The Apprentice – Parshat Re’eh
In the ancient world, when grieving for a dead person, idol worshippers would make a bald spot in their hair between the eyes. The Torah explicity forbids this practice in Parshat Re'eh. Why?
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Inventing Religion – Parshat Behar
In life, it's not what you say, it's who you are.
The Great ‘Blander’ – Parshat Tetzave
If you had your choice, would you choose to live in a world with the potential for great good but the danger of great evil, or a blend of the two resulting in a great blandness?
Empowering Others – Parshat Miketz
Paul O'Neill's tenure at ALCO Aluminum Company as CEO from 1987 to 2000 increased the value of the company's shares five times, and its market capitalization by $27 billion. How did he do it?
Extras in Our Own Epic – Parshat Balak
There’s something unusual about Parshat Balak. It’s the only parsha in the Torah where the Jewish People, the “stars of the show” seem to only have a “walk-on” part. We see Bilam and Balak close up as they plot to destroy the Jewish People, but Israel is only seen in the background – almost off-camera. Why is this?
As Lovely as a Tree – Parshat Shofetim
The Torah prohibits planting trees in the Beit HaMikdash, the Holy Temple. Why?
The Promise of the Land – Parshat Bechukotai
As long as Yisrael does not dwell on its Land, the Land does not give her fruits as she is accustomed. When she will begin to flower again, however, and give of her fruits, this is a clear sign that the end — the time of the Redemption — is approaching when all of Yisrael will return to its Land. The Maharsha
Mystical Worlds – Ki Tissa
Why is the word for a 'thing' in Hebrew - 'davar' - from the same root as the word for 'speech' - 'dibbur? As solid as 'things' seem, they are no more than God 'speaking' them - keeping them in existence by His word.
Boycott Israel? – Parshat Vayechi
The BDS lobby is a powerful force in world politics. Where does its power come from?
Trust in God – Parshat Beha’Lotecha
This was about 75 years ago. It was a very difficult time in Eretz Yisrael. It was just after the war.
It was the time of the tzena – there was almost nothing to eat.
My father bought a donkey and a plow and hired himself out as a ploughman. It was very hard work. My mother learned to sew and worked as a seamstress - and that's how they make a living.
It wasn’t a great standard of life, but they survived. And the years passed by. Slowly, they saved some money, and decided to plant a vineyard...
“It’s Not What You Say…” – Parshat Ki Teitzei
Apparently, the Chafetz Chaim zt"l, was not a brilliant orator, however he was extremely compelling to listen to. What gave him this power?
The Liberty Bell’s Crack – Behar
Why do we "proclaim freedom throughout the land" with a broken, imperfect bell?