I Want You To Have This
The current foreclosure crisis is painful for all of us, but especially for those who have lost their homes. The feeling of failure and disappointment can be overwhelming. When a home is seized, it is the last resort -- even the lender will be happy to reverse it if...
My Contribution
When it came to constructing the Tabernacle, everyone was invited to contribute as much as he wanted. Since not everyone has the same financial portfolio, it's obvious that some people ended up giving more than others. In fact, we are told that the leaders of each...
Beyond the Law
At a pivotal moment in the Purim Story, Mordechai sends a message to Queen Esther: go in to King Achashveirosh, and beg that he overturn Haman's decree to annihilate the Jewish people. Esther responds that to enter the King's chamber uninvited is punishable by death...
A Giving Nation
In this week's reading, the Jewish nation is commanded to give the materials necessary to construct the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, and all the items within it. Unlike the annual contribution of a half-Shekel to the continuing operations of the Tabernacle and Temple, the...
Kosher Piggy Bank
The Talmud gives us a fascinating insight into the distribution and sharing of money. Given a case in which a father's will gives all of his possessions to only one of sons, the Talmud writes (Bava Basra 131b) that this son is understood to be the executor of the...
Getting the Message
Throughout Jewish literature, we find a recurring theme: G-d communicates with us, but in hidden (though sometimes not so hidden) ways. Only once in history did G-d reveal himself bluntly and openly, and declare "I am the L-rd Your G-d" -- it is our mission in life to...
