Sivan 29, 5777, 6/23/2017
 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. The Wise Son RevisitedHow many times throughout history, did we fail to heed the message to come home? 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. 9th of Av: What Does G-d Want From Us?G-d would not have commanded us with the rebuilding of the Temple if it could not be done. Masei: Obligation to WarThe writer connects the questions of Moses' times with the problems facing Israeli citizens today. The Land of the "Hood": ChukatHistory does seem to repeat itself. 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. Not Without the ChildrenWould it not have been smart of Moshe just to get out when Pharaoh says to do so - before he once again changes his mind? 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. The Forgotten MessageWhat rights do we Jews have over Tel Aviv or Netanya, any more than Beit El or Hebron? 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. Metzora: Stop Slandering G-d!Let us not lie to ourselves any more, for there is nothing worse than living a life of lies and deception. Amalek Then, Amalek NowThey have never stopped trying. Trumah: Let's Get It Done!Our Rabbis have taught us that in every generation that the Temple is not built, it is as if the Temple was destroyed in that generation. The Day Hatred BeganThe day the Torah was given to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai, hatred came into the world. Hatred for the Jewish people, that is. Redemption Rocky Road (w/ video)As the Jews were traveling though the now dry sea, some of them began to complain about the mud on their sandals. Are you also looking down instead of up? Salvation is For Those Who ActThis week's reading is Vayetze:G-d does not awaken a person unless that person first awakens himself. Ekev: No More ExcusesWe have to be proactive to achieve Redemption. Mount Nevo Is Out My WindowWhy was it so important to Moshe to enter the Land of Israel? And you? Who and What are Precious to G-dThe Torah repeats things when there is something to be learned from it. Bo: A Cut Above the RestThe commandment to declare the new month has a connection with the Land of Israel. Vayechi: Conclusion and RenewalAs Genesis and 2009 both come to an end... Miketz: The Impossible DreamEven if it is against all odds. Vayishlach: Ya'akov or Israel?In the exile, Ya'akov is, at best, an unwanted guest. 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.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. |
