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PARSHAT HUKAT THE LIMITATIONS OF THE HUMAN MIND JULY 3-4, 2009 / 2 TAMMUZ 5769 There are differing opinions concerning the meaning of hok (commonly translated as statute), the type oflaw discussed at the beginning of this week's portion. (Numbers 19) PARSHAT KORACH THE ROLE OF MIRACLES IN THE PROCESS OF BELIEF JUNE 26-27, 2009 / 5 TAMUZ 5769 I've often heard people say, "if only God would reveal Himself miraculously" PARSHAT SHELAKH THE KEY TO ISRAEL'S EVERLASTING HOLINESS JUNE 19-20, 2009 / 28 SIVAN 5769 In this week's portion, Moshe sends forth spies to search out the land of Israel. This is the first step leading to the conquest of the land. PARSHAT BEHA'ALOTKHA THE TRUE ROOT OF HUMILITY JUNE 12-13, 2009 / 21 SIVAN 5769 Moshe (Moses) had many qualities that we should emulate. Yet, the quality that he was possibly the most famous for was his humility. This week's portion tells us of PARSHAT NASO GOD'S SPECIAL LOVE FOR THE CONVERT JUNE 5-6, 2009/ 14 SIVAN 5769 If a thief robs by violence, swears falsely and then confesses his guilt, the Torah tells us that he is liable to return the value of the object plus an additional one-fifth to the plaintiff. SHAVUOT FORSHPEIS A TASTE OF TORAH IN HONOR OF YOM TOV THE PARALLEL NATURE OF DIVINE AND HUMAN LOVE MAY 29-30, 2009 / 6-7 SIVAN 5769 Shavuot is a celebration of that moment when we, the Jewish people, were wed to God. Note the parallel between that moment and the wedding of bride and groom. PARSHAT BAMIDBAR THE LINK BEWTEEN PARSHAT BAMIDBAR AND THE HOLIDAY OF SHAVUOT MAY 22-23, 2009 / 29 IYAR 5769 This week's parsha, Bamidbar is always read on the Shabbat prior to the Shavuot holiday. This year is no different. Rabbi Isaiah Halevy Horowitz, PARSHAT BEHAR-BECHUKOTAI WHY DO THE GOOD SUFFER? MAY 15-16, 2009 / 22 IYAR 5769 One of this week's parshiot clearly states that good people are rewarded while evil people are punished. In the words of the Torah: "If you keep my commandments...then I will give your " PARSHAT EMOR EYE FOR AN EYE: THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF WRITTEN AND ORAL LAW MAY 8-9, 2009/ 15 IYAR 5769 In this week's portion, the Torah proclaims the famous dictum "eye for an eye." (Leviticus 24:20) The message seems clear. If one takes PARSHAT AHAREI MOT - KEDOSHIM OUR MISSION TO TURN PASSIVE FATE INTO ACTIVE DESTINY MAY 1-2, 2009/ 8 IYAR 5769 Why were Nadav and Avihu, two of Ahron's (Aaron) sons killed? The Torah states their death came when they brought an eish zarah, a foreign fire, into the PARSHAT TAZRIA-METZORA THE POWER OF SPEECH APRIL 24-25, 2009 / 1 IYAR 5769 Leprosy, the subject of one of our parshiot this week, is traditionally associated with the sin of slander. Thus, there is a similarity between the Hebrew word for PARSHAT SHEMINI THE WONDERFUL AND DESTRUCTIVE NATURE OF WINE APRIL 17-18, 2009 / 24 NISAN 5759 Aaron the High Priest is told by God in this week's portion not to drink wine before officiating in the Tabernacle. (Leviticus 10:9) PASSOVER 5769 CHAD GADYA AS A MEANINGFUL END TO THE PESACH SEDER APRIL 8-16, 2009 / 14-22 NISAN 5769 At first glance, Chad Gadya is a kind of light hearted song whose sole purpose is to provide an entertaining ending to the seder. Yet, in order to truly understand its meaning an analysis of the structure of the seder is required. PARSHAT TZAV NO ONE IS ABOVE TAKING OUT THE GARBAGE APRIL 3-4, 2009 / 10 NISSAN 5769 Our parsha informs us that the priests' first task of the day was to remove the ashes from