Divrei Torah

Introduction

In the Pursuit of Truth

As we consider the period following the exodus of the nation of Israel from their enslavement in Egypt up to their receiving the Torah from

Bereishit
Dvar Torah - the course of events leading toward the formation of the universe

How It All Started

In chapter 1 of the book of Bereshit, we are informed about the course of events leading toward the formation of the universe. On the

Dvar Torah-And G-d made the beast of the earth according to its kind, and the animal according to its kind, and every creeping being of the ground according to its kind

In Full Form and Stature

In the beginning of the Torah reading of Bereshit, we find the verse, “And G-d made the beast of the earth according to its kind,

Noach
Dvar Torah-In the story of the Tower of Babel, men tried but failed to build a tower to the heavens

Digging for the Truth

In Bereshit 6:13, G-d tells Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before me for the earth is filled with violence through them.” So,

Mixed Up Priorities

In his comments on the Torah portion of Noach (VeHigadeta, Bereshit pp. 137 – 140), R. Yaakov Galinsky wonders about the verse (Bereshit 9:20), “And

Dvar Torah-G-d asked Noah to occupy his time for 120 years to build an ark in order that anyone who would see him should wonder and ask about it

Late to Base

A story is told of a group of soldiers who were on leave from the Israeli Army.  This group was given a number of hours, perhaps

Table of contents:

Bereishit
Noach
Lekh Lekha
Vayera

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Lekh Lekha
After leaving Jerusalem on the road due east, one eventually reaches the famous town of Jericho which fell to the blast of Joshua’s trumpets about 1250 BCE, and although Joshua forbade reconstruction of the city, in the ninth century BCE “Hiel the Bethelite did build Jericho” (Melachim I 16:34).

Land of Milk and Honey

In Bereshit 12:1, G–d enjoins his faithful servant, our forefather Abraham, “Go from your land, from your birthplace and from your father’s home to the

Divrei Torah-The reason Yishmael was saved was not only as a result of being judged based on his present status

Beginning of a Rivalry

The Torah section of Lekh Lekha marks the beginning of a rivalry – a long standing rivalry that continues to this day.  We read in

Vayera
While sitting by his tent door in the heat of the day, Abraham meets three messengers of G-d.

You and Me Together

While sitting by his tent door in the heat of the day, Abraham meets three messengers of G-d.  One of the messengers informs Abraham, “Sarah

Divrei Torah-Abraham receives a commandment from G-d to make a sacrifice of his son, Isaac

At Knife’s Edge

In his attempt to prove that “truth is subjectivity,” the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard argues that the least evolved of all human beings is the

Chaye Sarah

Mourning a Loved One

“And Sarah died…and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her” (Bereshit 23:2). Abraham, upon the departure of his wife, Sarah, from

A Test of Character and Intelligence

The Torah portion Chaye Sara begins with informing us of the passing of our first matriarch, Sarah.  “Sarah’s lifetime was one hundred years, twenty years,

Stay Out of Harm’s Way

In the beginning of the Torah section of Chaye Sarah, we read that Abraham’s son Isaac had come of age.  After G-d’s miraculously giving Abraham’s

Toldot

G-d Bless You

As we read chapter 27 of the first of the five books of the Torah, we find, “And it came to pass when Isaac was

With the Crooked You Act Perversely

In the beginning of the Torah section of Toldot (Bereshit 25:27), we read, “And the lads grew up and Esav became a man who knows

A Peek into the Future

In the Torah section of Toldot, we read of three wells that Isaac dug.  We are told that these were originally dug by his father

Va'Yetze

Magic, Myth or Something Else?

