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...
May their Memory be a Blessing
Two days ago, we learned the terrible news that the three kidnapped Israeli teens, Gilad Michael ben Ophir, Yaacov Naftali ben Avraham, and Eyal ben Uriel, were murdered by their captors. Many words have been written, and many more will be, about this awful event. But...
The Importance of Unity
At this writing, we are anxiously awaiting the rescue or release of the three boys kidnapped by terrorists, Yaakov Naftali ben Rachel Devorah, Gilad Michael ben Bat Galim, and Eyal ben Iris Teshurah. All over the world, Jews have set aside their differences to pray...
An Evil Report
In this week's reading we learn about the spies sent to look at the Land of Cana'an. As is clear from the consequences, their evil report, and the Children of Israel's reaction, became their greatest sin in all their time in the Sinai desert -- and it was initiated by...
Shared Glory
Upon the inauguration of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, the leaders of each of the Tribes of Israel, the Nesi'im, brought gifts to be offered as sacrifices. We read the details of the gifts offered by each of the twelve, and immediately realize that the Ba'al Koreh, the...