the offering sacrificed the previous day. (Leviticus 6:3) PARSHAT VAYIKRA TWO TYPES OF LOVE OF GOD FOR THE JEWISH PEOPLE MARCH 27-28, 2009 / 3 NISAN 5769 The Book of Leviticus opens with the word Va-yikra, "and He [the Lord] called." (Leviticus 1:1) Rashi points out that va-yikra is a term of endearment. PARSHAT VAYAKHEL-PIKUDEI SANCTITY OF TIME IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN SANCTITY OF PLACE MARCH 20-21, 2009/ 25 ADAR 5769 The last two portions of the Book of Exodus apply and repeat information found in previous passages of the Torah. In Parshat VaYakhel, the Tabernacle is constructed in its detail PARSHAT KI TISA THE PROPER REACTION TO ANOTHER'S CONFUSED STATE OF BELIEF MARCH 13-14, 2009/ 18 ADAR 5769 As Moshe (Moses) descends the mountain, aware that the Jews had made the golden calf, Joshua awaits him. Hearing noise coming from the camp, Joshua tells Moshe that he hears the PARSHAT TETZAVEH HOW DO WE USE THE HONOR WE ARE GIVEN? MARCH 6-7, 2009 / 11 ADAR 5769 This week's portion deals primarily with the priestly garments. Right at the outset, the Torah states that they were worn by the Priest for "honor" (kavod). PARSHAT TERUMAH THE MEANING OF THE CROWNS ATOP THE ARK, TABLE AND ALTAR 4 ADAR 5769 / FEBRUARY 27-28, 2009 The Torah informs us that the Ark (Aron-Exodus 25:11), the Table (Shulhan –Exodus 25:24) and the Altar of Incense PARSHAT MISHPATIM/SHEKALIM THE INTEGRAL CONNECTION BETWEEN PRAYER AND ACTION FEBRUARY 20-21, 2009 / 27 SHEVAT 5769 The Talmud states that the source of prayer is the biblical phrase: "And you shall serve Him with all your heart."?(Deuteronomy 11:13) PARSHAT YITRO EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF JUSTICE FEBRUARY 13-14, 2009/ 20 SHEVAT 5769 Watching Moshe (Moses) judge the Jews from morning to night, Yitro (Jethro), Moshe's father-in-law, offers sound advice.? He tells Moshe that if you continue PARSHAT BESHALACH A SALVATION OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH FEBRUARY 6-7, 2009 / 13 SHEVAT 5769 "Where is God?" asked Menahem Mendel of Kotzk, one of the great Hasidic masters. "Everywhere," replied his PARSHAT BO IS SLAVERY A TORAH VALUE? JANUARY 30-31, 2009/ 6 SHEVAT 5769 As the Jews are leaving Egypt, God commands them to sacrifice the Paschal lamb. Following that commandment, a PARSHAT VAARA THE GATEWAY TO THE SOUL IS THROUGH LOVE JANUARY 23-24, 2009 / 28 TEVET 5769 On most occasions when the Torah states that God issues a command, the details of the directive are spelled out. Our portion offers an exception to the rule. The text reads, "and the Lord spoke to Moshe (Moses)" PARSHAT SHEMOT SENSITIVITY TO OTHERS WHEN ENCOUNTERING GOD JANUARY 16-17, 2009 / 21 TEVET 5769 Just before Moshe (Moses) sees the burning bush (sneh), the Torah tells us that he leads his flock to the farthest end (ahar) of the desert.(Exodus 3:1) PARSHAT VAYECHI THE ROLE OF ANGER JANUARY 9-10, 2009 / 14 TEVET 5769 Why does Yaacov (Jacob) in his blessings to Shimon and Levi say that they will be scattered amongst all of Israel? (Genesis 49:7)?? PARSHAT VAYIGASH THE COMPLEX NATURE OF FAMILY REUNION JANUARY 2-3, 2009/ 7 TEVET 5769 In this week's reading, Yosef (Joseph) reveals himself to his brothers with the simple words? PARSHAT MIKETZ - A CHANUKAH REFLECTION SPIRIT: A NECESSARY COMPONENT OF TRUE STRENGTH DECEMBER 26-27, 2008 / 30 KISLEV 5769 It is well known that on the first day of Chanukah one candle is lit. On each successive night, one more is kindled.?? PARSHAT VAYESHEV A CHANUKAH MESSAGE: NOT USURPING THE ROLES