In Bereshit 27:10, we are informed, “Jacob left Beersheba.”  Eventually, Jacob reaches the town of Lavan, the brother of his mother Rebecca.  In this town,

Sacrificing for the Self-Respect of Another

We read in the beginning of the Torah section of Vayetze, “Jacob departed from Beer-sheva and went towards Haran” (Bereshit 28:10).  Jacob leaves his parents

Leaving an Impression

The first verse of the Torah section of VaYetze reads: “And Jacob departed from Beer Sheva and went to Haran” (Bereshit 28:10).  On this verse

Va'Yishlach

Story of a Sinew

In Bereshit 32:23-33, after Jacob leaves his brother Esau, we are told a rather curious tale: “And he [Jacob] rose up that night and he

The Miracle of Nature

In the beginning of the Torah section of  VaYishlach, we read that Jacob sent malakhim “to Esav his brother to the land of Seir, the

We Will Overcome

In the Torah section of VaYishlach, after Jacob’s struggle with an unexpected foe, we read (Bereshit 32:33), “Therefore, the children of Israel are not to

Va'Yeshev

An Evil Tongue

In Bereshit 37:2, we are informed: “Joseph being seventeen years old was feeding the flock with his brothers; and the lad was with the sons

A Mind Focused

In the Torah section of VaYeshev, the Torah informs us of a series of events in the life of Joseph, first of two sons to

Be Wary of Good Intentions

We read in the Torah section of VaYeshev how, after many difficulties that Joseph endured during his lifetime, including being sold into slavery by his

Chanukah

Festival of Lights

For eight days during the year we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah.  The events leading up to the initiation of this festive occasion date back

Light at the End of the Tunnel

In one of his talks discussing the holiday of Chanukah, the latter day Torah scholar R. Shimshon Pincus described a progression in the various holidays

We Have G-d in our Corner

On the holiday of Chanukah, observant Jews round the world declare their appreciation to G-d in the Shemona Esrei prayer: “For the miracles, and for

Miketz

Discerning and Wise Man

After wallowing in prison on trumped up charges for two years, Joseph is finally released.  Pharaoh has a dream and it is recognized that the

Do Not Jump to Conclusions

In the Torah section of Miketz, we read the continuation of Joseph’s ordeal.  As a result of perceived improper behavior with regard to his brothers,

Stand Up on a Chair

Events in the Torah portion of Miketz mark a culmination of a period of servitude and imprisonment imposed in Egypt upon Joseph the son of

Va'Yigash

Mutual Respect and Concern

In Bereshit 44:33-34, we read that Judah entreats Joseph: “Let your servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord and let the

Land of the Priests

In the Torah section of VaYigash, we read of the rapprochement – at first apprehensive and then joyous – between Joseph’s brothers and Joseph, the

Dvar Torah Jacob’s descent with his entire family to Egypt

I Shall Also Surely Bring You Up

In the Torah section of VaYigash, we read of Jacob’s descent with his entire family to Egypt after discovering his beloved son Joseph’s whereabouts.  “So

Va'Yechi

Festival of Lights

For eight days during the year we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah.  The events leading up to the initiation of this festive occasion date back

Light at the End of the Tunnel

In one of his talks discussing the holiday of Chanukah, the latter day Torah scholar R. Shimshon Pincus described a progression in the various holidays

We Have G-d in our Corner

On the holiday of Chanukah, observant Jews round the world declare their appreciation to G-d in the Shemona Esrei prayer: “For the miracles, and for

Sh'mot

Sh'mot

True Paths of Peace

In the beginning of the second book of the Torah, Sh’mot (2:11-12), we are told of an encounter of the young future leader of the

Heavy of Speech

The Torah section of Sh’mot introduces the toils and tribulations of the children of Israel in Egypt after Jacob and all his sons passed away. 

Timing is of the Essence

In the Torah section of Sh’mot (Sh’mot 2:1), we read, “A man went from the house of Levi and he took a daughter of Levi. 

