The second of our two readings this week is Bechukosai: "If you will go in my decrees, and guard my commandments, and do them" [Lev. 26:3]. A decree is something that government, or in this case HaShem [G-d] in the Torah, tells us to do, which we are unlikely to...

The current period on the Jewish calendar, the weeks between Passover and Shavuos, are called the “Y'mei Sefirah,” days of of counting. The Omer, the annual grain offering, was brought on the second day of Passover in the Holy Temple. Starting from that day, the Torah...

“Don’t take revenge, don’t bear a grudge, love your friend like yourself, I am G-d. (Lev. 19:18)” These words are among the most well known Commandments in the Torah. Their simplicity and truth have resonated with people for thousands of years. Yet these Mitzvos,...

This week's Torah portion describes a person infected with a Negah - a blemish, which might infect his skin, his clothing, or even the walls of his house. So it is immediately obvious that the "infection" the Torah is describing was a spiritual illness, not medical. A...

Passover preparations are underway, and many households are already cleaning out rooms, looking for Chometz. “Chometz” is any product of wheat, barley, rye, oats or spelt which was allowed to rise, including bread, cookies, cakes & crackers. During the Passover...

As Moshe (Moses) entered the tent of the Tabernacle, he heard someone saying, "Look how fat the son of Amram's neck is!" The implication was that Moshe had become wealthy off the donations made by the Children of Israel. In fact, he heard another respond, "What, the...