OF OTHERS DECEMBER 19-20, 2008 / 23 KISLEV 5769 Chanukah celebrates the miracle of the Hasmonean victory over the Syrian Greeks. What is forgotten is that their dynasty did not last. Why not? PARSHAT VAYISHLACH THE SPIRITUAL CHALLENGE IS GREATER THAN THE PHYSICAL DECEMBER 12-13, 2008 / 16 KISLEV 5769 One of the most powerful images in the Torah is that of Yaakov (Jacob) struggling with a mysterious being (ish) before his anxiously awaited meeting with hisbrother Esav (Esau). PARSHAT VAYETZE TRANSFORMING THE IMPOSSIBLE INTO THE POSSIBLE DECEMBER 5-6, 2008 / 9 KISLEV 5769 Although we are given a tremendous amount of information about their lives, it is certain that not every event in the lives of our matriarchs and patriarchs is mentioned in the Torah. PARSHAT TOLDOT RIVKAH?S EXAMPLE OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE NOVEMBER 28-29, 2008 / 2 KISLEV 5769 As Ya?akov (Jacob) leaves his parents? home at the behest of his mother Rivka (Rebecca), the Torah declares that Rivkah was the mother of both Ya?akov and Esav (Esau) (Genesis 28:5). PARSHAT HAYEI SARAH THE PARTICULAR IS THE ROAD TO THE UNIVERSAL NOVEMBER 21-22, 2008 / 24 HESHVAN 5769 The two portions preceding this week's reading have two distinct characteristics. The portion of Lekh Lekha is PARSHAT VAYERA AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW OF THE BINDING OF ISAAC NOVEMBER 14-15, 2008 / 17 HESHVAN 5769 Years back, a Hebrew Christian approached me, arguing that his belief in Jesus had something to do with the binding of Isaac story.?Jesus, he suggested, was able to do what Yitzhak (Isaac) could not.? PARSHAT LEKH LEKHA THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SARAH AND AVRAHAM'S JOURNEY TO EGYPT NOVEMBER 7-8, 2008 / 10 HESHVAN 5769 What makes the story of Avraham (Abraham) and Sarah going to Egypt important enough to be included in the Genesis narrative? (Genesis 12:10-20) PARSHAT NOAH DIVINE INTERVENTION IN THE LAND OF ISRAEL OCOTBER 31-NOVEMBER 1, 2008/ 3 HESHVAN 5769 The picture of Noah's ark in children's books with a giraffe neck up, hanging out of the ark, speaks to a fundamental question. How did all the animals, PARSHAT BEREISHIT THE IMAGE OF GOD IN ALL OF US: LESSONS AND CHALLENGES OCOTBER 24-25, 2008/26 TISHREI 5769 While some maintain that the human being is only physical form, the Torah, in one of its most important sentences, insists that every person is also created in the image of God "tzelem Elokim" (Genesis 1:26,27). A TASTE OF TORAH IN HONOR OF SUKKOT THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF UNITY OCTOBER 14-22, 2008/15-23 TISHREI 5769 There is a common thread throughout the Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Hoshanah Rabbah and Simchat Torah festivals - a thread that binds our people. PARSHAT HA'AZINU THE MEANING OF TESHUVA OCTOBER 10-11, 2008 / 12 TISHREI 5769 The central theme of Yom Kippur is teshuva, commonly translated as "repentance." We hear so much about this term, but what, in fact does it truly mean? PARSHAT NITZAVIM THE MEANING OF THE VOICE OF THE SHOFAR SEPTEMBER 26-27, 2008 / 27 ELUL 5768 The portion Nitzavim, is replete with urgings to return to God. A term which jumps from the text, is one describing God's hope that we, the Jewish people, would hearken to His voice "li-shmoah be-kolo." PARSHAT KI TAVO THE DAYS OF AWE MIRROR THE FINAL DAYS IN THE DESERT SEPTEMBER 19-20, 2008 / 20 ELUL 5768 As the Jews prepare to enter Israel after 40 years of desert migration, Moshe (Moses) reminds them of the miracles they