Va'Eirah

Freedom of Will

In describing to Moses the course of events that is to unfold leading to the Israelites’ exodus from the slavery of Egypt, G-d says, “And

Unable to Listen

We are told in the beginning of the Torah section of VaEirah that the enslavement of the Israelites at the hands of the Egyptians was

Tomorrow will Come

In the Torah section of VaEirah, we begin to read of the ten plagues that G-d put upon the land of Egypt and the Egyptian

Bo

Guide to the Pedagogue

In the Torah section of Bo, we find the first directive from G-d to the people of Israel as a whole.  Before their miraculous exodus from slavery

Stop Barking and Start Listening

In the Torah section of Bo, we approach the final end to the Egyptian enslavement of the descendents of Israel.  The Al-Mighty G-d, L-rd of

G-d’s Word is Not a Suggestion

In the Torah section of Bo, G-d completes a series of ten plagues whereby He punishes the Egyptians for their cruel enslavement and persecution of

B'Shalach

Lesson in Humility and Leadership

In the Torah portion of B’Shalach, G-d culminates his series of punishments that he administers against the Egyptians on behalf of the great-great grandchildren of

Armed with the Truth

In the Torah section of B’Shalach, we read (Sh’mot 13:18), “And the children of Israel were armed when they went up from Egypt.”  On this

Great Hand

In the Torah section of Beshalach, we read (Sh’mot 14:31), “And Israel saw the great hand that G-d inflicted upon Egypt.”  In his Darash Moshe,

Yitro

Changing for the Better

The Torah portion of Yitro begins (Sh’mot 18:1-12): “Jethro, the minister of Midian, the father-in-law of Moses, heard everything that G-d did for Moses and for

Matter of Honor

In the Torah section of Yitro, we are told of the arrival of Yitro, Moses’ father-in-law, his praise for Moses and the Israelites, his advice

So That Your Days be Lengthened

The Torah section of Yitro begins with our being told of Yitro’s sojourn from Midian into the desert to reunite with his son-in-law Moses and

Tu B'shvat

Planting Seeds for the Future

In the Talmud (Babylonian Talmud, Rosh Hashana 2a), Bet Hillel establishes the 15th day in the Hebrew month of Shvat, known as Tu B’Shvat, to

Bearing Fruit

On the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat, known as Tu B’Shvat, Jews worldwide mark the New Year of Trees (Babylonian Talmud, Rosh Hashanah

Praise the Good L-rd

On a daily basis, observant Jews the world over praise the Al-Mighty G-d as they bless Him for all the good that they enjoy.  Our

Mishpatim

War and Peace

Towards the end of the Torah portion of Mishpatim, G-d informs the people of Israel who have escaped a torturous slavery in Egypt, are trekking

Authority to Heal

In the Torah section of Mishpatim, among the many laws and injunctions mentioned, we find (Sh’mot 21:19), “If men quarrel and one strikes his fellow

Heal Us and We Will be Healed

In the Torah section of Mishpatim, G-d introduces to the followers of His Torah many of the laws and regulations that are to guide our

Terumah

Giving is Receiving

The Torah section of Terumah discusses the contribution, apportionment and design of the various components of the holy Tabernacle, the Mishkan, which was later to be

Makings of a Table

In the Torah section of Terumah, we read of the construction of the Mishkan (Holy Tabernacle), predecessor to the Bet HaMikdash, and its various components.  In the course

Construction without Destruction

In the Torah section of Terumah, in the process of describing the details of the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), used in the desert for sacrifices to

Tetzave

For Glory and Splendor

We read in the Torah section of Tetzave (Sh’mot 28:2-4), “And you shall make vestments of sanctity for Aaron your brother, for glory and splendor. 

