The mitzvah of Bikurim taught farmers to recognize Hashem as the Source of their blessings. Today, daily tefillah allows us to preserve that lesson by beginning anew with appreciation and […]
Weekly Torah Portion
Insight and themes on the weekly Torah portion (parshah) read aloud in synagogue.
The mitzvah of Bikkurim teaches us to dedicate not only our possessions, but also our finest abilities, to serving Hashem (God). Each person’s distinctive talents point toward a personal mission […]
The Torah’s command to remember what happened to Miriam offers a lasting lesson about lashon hara. By recognizing speech as a precious gift intended for praise and constructive communication, we […]
Why Ammon and Moav Are Different There is something very puzzling about the Torah’s treatment of Ammon and Moav, compared to the other nations who harmed Klal Yisrael. Ammon and […]
There are moments when a person suddenly realizes how little is really in his control. We can plan, prepare, and do everything in our power to protect ourselves, yet life […]
In this week’s Torah reading, the Torah prohibits using witchcraft and superstitious omens to predict the future and influence our decisions. The Torah despises these practices and says as follows: […]
Do Not Be Negatively Influenced The verses in this week’s Torah reading state as follows: “When your God will annihilate the nations to which you are going there (to the […]
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz The number 40 appears again and again throughout the Torah: Moshe spent three separate periods of 40 days on Mount Sinai; the Jewish […]
What It Means to Be God’s Treasured Nation We are told in this week’s parashah, “You are children to Hashem your God… a treasured nation” (Devarim 14:1–2). We see from […]
When Success Leads to Pride In this week’s Torah reading the Torah warns us of the trap of abundance. The Torah says: “[For] you might eat, be satisfied and build […]