have seen. PARSHAT KI TETZE THE AGUNAH PROBLEM IN PERSPECTIVE SEPTEMBER 12-13, 2008/ 13 ELUL 5768 This week's portion touches upon the controversial issue of spouses who refuse to grant a Jewish divorce (get). PARSHAT SHOFTIM WAR IS A LAST RESORT SEPTEMBER 5-6, 2008/ 6 ELUL 5768 This week's parsha discusses the issue of war and reveals that war is only undertaken as a last resort. PARSHAT RE'EH THE BASIC NEED FOR ORAL LAW AUGUST 29-30, 2008/ 29 AV 5768 This week's portion according to many commentators, including Rashi makes it clear that God's words to the Jewish people were not all recorded in the ones found in the Torah. PARSHAT EKEV BOTH THE COLLECTIVE AND THE INDIVIDUAL BRING REDEMPTION AUGUST 22-23, 2008/ 22 AV 5768 This week's portion begins with the statement "Ve-hayah ekev tishmeun et ha-mishpatim ha-eileh - and if you listen to these laws" reward will come (Deuteronomy 7:12-15). Since the common Biblical term for "if" is "im," many commentators PARSHAT VA-ETHANAN TWO WORDS THAT ECHO THE MESSAGE OF SHABBAT AUGUST 15-16, 2008 / 15 AV 5768 For the second time in the Torah, the Aseret Ha-Dibbrot (The Ten Commandments, or more accurately translated as the Ten Utterances) are spelled out. PARSHAT DEVARIM DIFFERENT MODELS FOR MEMORY AUGUST 8-9, 2008 / 8 AV 5768 The Book of Devarim begins with Moshe's reprimand of the Jewish people as he recalls the numerous places PARSHAT MASEI OUR PRISON SYSTEM SHOULD LEARN FROM THE CITIES OF REFUGE AUGUST 1-2 2008/ 1 AV 5768 According to the Torah, one who kills inadvertently, escapes to the cities of refuge (arei miklat) (Numbers 35:11). What is the meaning of this law? PARSHAT MATOT ONE ACTION CAN MAKE ALL OF THE DIFFERENCE JULY 25-26, 2008/ 23 TAMMUZ 5768 In this week's portion, Moshe (Moses) gives to the tribe of Reuven, the tribe of Gad and half of the tribe of Menasseh the entire Kingdom of Og, ruler of Bashan (Numbers 32:33). PARSHAT PINCHAS IS ZEALOTRY THE PATHWAY TO PEACE JULY 18-19, 2008/ 16 TAMMUZ 5768 After Pinhas killed the Jewish man and Midianite woman who were committing immoral acts, God applauds Pinhas, granting him a "covenant of peace (brit shalom)" Numbers 25:12). PARSHAT BALAK THE COMING APART AND THE COMING TOGETHER: OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NATION OF MOAB JULY 11-12, 2008/? TAMMUZ 5768 In this week's portion, Balak, King of Moab, hires Bilaam to curse the nation of Israel. (Numbers 22:5,6) A review of the history of Moab's relationship with Israel reveals a PARSHAT HUKAT KEEPING THE EGO IN CHECK JULY 4-5, 2008 / 2 TAMMUZ 5768 In this week's portion Moses is told that he would not enter Israel because he hit the rock instead of speaking to it. Immediately afterwards, Moses sends a delegation to Edom PARSHAT KORACH TWO MODELS OF DEALING WITH COMMUNAL CRISIS JUNE 27-28, 2008/ 25 SIVAN 5768 The story of Korach's rebellion contains echoes of the golden calf narrative. Each involves insurrection. In the golden calf episode, the Jews aspire to PARSHAT SHELACH THE MEANING OF THE TZITZIT JUNE 20-21, 2008 / 18 SIVAN 5768 What is the purpose of wearing tzitzit, the ritual fringes that are attached to the four cornered garment mentioned in our parsha? (Numbers 15:37-41) Several classic answers come to mind. PARSHAT BEHA'ALOTKHA THE ENORMOUS IMPORTANCE OF THE SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS JUNE 13-14, 2008/ 11 SIVAN 5768 In this week's parsha, God tells Moshe (Moses) that a person (ish) who is impure because of contact with a dead body (tameh lanefesh) or too far away from Jerusalem (derekh rekhoka) is given a second chance to YOM TOV FORSHPEIS A TASTE OF TORAH IN HONOR OF SHAVUOT ACTIONS INSPIRE LOVE JUNE 8-10, 2008/ 6-7 SIVAN 5768 It was during the time of Shavuot that the Jews at Sinai declared to God, "na'aseh ve-nishma, we will do and we will listen (to the commandments)." (Exodus 24:7)? This order is perplexing as one usually does the opposite, and listens before deciding to act. PARSHAT BAMIDBAR REDEEMING THE FIRSTBORN AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SPIRITUAL COMMITMENT MAY 30-31, 2008/ 26 IYAR 5768 The Torah, in this week's portion, alludes to the redemption of the first born son. (Numbers 3:40-51) Originally, the eldest son in each family was designated to serve in the Temple. After the eldest in the family PARSHAT BEHUKOTAI THE ULTIMATE BLESSING IN LIFE MAY 23-24, 2008/ 19 IYAR 5768 The blessings in the portion of Behukotai reach toward their crescendo with the words "and I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be My people." (Leviticus 26:13)?This penultimate gift that PARSHAT BEHAR STAYING CLOSE INFUSES LIFE MAY 16-17, 2008 / 12 IYAR 5768 In this week's prophetic portion, Jeremiah prophesied about the destruction of the First Temple. God commands Jeremiah to? PARSHAT EMOR ENJOYING THE MOMENT AND THEN PUTTING IT IN PERSPECIVE MAY 9-10, 2008 / 5 IYAR 5768 When our oldest daughter Dena was wed to Mark, I found myself in deep thought.?A dear friend came by and said, "Loosen up Avi.Enjoy it. You'll have time to think later." PARSHAT KEDOSHIM A DIVINE VIEW OF THE ELDERLY MAY 2-3, 2008? 28 NISAN 5768 Why does the Torah conclude the mandate to honor the elderly with the words "I am the Lord (ani Hashem)?"?(Leviticus 19:32)?What is the connection between the elderly and recognizing God? A PASSOVER REFLECTION TWO TYPES OF LOVE OF GOD FOR THE JEWISH PEOPLE APRIL 19-27, 2008/ 15-22 NISAN 5768 The Book of Leviticus opens with the word Va-yikra, "and He [the Lord] called." (Leviticus 1:1)?Rashi points out that va-yikra is a term of endearment. PARSHAT METZORA REKINDLING LOVE BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE APRIL 11-12, 2008/ 7 NISAN 5768 Those who seek reasons for Jewish ritual (ta'amei ha-mitzvot) by and large view such observances as a conduit to better feel the PARSHAT TAZRIA THE MEANING OF TUMAH APRIL 4-5, 2008 / 29 ADAR II 5768 There are many who believe that Jewish law links a menstruating woman (niddah) with that which is dirty. This because the word tameh, associated with the niddah (see for example this week's portion Leviticus 12:2) is often defined as PARSHAT SHEMINI THE UNDERLYING MEANING OF THE LAWS OF KASHRUT APRIL 28-29, 2008 / 22 ADAR II 5768 In some circles, it is assumed that the laws of kashruth, the dietary laws, are related to health. By abstaining for example, from the consumption of swine, one is protected from trichinosis. PARSHAT TZAV SACRIFICES CELEBRATE OUR LOVE OF GOD MARCH 22-23, 2008 / 15 ADAR 11 5768 This week's portion continues the theme of the sacrificial service. There are many suggestions PARSHAT VAYIKRA A PURIM REFLECTION THE CAPACITY TO CHANGE IN THE FACE OF POWERFUL ODDS MARCH 14-15, 2008 / 8 ADAR II 5768 Fundamental to the idea of the korban, which we begin reading about this week, is the power to change oneself. PARSHAT PEKUDEI THE MEANING OF HAZAK, HAZAK, VE-NITHAZEK MARCH 7-8, 2008 / 1 ADAR II 5768 The second book of the Torah concludes at the end of this week's portion. As the final words are recited, the assembled call out