Names of the Children of Israel

Upon pondering the Torah section of Tetzave and its various mentions of the term “names of the children of Israel ” (Sh’mot 28:9 et al),

Purim

Day of Rescue

Every year, on the 14th day of Adar in unwalled towns and on the 15th day of Adar in walled towns, we celebrate a relatively

Observations on a Book

As Jews around the world hale the commencement of the joyous month of Adar and prepare for Ta’anit Esther (Fast of Esther), the fast that

Not Just a Celebration of the Past

On the day of Purim, observant Jews include in their prayers three times a day their appreciation to G-d: “For the miracles, and for the

Ki Tisah

Following the Crowd

The Torah portion of Ki Tisah concludes a lengthy series of instructions concerning the many components of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), predecessor to the Bet HaMikdash

No Matter How You Turn It

In the Torah section of Ki Tisa, we read G-d’s instructions for contributing to the holy service in the Mishkan as well as the inauguration of its

Vayakhel

Working Together

The Torah section of Vayakhel begins, “And Moses assembled the entire assembly of the children of Israel and said to them, ‘These are the things

Rejoice in Trembling

In the Torah section of VaYakhel and continued into the Torah section of Pekude, Moses repeats to the nation, whom he has led through the

Gather Around

We read in the beginning of the Torah section of VaYakhel (Sh’mot 35:1-2): “And Moses gathered the entire assembly of the Children of Israel and

Pekudei

The Place the L-rd Shall Choose

Throughout the latter part of the book of Sh’mot, the narrative of the Torah revolves heavily upon the preparations for setting up the Mishkan, the

Accountings of the Tabernacle

The Torah section of Pekudei begins (Sh’mot 38:21): “These are the accountings of the Tabernacle … which were counted at the behest of Moses.”  This verse

Accountability is Important for All

We find, when reading the Torah portion of Pekudei, that, when Moses appealed to the nation of Israel to provide funds and raw materials needed

Vayikra

Vayikra

Train the Youth

The Torah section of Vayikra, which begins the third of the five books of Moses by the same name, begins, “And He called to Moses

Hands Off

The very first instruction imparted to Moses to relay to the people of Israel in the Torah section of Vayikra beginning the third book of

Authority after Sin

In the Torah portion of Vayikra (4:2-23), G-d instructs us: “If the anointed priest [kohen gadol] will sin … for his sin that he committed

Tzav

Sacrifices

The Torah section of Tzav concludes a series of instructions beginning at the start of the third book of the Torah, Vayikra, concerning the major sacrifices

Not too Big to Take Out the Ash

The Torah section of Tzav begins by telling us (Vayikra 6:1-4): “And G-d spoke to Moses, saying:  Command Aaron and his sons, saying: This is

Of Sound Mind

The Torah informs us in the Torah section of Tzav (Vayikra 6:23), “And any sin-offering from which some blood has been brought to the Tent

Pesach

When the Bread Did Not Rise

Shortly before his death, our forefather Jacob, also known as Israel, emigrated with his wives and children and their wives and children to Egypt.  The

Redemption Can be Swift

After Joseph’s being exiled to a foreign land, enslaved, falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned, we read (Bereshit 41:14), “And Pharaoh sent and summoned

Shmini

Prescription for a Diet

Towards the end of the Torah portion of Shmini, we find a large concentration of laws concerning what is permitted or forbidden to be consumed.  In fact,

Humility not Stupidity

The Torah section of Shmini tells us of the sad incident involving the death of Aaron’s two prestigious sons, Nadav and Avihu.  Despite their greatness,

Greatness Does Not Preclude Humility

The Torah portion of Shmini includes, among instructions to the kohanim (priests) for the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during the sojourn of the Children of Israel in the

Tazria

The Woman in Society

At the beginning of the Torah section of Tazria and towards the end of the Torah section of Metzora, the Torah provides us a sampling of some of the

Showing One’s True Colors

Towards the end of the Torah section Tazriah, after a series of instructions concerning the contraction of tzara’at (loosely translated as leprosy), we learn of a case

First is First

In the beginning of the Torah portion of Tazria, we read (Vayikra 12:3), “And on the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin shall be

Metzora

Be All that You Can Be

In Chafetz Chaim al ha’Torah, R. Yisrael Meir Kagan, the late 19th century and early 20th century Torah great popularly known as the Chafetz Chaim,

