This week's reading begins with the Commandment of Bikkurim, bringing the first fruits to the Holy Temple, and other gifts that were given to the Priests, Levites and the poor. Having finished the process at the end of the third year, the farmer declared, "I have...

To give to others is the best way to show you love them. Indeed, the Hebrew word “Ahava - Love” is a derivative of the Hebrew root “Hav,” which means to give. If someone gave you a gift, helped you when you were stranded on the side of the road, or even saved your...

The traditional naming of the five books and the weekly readings in the Torah is done by simply using the first uncommon word of the book or reading. This week's reading, though, is aptly named, for it begins with Shoftim, judges, and many of the 41 Commandments found...

Our reading this week begins, "See I have placed before you today blessing and curse. The blessing, if you listen to the Commandments of Hashem your G-d, which I have Commanded you this day. And the curse, if you will not listen to the Commandments of Hashem your G-d,...

Health is always a relevant topic, but recently it has been the overarching topic on the minds of practically all of humanity. That, we’ve learned, is pandemic life. Besides the survival instinct that compels us to make healthy choices, many may be surprised to hear...

When do we cry? When we feel profound emotion due to something we observe or experience. The prophet Jeremiah writes of Jerusalem, “She cries intensely at night, her tear is on her cheek. She has no friends to console her. “ We will read this on Saturday night, the...