hazak, hazak, ve-nithazek, be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened. PARSHAT VA-YAKHEL DETAILS GIVE US EQUAL ACCESS TO THE DIVINE FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 1, 2008/ 24 ADAR I 5768 No less than seven portions are dedicated to the building of the Tabernacle and the sacrificial service offered there. One wonders why so much detail? PARSHAT KI TISA GOD'S TEMPERING JUSTICE WITH MERCY FEBRUARY 22-23 2008/ 17 ADAR I 5768 Rabbi Menachem Liebtag argues that the thirteen attributes which are used to describe God, parallel attributes of God found previously in the Torah. PARSHAT TEZAVEH THE SOFT CALL OF THE PRIESTLY BELLS FEBRUARY 15-16, 2008/ 10 ADAR I 5768 The Torah tells us in this week's portion that on the hem of the priestly robe (ephod) bells will be sewn. As the priest enters the sanctuary PARSHAT TERUMAH THE KINDLING OF THE MENORAH AS A PARADIGM FOR HUMAN SPIRITUALITY FEBRUARY 8-9, 2008/ 3 ADAR I 5768 From a strictly halakhic perspective, the kindling of the menorah is not an act of serving God. PARSHAT MISHPATIM SHOULD ONE EAT AND DRINK AT A TIME OF HOLINESS? FEBRUARY 1-2, 2008 / 26 SHEVAT 5768 As the Jews stood at Mt. Sinai receiving the Torah, they "ate and drank."(Exodus 24:11) Isn't this inappropriate, especially when considering the holiness of the moment? PARSHAT YITRO THE LESSONS OF THE RAMPS TO THE ALTAR JANUARY 25-26 2008/ 19 SHEVAT 5768 The last sentence of this week's portion states that ramps should lead to the altar. (Exodus 20:23) Why are ramps used and not steps? PARSHAT BESHALAH THE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP IS THE MOST EVERLASTING JANUARY 18-19 2008/ 12 SHVAT 5768 An examination of the first time Jews praised God after leaving Egypt offers an understanding of two distinct models of approaching God. PARSHAT BO EVEN THE DARKEST MOMENTS CONTAIN SPARKS OF HOPE JANUARY 11-12 2008/ 5 SHEVAT 5768 The Biblical term for midnight, the time Moshe (Moses) says God will slay the first born-is ka-hazot ha-lailah. (Exodus 11:4) Different interpretations are given for the prefix ka, which gives us the key as to the true meaning of this term. PARSHAT VA-ERA IN THE END, THE FACE OF TRUTH ALWAYS EMERGES JANUARY 4-5, 2008/ 27 TEVET 5768 If the Egyptian magicians did not have godly powers, how were they able to perform miraculous feats and match Moshe (Moses) act for act by duplicating the first two plagues? A closer look at the text reveals PARSHAT SHEMOT TRUE HEROES ARE OFTEN KNOWN ONLY TO GOD DECEMBER 28-29 2007/ 20 TEVET 5768 Who were the midwives that were asked by Pharaoh to kill the newborn Jewish males? (Exodus 1:15, 16) Their identity is critical because they PARSHAT VA-YECHI ALTHOUGH DIFFICULT, OPENNESS IS THE KEY TO TRUE UNDERSTANDING DECEMBER 21-22, 2007 / 13 TEVET 5768 Describing the brothers' feelings after the death of their father Yaacov (Jacob), the Torah states, "Now Yosef's (Joseph) brothers saw that their father had died, and they said, PARSHAT VAYIGASH THE LESSONS OF GOSHEN DECEMBER 14-15, 2007 / 6 TEVET 5768 What makes Yosef (Joseph) so keen on settling his families in a suburb of Egypt-a place called Goshen? PARSHAT MIKETZ REAL COURAGE IS ACTING EVEN WHEN YOU ARE UNSURE OF THE OUTCOME DECEMBER 8, 2007 / 4TH DAY OF CHANUKAH- 28 KISLEV 5768 In this week's portion, Yaakov (Jacob) hesitates to allow Binyamin (Benjamin) his youngest child, to return with his brothers to Egypt.? PARSHAT VA-YESHEV JACOB'S DESIRE TO CHANGE THE FAMILY DESTINY NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 1, 2007/ 21 KISLEV 5768 After