Let Your Eyes Look Straight

In the beginning of the Torah portion of Metzora, we are told of the “law of the metzora.”  Our Sages tell us (Babylonian Talmud, Arakhin 16a),

Living in Isolation

The Torah portion of Tazria begins with a small section on the procedure to be followed pursuant to the birth of a child: “When a

Acharei

There is a Time to Love

The Torah portion of Acharei begins with a reminder of the death of two of Aaron’s children Nadav and Avihu, referred by G-d Himself as “those

A Question of Priorities

Towards the end of the Torah section of Acharei, we find the prohibition of giving one’s children over to the pagan worship of Molekh, a

Father in Heaven

In the Torah portion of Acharei, we read (Vayikra 16:30), “For on this day [Yom Kippur] he shall provide atonement for you to purify you

Kedoshim

You Shall Be Holy

The Torah portion of Kedoshim begins, “G-d spoke to Moses saying: Speak to the entire assembly of the children of Israel and say to them:

Do Not Deny Another

In the Torah section of Kedoshim, we find the famous verse (Vayikra 19:18), “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Many, upon reading this verse, wonder as

Love Prevents Jealousy

In the beginning of the Torah portion of Kedoshim, the renowned medieval commentator R. Moshe ben Nachman, a.k.a. Ramban or Nachmanides cites a statement of

Emor

Higher Expectations

The Torah section of Emor begins (Vayikra 21:1-23): “And G-d said to Moses: Say to the priests the sons of Aaron and tell them: Each

Counting the Days

In middle of the Torah portion of Emor (Vayikra 23:10-16), we are given instructions related to a precept that we are always involved in at

Lag BaOmer

Break for Joy

From the second day of Pesach (Passover) until the onset of Shavuot, we are enjoined by the Torah: “And you shall count … seven weeks

What Counts

Between the first day of Pesach, commemorating the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, and the following holiday of Shavuot, commemorating the Israelites’ receiving G-d’s Torah, is

A Question of Joy

  As the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyyar approaches every year, hundreds and thousands of Jews in Israel and even many from abroad

Behar

Spreading the Joy

In the beginning of the Torah section of Behar, we are told, “Six years you shall sow your field and six years you shall prune your vineyard

Accepting Imperfection in Others

We read in the Torah section of Behar (Vayikra 25:20-22): “And if you will say, ‘What will we eat in the seventh year?, behold, we

Watch What You Say

In the Torah portion of Behar, we read (Vayikra 25:39-43), “If your brother becomes impoverished with you and is sold to you, you shall not

Bechukotai

You Can Run but You Cannot Hide

The Torah section of Bechukotai begins with an account of the blessings that await the people of Israel if they fulfill their covenant with  G-d. 

Path of Cruelty

We read in the Torah portion of Bechukotai (Vayikra 26:27-28), “If…you behave toward Me with casualness.  I will behave toward you with a fury of

Bamidbar

Bamidbar

Consider What You Have

The Torah section of Bamidbar begins (1:1-4): “And G-d spoke to Moses…Take a census of the entire assembly of the children of Israel according to their

The Righteous Shall Flourish

In the Torah section of Bamidbar (3:6-8), G-d tells Moses, “Bring near the tribe of Levi and have it stand before Aaron the Priest, and

Look at the Big Picture

In one of his talks on the weekly Torah reading (Sholom Smith, A Vort from Rav Pam, pp. 169-170), R. Avraham Pam notes that in

Shavuot

It Happened on a Mountain

In Sh’mot 19:1-18, we are told, “On the third month, after the exodus of the children of Israel from the land of Egypt, in this

As One

We read (Sh’mot 19:1-2), “In the third month from the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt, on this day, they arrived at the

For the Love of G-d

The venerated father-in-law of this essay’s author, R. Hersh Rosenhan, one of the earliest devoted students in America of the illustrious Torah luminary R. Aaron

