When we learn Torah, we soon find out that Hashem usually speaks directly to Moshe. Parshat Kedoshim is one of the rare occasions where Hashem speaks directly to the Jewish […]
In Parshas Kedoshim (19:17), the Torah commands one to love his fellow Jew as he loves himself. This includes treating and caring for our fellow Jews as we would want […]
In most years, the Torah Portions, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim are read together, as they are this week. In a Jewish leap year, they are ready separately. We will indicate the […]
The main topic of the book of Vayikra (Leviticus) is the korbanos, sacrificial service. This is a topic that is generally poorly understood and one that is often surrounded by […]
Marie Antoinette and Pesach Delicacies: A Comparison When told that the French peasants had no bread to eat, Marie Antoinette is reputed to have said, “Let them eat cake.” Intended […]
Driving with Patience: A Lesson in Temperance When it comes to my driving, I tend to be a little more patient than my passengers sometimes like. If someone cuts me […]
The Mourning of a Metzora: A Reflection on Sin This week’s Torah reading discusses the laws of a Metzora – someone afflicted with the unique disease of Tzara’at. One of […]
The Spiritual Aspect of Food This week’s Torah reading dictates laws pertaining to the Kosher diet; which animals we may eat and which we may not eat. The Abarbanel explains […]
Morning Rituals: Connecting Across Time Zones With a daughter in Israel, catching up on the day can be challenging. You see, when she’s well into the main part of her […]
The Meaning of the Korban Todah (Todah Sacrifice) This week’s Torah reading discusses the Korban Todah. During the time that korbanot (sacrifices) were brought, the Korban Todah was offered by […]
Reflecting on Purim’s Lessons When Hashem taught Moshe the Torah, He gave Moshe time to pause and reflect on what he was told: these are manifested in the breaks and […]
The Purim Story On Purim, we read the Megillah – the Megillat Esther (Book of Esther). The Megillah tells the story about how the wicked Haman, who was second to […]
A Branded Seal If you recognize the title of this column as the name of a certain alcoholic product, you might find it quite appropriate for Purim time. However, I […]
< Lesson 11: Making Salad on Shabbos Lesson 12: Preparing Fruits and Vegetables for Serving on Shabbos This lesson’s topic was touched upon in the previous few lessons, but I […]