Elul 26, 5776, 9/29/2016
In today's headlines: תג בכותרות
 Serpents and wellsHIdden or revealed, G-d is with us. Why incense?What power did the incense have? The courage to break through"The complacency of the fools (Shalvat Kesillimi) shall cause them to perish" ( Proverbs 1:32). The wilderness and Jerusalem DayFrom within the stillness and quietude of the wilderness much is heard.Bechukotai (Israel): Purposeful walkingThe verb "walking" appears in various places.Like a mountainThe public nature of the revelation at Sinai is an important feature of our belief. "This is the day Hashem fashioned, we shall sing and rejoice thereon"The blossoming of destiny tells the Jews to "come home!" The joy of the promiseWhat keeps the Jewish people vibrant and hopeful throughout the ages?Humble and strongThe true meaning of humility.A guide to the malady that healsAnother level of understanding when it comes to slander. Broken and wholeWhy are we those who "know" teruah?Coming closeThere are times we need to be empowered to break away from the “ashes” of the past in order to achieve greater and newer things.Hearing the callA developing process of revelation. A Bell and a PomegranateWhy did the High Priest have bells and pomegranates at the hem of his robes?The wise-hearted who built the TabernacleWhat characterized those who came to help build the Tabernacle? Empty SpacesIf one loses the ability or the desire to see Hashem working within and without one’s lives, the space becomes void and empty. On the wings of an eagleThe reason for the comparison is threefold.The Nachshon ModelWho has enough faith to take the first step?Preparing for the journeyWhy is Moshe talking about sheep and cattle?The process of redemptionFour steps, each important. Emotional TurmoilAn emotionally incisive look at the reasons Joseph did not contact his father earlier.To own up is to growWe need to acknowledge the source of our strength and stand firm on our ideals while admitting our errors. In so doing we will achieve our ultimate purpose. The Hand of EsauOne cannot be understanding of evil because in the end that evil will overwhelm the good-hearted. Bands of angelsThe language of the angels of Israel. A Parent's LoveWhy Isaac loved Esau and Rebecca loved Jacob.."Being" a blessingExplaining an unusual construct in this week's Torah reading. Beyond the starsG-d is telling us to look beyond fate with the eyes of faith. ShortcutsG-d showed us that we must concentrate on the process not just the goal. Entering the Sukkah with Body and SoulAfter the Yom Kippur fast, we return home and eat something to replenish our bodies. Yet our souls yearn for more. Nitzavim: Standing Here on this DayWe are all standing upright with the readiness and anticipation to move forward. Ki Tavo: You Shall RejoiceHow can we not rejoice with all the gifts bestowed by Hashem to our people? Ki Tetze: Long Days and Long YearsWhat does this expression in the Torah mean?Does G-d Love Us? For the New Month of ElulWhy is that important? Let Me Go Over and See the Good LandThose of us who have made Aliyah have been able to do what Moses begged to be allowed to do.Unholy WordsThose imprisoned by their evil desires will profane their power of speech with relative ease. Seizing DestinyPinchas sets an example. Spiritual Battles: Parshat Balak as a ModelEsau and most of his descendants including Amalek will do everything to destroy or replace Jacob. Ishmael and his descendants set out to do the same. Chukat: The Poison Known as AngerWhen Moshe lost his patience. The Spies: Those Who Will Not SeeWe have been told by our sages that the sin of the spies, the sin of cynical small-minded perception, will plague our people throughout human history. Becoming VesselsA myriad of unique vessels. Trusting G-dThe lesson of Shmitta. Post Independence Day Musings: The Mountains of IsraelThere were so many Jews who yearned for the gifts we have received from Hashem. Last in CreationLast to be created, but the only one with the power of speech. Matza , Bread and Life ChoicesWhy use the very ingredients for baking matza, that if used incorrectly, would invalidate it? Making Room for the “Aleph”If Netanyahu begins to believe that it was his talents and wisdom that led to his success, without appreciating the Divine hand of destiny then he will find himself at odds with the voters again. The Art of DoingWhen the people are involved in the creative work of building the tabernacle, they are in essence creating a vessel for G-d’s perceived Presence in the physical realm, a spiritual oasis in space. Facing Amalek in Our TimeBenjamin never did and never would bow down to Esau. The Clothes We WearToo much effort is placed in how one is supposed to look and sound, rather than what one needs to be. Ten Years: Memorial to Adir Zik, Media LegendIsrael mourns two brilliant religious Zionist publicists, Uri Elitzur and MK Uri Orbach, both of whom died recently. Sadly, this week a memorial was held for another legendary religious Zionist media figure, Adir Zik, who died ten years ago. Torah Insights for Today: What Should Israel's PM Do?The parsha talks about slavery. Far from being a thing of the past, in our days “political correctness and relativism” have become the new mortal slave masters.The Names of Moses' ChildrenThe names reveal Moses' spiritual state at the time. Gratitude after the Splitting of the SeaYes, He is in our midst.The Headlines are Simply MaddeningTalk of hardened hearts... |