Naso

Each One’s Actions are Special

In the Torah section of Naso, we read a rather perplexing narrative concerning a special presentation offered by the nesi’im (leaders) of each of the

Be On Guard

In the Torah section of Naso, G-d tells Moses (Bamidbar 6:2-3), “Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: A man or a

Behaalotkha

Want to be Normal

In the Torah portion of B’Ha’alotkha, we find a narrative that, as the renown latter day Torah scholar R. Shimshon Pincus  (1944 – 2001) points out in

In All My House He is Trusted

The Torah portion of Beha’alotkha concludes with a narrative surrounding Moses and his brother and sister Aaron and Miriam in which G-d testifies to Moses’

Tolerance of Difference

Towards the end of the Torah section of Beha’alotkha, after Miriam, with her brother Aaron’s consent, spoke disparagingly about Moses for distancing himself from his

Shelach

Power of a Woman

In the beginning of the Torah section of Shlach, Moses changes the name of his faithful student, destined to bring the People of Israel into

Have It Your Way

It is said about the latter day Torah luminary R. Yaakov Kamenetsky that he was very exacting in adhering to the customs of his father

Korach

It is How You Say It

In the Torah section of Korach, the Torah tells us of an unwarranted and baseless assault by Korach, borne by jealousy, on the characters of

The Lion and the Fox

In a letter to his students (Mikhtav M’Eliyahu, pp. 304 – 306), the venerated mashgiach of Yeshivat Ponovezh (1892 – 1953), R. Eliyahu Dessler makes a noteworthy

Chukat

Keep in Mind Who’s Boss

In the Torah section of Chukat, the Torah goes into length about a specific incident wherein Moses erred.  The people of Israel were thirsting for water.  G-d

Need to Scrutinize Our Actions

In the Torah section of Chukat, we read (Bamidbar 20:7-13): “And G-d spoke to Moses saying:  ‘Take the staff and gather together the assembly, you

Impossible to Fathom

The Torah section of Chukat begins with a description of the law of the red heifer that is to be brought in the event of

Balak

Give It to Me Straight

On the Torah section of Balak, the great Hasidic Rebbe, R. Meir Pramishlan (1703–1773), disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, asks a basic question: Why is this

How Goodly are Your Tents

As one of his forced forms of recognition of the positive nature of the children of Israel, Bilam remarks in the Torah section of Balak

Pinchas

Never Lose Hope

Amidst a lengthy enumeration of the different tribes of the nation of Israel, upon their impending entry into the land promised them by G-d, we

Two Hands are Better than One

Upon discussing the Torah section of Pinchas, the renowned rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Va’Daat, R. Avraham Yaakov Pam makes an intriguing comment (Sholom Smith, A Vort from

Like a Fig Tree

In the Torah section of Pinchas, G-d chooses Joshua, Moses’ devoted student who “would not depart from within the tent” (Sh’mot 33:11), always at Moses’

Matot

Unquestioning Loyalty

We read in the beginning of the Torah section of Matot (Bamidbar 31:1-2), “And G-d spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Take vengeance for the children of

Proper Proportions

The Torah section of Matot encompasses three sub-sections: G-d’s precepts and regulations concerning vows (Bamidbar 30:2-17), G-d’s instructing the children of Israel to avenge themselves

Look to G-d

Towards the end of the Torah section of Matot, we read of the tribes of Reuven and Gad approaching Moses to request that they be

Masei

Patience is a Virtue

In the Torah section of Masei, we read (Bamidbar 33:50-53): “And G-d spoke to Moses in the plains of Moav, by the Jordan, at Jericho, saying:  ‘Speak

Do Not Flatter the Wicked

In the Torah section of Mas’ei, we read (Bamidbar 35:31-33): “You shall not accept ransom for the life of a killer who is worthy of

