Parshas Chukas/Balak
Categorization of Mitzos In total, there are 613 mitzvot, or commandments, in the Torah. They encompass much of our daily living; from which animals can pull a plow together, to which foods we eat on varied days. We have different…
Parshas Korach 5786
Introduction This week’s parsha, Korach, details the only major attempt at challenging Moshe’s position as G-d’s chosen leader and prophet of the Jewish people. Rashi tells us that this rebellion was rooted in jealousy, as Korach felt he should have…
Parshas Shelach 5786
When a Mission Stops Being a Shlichus The primary narrative of our parsha is the story of the spies. Before we delve into it in depth, here is a quick synopsis of what transpired. Moshe sent twelve distinguished men, one…
Emunah – Faith as a Living Journey
Introduction We tend to think of emunah — faith, or more precisely, faithfulness: a deep, abiding trust and orientation toward G-d — as a light switch. Either it is on or it is off. Either you believe in G-d or…
Parshas Nasso 5786
Parsha Overview I’d like to give a brief overview of all the topics contained in this week’s portion, and then focus in and elaborate on one of the topics. The Longest This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Nasso, is the longest…
Shavuos II 5786
Sefiras Haomer We are almost finished the Sefiras Haomer period where we count 49 days from Pesach until Shavuos. Historically, the 49 days began right after the Exodus and ended when we received the covenant of the Torah at Sinai.…
Taking a Leading Role on Shavuos
Why receiving the Torah was never meant to be passive Shavuos can be one of the most mysterious Yamim Tovim, holidays, in the Jewish calendar. On Pesach, the mitzvos of the day teach us how to enter the experience. We…
The Power of You: The True Soruce of Self-Esteem
We live in an age obsessed with self-esteem. Life coaches, therapists, and social media personalities all assure us that we are worthy, that we matter, that we must love ourselves. Almost no one stops to ask the most important question:…