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Parashat Re'eh: The choice to choose

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:33:17 GMT

Even those who observe Jewish tradition have areas of choice that they have already conquered, while their struggles lie elsewhere, each person according to their own level and circumstances.

Parashat Eikev: With respect for the past

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:25:41 GMT

Moses shattered the Tablets, yet their fragments were preserved beside the new ones. Their message endures, what appears broken can still carry holiness, meaning, and strength.

Parashat Eikev: The things we step on

BY MOSHE TARAGIN — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:15:00 GMT

Parshat Eikev teaches that the greatest threats to our values begin not with rejecting them, but with neglecting the small practices that keep them alive.

On Shabbat Nachamu, Isaiah reminds us that human power is just an illusion

BY MICHAEL FREUND — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:01:27 GMT

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 Va'ethanan: The positive within the negative

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:54:34 GMT

The Ten Commandments are not an independent list of fundamental principles, but rather the nucleus from which the entire Torah unfolds - its genetic code.

Parashat Va'ethanan: Behind the curtain

BY MOSHE TARAGIN — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:49:42 GMT

At Sinai, the people were instructed to remain outside the boundary. In the Sanctuary, the holiest place stood behind a curtain.

Parashat Devarim: Always relevant

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:12:20 GMT

The Torah remains unchanged, yet its message can be expressed anew in the language, challenges, and circumstances of every generation.

Parashat Matot-Masei: Don’t borrow identity

BY MOSHE TARAGIN — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:51:31 GMT

Public debate has become louder, more bitter, and less capable of self-correction because opinions have hardened into identities.

Parashat Matot-Masei: Slow and steady

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:47:41 GMT

The most important movement is not always what is visible externally, but what takes place within a person.

Parashat Pinchas: What Joshua learned from Moses about true leadership

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:54:06 GMT

We often encounter people who seem to be pursuing the very same path on which we hope to succeed, and naturally, we may sometimes fear that their success will diminish our own opportunities.

Parashat Pinchas: A prophet for difficult times

BY MICHAEL FREUND — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:53:50 GMT

The Three Weeks do not ask us to despair. They ask us to remember what we lost, why we lost it, and, above all, that God has never stopped remembering us.

Parashat Balak: What is the price of aloneness?

BY MOSHE TARAGIN — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:08:57 GMT

In a highly integrated world, the isolation of the State of Israel is itself a strategic risk. Some voices in Israel deride this issue or dismiss concerns about how we are viewed.

Parashat Balak: Guarding our eyes

BY RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:44:59 GMT

Jewish tradition values personal modesty and meaningful inner growth that is not displayed for public attention. Such conduct is fitting for a people who serve God.

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.