by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Sep 16, 2016 | Lifeline
In this week’s reading, we are reminded multiple times that we were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt. First the Torah warns judges to be impartial, especially in handling cases involving orphans and converts, and to be merciful when it comes to debts of widows....
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Sep 9, 2016 | Lifeline
In this week’s reading, we find two passages that do not seem to belong together. The Torah begins this week with a commandment to set up a justice system, with both courts and judges to make rulings, and police to enforce them. It speaks of the importance of...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Sep 2, 2016 | Lifeline
The reading this week begins, “See I have placed before you today the blessing and the curse” [Deut. 11:26]. This is said in the singular form, rather than plural, and the Ba’al HaTurim explains that this statement, “see,” was made to...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Aug 19, 2016 | Lifeline
Parshas VaEschanan, on the Jewish calendar, is read following the 9th of Av, the Day of Mourning over the destruction. It begins the “seven Sabbaths of consolation,” during which the Haftorah readings, from the prophets, promise that a bright future lies...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Aug 12, 2016 | Lifeline
If we think about it, it should amaze us that there are people who insist we must always remember the Holocaust — even for generations to come, long after the last survivors are lost to us — who are nowhere to be found on the Ninth of Av, when we remember...
