You Gotta Have Faith
Have you ever had something bad happen, and said a quick (or not so quick) prayer? The truth is, it's really not supposed to be that way. [It's not? What do you mean by that?] Let me explain: The Torah tells us that G-d wants to bless us. G-d wants to give us...
Just your everyday Kiddush HaShem
Last night my wife and I celebrated our anniversary in typically Jewish fashion: we went out for Chinese food. Initially we both ordered a dinner special, but in the waitress' presence my wife changed her order to a slightly more expensive option. [For the locals,...
The Vision
This week, prior to the Ninth of Av, we begin reading Devarim, the book of Deuteronomy. But the special name given to this Sabbath is not related to the Torah reading, but rather to the Haftorah, which is the first 27 verses of the book of Isaiah. It begins with the words “Chazon Yeshayahu ben Amotz,” “The Vision of Isaiah son of Amotz,” and thus this Sabbath is called “Shabbos Chazon,” “the Sabbath of the Vision.”
Stopping Baseless Hatred
We are about to enter the period of time called the Nine Days, the beginning of the month of Av. The Ninth of Av is the tragic day when Israel mourned needlessly after the the evil report of the spies [Num. 14:1 ff.]. G-d said that because we mourned for no reason,...
An Honest Message
This week's reading begins by talking about the importance of keeping our word. If a person makes a promise or oath to G-d, says the Torah, he may not make his words "secular" or "profane" by failing to fulfill his commitment. To make this type of promise and then...
When Waging War is Pursuing Peace
As Pinchas taught us, sometimes an act of violence promotes peace. At the end of last week's Torah reading, we are told that one of the leaders of the Tribes of Israel engaged in an immoral act, deliberately violating the Commandments. He did it brazenly, "in your...