Joseph's two dreams his siblings are naturally upset - believing that Joseph had aspirations to control them. The rage turns into jealousy when Jacob seems to give PARSHAT VAYISHLACH THE DUAL IMPORTANCE OF BOTH THE SPIRITUAL AND THE PHYSICAL CHALLENGE NOVEMBER 23-24, 2007/ 14 KISLEV 5768 One of the most powerful images in the Torah is that of Yaakov (Jacob) struggling with a mysterious being (ish) before his anxiously awaited meeting with his brother Esav (Esau). (Genesis 32:25) PARSHAT VAYETZE EVERY RELATIONSHIP CONTAINS ELEMENTS OF SURPRISE NOVEMBER 16-17 2007/ 7 KISLEV 5768 How is it possible that Yaakov (Jacob) didn't know that he spent his wedding night with Leah rather than Rachel? The text says, "and it came to pass in the morning and behold PARSHAT TOLDOT THE REPAIR OF PARENTS' MISSTEPS CAN OFTEN BE DONE THROUGH THEIR CHILDREN NOVEMBER 9-10 2007/ 29 HESHVAN 5768 Standing before his father Yitzchak (Isaac), Ya'akov (Jacob) claims that he is his brother Esav (Esau). (Genesis 27:19) While some commentators rationalize PARSHAT HAYEI SARAH GER TOSHAV: THE PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY STATUS OF HUMAN EXISTENCE NOVEMBER 2-3, 2007 / 22 HESHVAN 5768 As he buys a burial plot for his wife Sarah, Avraham (Abraham) identifies himself as a ger toshav. (Genesis 23:4) The term is enigmatic. PARSHAT VA-YERA AVRAHAM, UNIVERSALISM AND NATIONALISM OCTOBER 26-27, 2007/ 15 HESHVAN 5768 This week's portion (Va-yera) parallels last week's (Lekh Lekha) with one significant exception. Lekh Lekha is nationalistic, while this week's portion is universalistic. PARSHAT LEKH-LEKHA THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PLANTERS OF THE SEEDS OF GREATNESS OCOTBER 19-20, 2007 / 8 HESHVAN 5768 Terah, Avraham's (Abraham) father, is often viewed as an evil man and nothing more than an idol worshipper. A review of the text indicates otherwise. First of all, Terah's son, Haran, dies during Terah's lifetime. PARSHAT NOACH HOW TO REACT WHEN DISAPPOINTED BY THE ONES WE LOVE OCTOBER 12-13 2007/ 1 HESHVAN 5768 After leaving the ark, Noah becomes drunk and uncovers himself. (Genesis 9:21) His children, having witnessed this act, react in very different ways. A SIMCHAT TORAH REFLECTION OCTOBER 4-5, 2007 / 22-23 TISHREI 5768 The last portion of the Torah reverberates with the image of circles. After all, immediately after its reading, we start the Torah from the beginning again. The circle symbolizes the deep meaning of Simchat Torah. We have, indeed, come full circle. SUKKOT: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 / 15 TISHREI 5768 Sukkot is the only festival referred to as zeman simhateinu, the time of happiness in our liturgy. The Torah in its A TASTE OF TORAH IN HONOR OF YOM KIPPUR THE MULTIPLE MEANINGS OF TESHUVAH SEPTEMBER 21-22, 2007 / 10 TISHREI 5768 The central theme of Yom Kippur is teshuvah, commonly translated as "repentance." We hear so much about this term, but what, in fact does it truly mean? REFLECTIONS ON THE SHOFAR SEPTEMBER 13-15, 2007/ 1-3 TISHREI 5768 Autumn Approaches. Before we even realize, the weather begins to turn, the colors deepen. We prepare for a new season. Our activities include adding layers of covering to provide protection against the cold weather soon to follow. PARSHAT NITZAVIM - VA-YELEKH EACH GENERATION REACHES HIGHER AND HIGHER SEPTEMBER 7-8, 2007 / 25 ELUL 5767 In the portion of Va-yelekh, Moshe (Moses) declares that God has not permitted him to enter the land of Israel. 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