On the Road to Growth

The Torah portion of Masei begins (Bamidbar 33:1): “These are the journeys of the Children of Israel, who went forth from the land of Egypt

Devarim

Devarim

G-d in Heaven and on Earth

We read in the beginning of the Torah section of Devarim, in his final discourse before his death, Moses, amongst a series of recollections concerning the people

Respecting Another’s Feelings

The first words of the Torah section of Devarim are: “These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel, across the Jordan, in the

Need to Appreciate What We Have

In the beginning of the Torah section of Devarim (Devarim 1:13), we find the unusual term eikhah (how) used as Moses rebukes the people of Israel: “How

Fast Days / Tisha B'Av

Time to Contemplate

Five times during the year, other than the Biblical day of atonement Yom Kippur, the people of Israel are encouraged to fast: Tzom Gedaliah, Asara

Turn for the Worse

Upon reading the Torah section of Shelach, we learn that from the desert, Moses sent spies to scout out the land that G-d promised to

Hungering for What Was

Five times during the course of the year, aside from the Biblically enjoined day of Yom Kippur, observant Jews the world over engage in fasting:

VaEtchanan

One Day in Seven

In the Torah section of VaEtchanan, G-d commands the people of Israel, “Safeguard the Sabbath day to sanctify it…  Six days you shall labor and do all

Marriage Made in Heaven

Introducing his repetition of the Ten Commandments in the Torah section of VaEtchanan, Moses tells us, “Face to face did G-d speak with you on

Nobody Should be Pushed Away

In the Torah section of Va’Etchanan, we find a repetition of the famous Ten Commandments presented to the people of Israel in the desert subsequent

Eikev

Rewarding the Good

The Torah section of Eikev begins (Devarim 7:12-15): “And it will be because of your listening to these ordinances, and your observing and performing them; then

Song to G-d

In the beginning of the Torah section of Eikev, Moses reminds us of “The great tests that your eyes saw, and the signs, the wonders,

It is Heavenly

In the Torah section of Eikev (Devarim 8:11-18), we are warned: “Take care lest you forget the L-rd your G-d by not observing His commandments,

Re'eh

Stork is not Kosher

In the Torah section of Re’eh, Moses repeats the various animals and creatures that G-d deems unfit for consumption, known colloquially as not being kosher,

Takes All Kinds to Make a World

In the Torah portion of Re’eh, we read, “You are children to the L-rd your G-d, you shall not cut yourselves” (Devarim 14:1).  Our Sages

Shoftim

A Matter of Order

We read in the Torah section of Shoftim (Devarim 17:8-11): “If a matter of judgment is hidden from you, between blood and blood, between verdict and

Doing that which is Upright in the Eyes of G-d

In the Babylonian Talmud, Arakhin 16a, we learn that there are two forbidden actions, murder and lashon hara (tale bearing), for which atonement cannot be achieved through regular

Obligation to Relate

In the Torah section of Shoftim, we read (Devarim 17:18), “And when he [the king] sits on his throne, he shall write two copies of

Ki Tetze

When You Go Out to War

“When you will go out to war against your enemies…” (Devarim 21:10).  So begins the Torah section of Ki Tetze, the reading from the Torah, the five

Fair is Fair

In the Torah section of Ki Tetze, the Torah unequivocally declares (Devarim 23:21), “You may charge interest to the gentile, but to your brother you

Do not Turn your Back

In one of his regular talks, the noted rosh yeshiva of Ner Yisrael in Baltimore, Rabbi Yissocher Frand mentioned an incident that occurred in McKeesport, Pennsylvania some

Ki Tavo

Of Visions, Signs and Authors

In the Torah section of Ki Tavo, as he nears the end of his final exhortation to the nation of Israel before taking leave of his

Get the Message

In the Torah section of Ki Tavo, we read the verse (Devarim 28:2), “And all these blessings will come upon you and they will reach

