Av 25, 5777, 8/17/2017
 The Midianites Did Not Get LeafletsAvenging the honor of G-d and Israel. Start Building!In our parsha, the words used - to build, construct, and to make the Tabernacle - are repeated over 140 times. What is the Al-mighty trying to tell us? Parshat Mishpatim: Should Majority Always Rule?The majority can be a fool as well. Another State VisitHistory repeats itself, to paraphrase Santayana, if one doesn't learn its lessons. A royal visit to Jerusalem. Mud and Blood at the Reed SeaWho is right? The activists or the stick-in-the-muds? Re'eh: What are You Waiting For?The entire Torah was given over to the Jewish people to fulfill in the Land of Israel as soon as they entered the land, with not a moment to waste. Masei: Obligation to WarThe writer connects the questions of Moses' times with the problems facing Israeli citizens today. Definitely NOT a Madonna Fan!Judaism is full of separation, singling out, differentiation. Not so politically correct. Missing the Point - Totally: Internet Rally and IsraelThe hareidi asifa on the Internet was an attempt to live holy lives, but there is only one venue for that to happen, says the writer. On Lt.Eisner and the Desecration of G-d's NameLike Goliath, the haters of the Jewish people not only mock the Israeli army, but the very living G-d of Israel. B'Shalach: Stop the Complaining!After all, the Jews really were thirsty in the desert. So what is wrong with asking for water? Vayechi: Dying and Living in the Land of IsraelThe Midrash Hagadol adds a special reason for Jacob's fear of being left back in Egypt. The Secret Life of HashemIs there a common denominator for the parsha's varied occurrences, or are these just random events? The Gates of HeavenOf the ten levels of holiness descended onto the world, eight of the levels are on the Temple Mount where Jacob prayed. No Santa Claus Religion HereThe Jews must flee exile and head home! Ki Tetse and Israel's Social Issues (video at end)The commandments ensure that welfare is not subject to whim. Shoftim: It's Everyone's ObligationThe blood of the Jewish boys who live in the Land of Israel is not redder that the blood of the ones who live outside the Land. Ki Tetze: For His Name's SakeThe key to understanding our return to the Land.Shoftim: Milchemet MitzvahWhat is the nature of the wars facing us today?Re'eh: Separating TithesThe excuses have run out.Balak: The Witching HourTrying to prevent a new age for mankind.Tetzaveh: A Perfect FitThe High Priest's garments were unlike any other.Lech Lecha: Hail to the ChiefThe Ishmaelite exile at the End of Days.Hey Noah, Nice BoatAn amazing aspect of human nature.Nitzavim: The Wait is OverWe have long forgotten what we are waiting for.Our Visit to TempleA Bar Mitzvah boy goes to temple.Re'eh: Ascend the Temple MountIf only there was a will to do so.Mas'ei: Thorns at Your SidesHow did all of this come about?Matot: False PromisesThe power of the human voice.Pinchas: Which Side Are You On?With the daughters of Zelofchad or with the spies?Chukat: The Divine Water SupplyThe water struggle continues to this day.The Impossible TaskIf we try to fix the world, G-d will do his partBehukotai: Blessings in the LandExile cannot be a blessing.<I>Kedoshim</I>: The Other Side of the CoinThis is the greatness of Judaism.Pesach: As Easy as PieWe seem to be missing the point - the sacrifice.<i>Metzora</I>: No Pain, No GainJews outside the Land do not have this concern.<i>Vayak'hel</I>: Work in the Temple on the Day of RestWhen it comes to the Shabbat - all work stops.The Eleventh Commandment: Thou Shalt DoTheTorah is a book of commands.<I>Beshalach</I>: Have to Be in It for the Long HallAfter leaving Egypt, they were heading back.<I>Vaera</I>: The Final Test is the HardestA test during the final stage of the redemption.<i>Shemot</I>: Brotherly LoveThis is the way of the Jewish people.<I>Vayechi</I>: A Lesson Still Not LearntThe most obvious answer.<I>Vayeshev</i>: The Lessons of the Two MashiachsAll that befell Yosef will befall Zion.<i>Vayetze</i>: Our Place - Their PlaceRashi enlightens us as to which is our "place."<i>Toldot</I>: Brotherly Love (Not!)The continually unfolding story.<I>Noach</I>: Got to be in for the Long HaulWait until the dust settles.'Innocents Abroad' Revisited: 1867-2007The Holy Land was unlike anything that he had seenThe Ultimate of SinsA sin for which only the day of death can atone.<I>Ekev</i>: The Source of All BlessingsThe world's sustenance derives from the Temple.<I>Va'etchanan</I>: What's Bothering Moshe?We can sympathize with Moshe only too well.Time to Arise From the GroundWhat would our sages tell us today?<I>Balak</I>: The Power of the VoiceComing against us with the power of words.<i>Shelach</I>: Returning to the SourceNo matter how far away a Jew is on his journey...<I>Beha'alotecha</I>: A Menorah by Any NameStill a need for the Jewish people to bring light.<I>Naso</I>: Clarifying a Temple Mount IssueWe are allowed to go up to certain areas.<I>Behar</I>: What Will We Eat in the Seventh Year?No greater test than the test of parnassa.<I>Emor</I>: The Right Man for the JobEach tree must fulfill its purpose in this world. |
