

When fear overrides faith, even truth becomes distorted; this is the lesson of the spies in the desert.

Parashat Beha'alotcha: The courage to see beyond

BY MICHAEL FREUND — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:53:01 GMT

The Menorah in Zechariah’s vision still burns. Its message still endures. And it still calls to each of us: light the flame. Raise it high.

Parashat Beha'alotcha: Know your place

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:52:08 GMT

After Pharaoh intensified the Jewish slaves' work, Moses felt that his mission had failed. Out of deep pain, he turned to God and said, “Why have You done evil to these people? Why did You send me?

Parashat Bamidbar: ‘Machar Chodesh’

BY MICHAEL FREUND — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:23:33 GMT

This week’s haftarah offers a timely message about longing, loyalty, and the enduring bond between the Jewish people and their homeland.

Parashat Bamidbar: The individual within the collective

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:56:57 GMT

When the Torah counts the people by tribes and families, it teaches the art of integration: Each individual is counted on his or her own, yet as part of a larger structure.

Parashat Behar-Behukotai: Quality vs quantity

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:36:52 GMT

Shmita teaches that true blessing is found not in abundance, but in satisfaction, faith, and learning to focus on what truly matters.

Parashat Emor: The social revolution

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:53:22 GMT

This portion is read during the days of the Counting of the Omer, when Judaism emphasizes mutual respect and love between people as preparation for receiving the Torah on the festival of Shavuot.

Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: The promise of permanence

BY MICHAEL FREUND — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:12:49 GMT

The covenant endures. The people have returned. And, as the Malbim teaches, we shall never again be cast out.

Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Love your neighbor as yourself

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:32:52 GMT

The days between Pesach and Shavuot invite reflection, as Rabbi Akiva teaches that loving others is central to receiving the Torah.

Shabbat Rosh Hodesh: At the threshold of renewal

BY MICHAEL FREUND — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:22:04 GMT

Shabbat Rosh Hodesh is an invitation to renew not only the month but also ourselves.

Parashat Tazria-Metzora: Turning lemons into lemonade

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:00:01 GMT

These parashot deal at length with a unique phenomenon described in the Torah – tzara’at, which are marks or changes that appear on the walls of a house, on clothing, or on the body.

Parashat Shmini: Guarding a pure heart

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:44:08 GMT

The Hebrew word timtum means “blockage” or “dullness.” Forbidden foods can lead to this blockage – to emotional numbness and a diminished ability to perceive spiritual depth.

Parashat Tzav: True freedom begins in the mind, not in physical circumstance

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:02:20 GMT

Shabbat Hagadol is a time of inner preparation for the Festival of Freedom. On this Shabbat, we begin to think and act from a broader perspective.

Parashat Vayikra: Mutual responsibility

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Vayikra’s message of purity, repentance, and unity teaches that even without sacrifices, we can draw closer to God and to one another.

Shabbat Hachodesh: A time to cleanse and begin again

BY MICHAEL FREUND — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Shabbat Hachodesh reminds us that national rebirth is not only a matter of borders, armies, and institutions. It is also a matter of values.

Parashat Vayakhel: A ‘kahal’ at war

BY MOSHE TARAGIN — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

As Israel faces its greatest challenges, the lessons of Vayakhel remind us of the power of unity in times of crisis.

Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei: Wisdom of the wise

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

“Give to the wise, and he will become yet wiser.”

Purification by fire: The red heifer and Iran

BY MICHAEL FREUND — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:55:37 GMT

The struggle against the Iranian regime is not simply another round in an endless regional rivalry. It is a confrontation with a force that has sown instability and death for decades.

Parashat Ki Tisa: Fear and the choice of courage

BY MOSHE TARAGIN — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

From the golden calf to today, fear tests us, but faith and courage show the way forward.

Parashat Ki Tisa: Sin of the golden calf and the test of patience

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Impatience at Sinai led to the golden calf, teaching that true faith and redemption demand patience, not glittering shortcuts.

Purim 2026: Celebrating with faith, fun, and resilience through the years

BY DAVID GEFFEN — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:01:11 GMT

From childhood groggers to Israel today, Purim reminds us of courage, joy, and the enduring fight against life’s Hamans.

Parashat Zachor: Remembering Amalek in every generation

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:27:14 GMT

Amalek exploits spiritual weakness; Parashat Zachor calls on us to strengthen our identity and faith in every generation.

Parashat Teruma: Religion in partial measures

BY MOSHE TARAGIN — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:26:37 GMT

Even the ark’s imperfect measurements teach a profound lesson: living God’s will is a human endeavor, full of effort, devotion, and partial success.