Let Us Not Get Carried Away

We find in the Torah portion of Ki Tavo that In the course of admonishing the nation of Israel prior to their entry into the

Nitzavim

Standing and Moving

In the beginning of the Torah section of Nitzavim, we read: “You are standing today, all of you, before the L-rd, your G-d: your heads, your tribes,

You Shall be Only Above

The Torah section of Nitzavim is dedicated to Moses’ exhortation to the children of Israel to adhere to G-d’s Word as set forth in the

Stop and Think

In the beginning of the Torah portion of Nitzavim, Moses, before he passes on, addresses a gathering of the People of Israel and begins to

VaYelekh

Turn to G-d

In the Torah section of VaYelekh, G-d offers some parting words to Moses before he hands over leadership of the nation to his trusted student

More Than a Piece of Paper

In the Torah section of VaYelekh, we are enjoined, “And now, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the Children of Israel” (Devarim

Strive for Consistency

In the Torah portion of VaYelekh, amongst Moses’ parting words before his passing, we read (Devarim 31:12-13), “Gather together the people – the men, the

Rosh HaShana

When the Year Begins

In Vayikra 23:24-25, G-d tells us: “In the seventh month [Tishre] on the first of the month, you shall have a day of rest, a

How are You Doing?

As we approach the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, known as Rosh HaShana, an anecdote involving one of our latter-day great Torah scholars

Understanding our Position

A concept central to the holy day of Rosh HaShana that marks the Jewish New Year is, as found in the second mishna of the

HaAzinu

Remember the Days of Yore

In the beginning of the Torah portion of Ha’azinu (Devarim 32: 7-9), we read: “Remember the days of yore, understand the years of generation after generation.  Ask

The Rope of Jacob

In the Torah section of HaAzinu, among Moses’ parting floral admonition and foretelling of the future of the Children of Israel whom he led through

Forgetting

In Moses’ parting admonishment of the people of Israel before he leaves the material world, we read in the Torah section of Ha’Azinu, “You ignored

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement

In Vayikra 23:27, G-d informs the people of Israel, “On the tenth day of this seventh month [Tishre] shall be a day of atonement, a

Mistakes Happen to the Best of Us

As the Jewish day of atonement, Yom Kippur, comes upon us, it is advisable to keep in mind a comment by R. Barukh HaLevi Epstein,

Sukkot

Four Species and a Hut

In Vayikra 23:34, G-d commands Moses to inform the people of Israel, “On the fifteenth day of this seventh month [Tishre] shall be the feast

Back to Basics

In the midst of the unfathomable turmoil and brutality that typified the Nazi era, R. Reuven Grozovsky (1886 – 1958) eloquently addressed the townspeople of

Appreciating the Simple Life

 On Pesach, we celebrate G-d’s forging us into a free and independent nation with no one to answer to except for Him.  A couple months

V'Zot Habracha

Gift to Hold On To

The last Torah section of the Five Books of Moses, V’Zot HaBracha, commands a special mark of distinction.  As observant Jews around the world have

Like Writing in the Torah

In the Torah section of Vzot HaBracha, Moses offers a parting blessing to the nation he led through the desert.  As a preface to his

Best Wishes before a New Beginning

In the supplication preceding the obligatory passage of Shema read in the morning by religiously observant Jews the world over, we find, “Our Father, the

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Living in Isolation

The Torah portion of Tazria begins with a small section on the procedure to be followed pursuant to the birth of a child: “When a

Dvar Torah-G-d asked Noah to occupy his time for 120 years to build an ark in order that anyone who would see him should wonder and ask about it

Late to Base

A story is told of a group of soldiers who were on leave from the Israeli Army.  This group was given a number of hours, perhaps

Divrei Torah-The reason Yishmael was saved was not only as a result of being judged based on his present status

Beginning of a Rivalry

The Torah section of Lekh Lekha marks the beginning of a rivalry – a long standing rivalry that continues to this day.  We read in