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MainOpEds  The new era of humankindG-d's Covenant with Noach brought to light the psychological boost required to restart civilization. Having to or wanting to fast?Yom Kippur presents a unique opportunity. It is a day where one is defined as a sinner, and one faces this reality. Rabbeinu Bechaye shows us the blueprint for success in the parashaRabbeinu Bechaye (1255-1340), in his commentary on the Torah, offers an explanation as to what is being referenced in the verse: “You shall follow the Lord, your God, fear Him, keep His commandments, heed His voice, worship Him, and cleave to Him.” A not quite national censusBamidbar Torah Reading: This past Shabbat in Israel and this coming Shabbat in the Diaspora. The dawning of a new covenantWith the first covenant ceasing to exist, a new covenant was mandated. Parashat Hachodesh and Tazria: The final act of destructionThe Egyptians were as much a part of the Divine plan as the Jews. The moment it came to an endHow could Haman have blundered so badly? Presenting to the king the idea of dressing someone else up as king could only be translated as a potential threat to the throne. Moses' pivotal blessingWhen we pray, we express the reality of how we are dependent existences. However, we cannot approach prayer as if there will be a definitive result. Why do we need an Oracle?While the issues of when the Urim VeTumim was to be used or who made use of it are important, the very necessity this metaphysical system is the deeper question that needs to be analyzed. The placement of the table and the menorah: Reflections of humanityEvery aspect of the Temple reflected the infinite wisdom of God, from the measurements to the materials to the shapes of the keilim to the locations. Taking the plungeKiddush Hashem, the sanctification of G-d's name, is not a simple decision. When the opportunity presents itself, an individual is involved in a tremendous internal battle. The natural action would be not to perform such an action.. Skin deep - who needed a plague of boils?The chartumim clearly recognized the superiority of the power of God. However, they lacked any notion of His power being exclusive. Joseph: Lessons in leadershipWhy does the Torah dedicate so much real estate to Joseph's solution to the famine? Vayetze: The truth about LavanLavan was guided by his unquenchable thirst to be in control and used his remarkable abilities to manipulate others towards this end. Eliezer's moment as patriarchEliezer’s decision regarding Rivka was truly a complete fulfillment of the mission laid out for him by Avraham. Departing wordsWhy are the Jewish people "fortunate? " Viduy: Lost in translationThe question here is: what exactly is the importance of this verbalization? Viduy with teshuva is not a confession in the standard sense of the word.The superiority of TefillahTefilah lends itself to a more flexible expression of our relationship with G-d.To be a great nationJews are not naturally superior nor are they genetically so. Searching for solaceNevuzaradan understood there was something unique about these people, and normal military techniques could not work. He needed Divine assistance. Balaam's worldviewUnderstanding Bilaam’s perspective becomes important when observing how it is in stark contrast to the approach of Judaism.Keep at a distance from the sinnersPrior to God acting, He commands Moshe and Aharon to separate themselves from the group. Why does it matter? The perfect foodDelusional memories, tepid defense. Haftarat Naso: What's your name?Both Jacob and Manoach asked for the name of the angel who appeared to them - but how different their questions were from each other. Waving away the conflictThe idea of waving the omer, known as tenufa, is something we see several times in the Torah. What does it signify? Internalizing a Torah IdealThe centrality of self-control is evident in the admonition offered concerning the Divine presence. Ha Lachma Anya – A redundant invitation?A short set of statements in Aramaic plays an essential role in laying out the foundation for the evening ahead. Parshat Para: Similar, but so different:Beyond the technical connection between the bringing of the para aduma, rendering someone who is tameh now tahor, and the upcoming korban Pesach. Megillat Esther: The moment of decisionThe path to genocide. Everlasting impactThe idea of a Divine Revelation to a mass of people, and their personal recollections passed down from generation to generation, serves as the bedrock for belief in God.Perfect balance“You inclined Your right hand; the earth swallowed them up.” Vayigash: No soap opera hereWas this the same Joseph who Jacob saw as being a future leader of the Jewish people? Or had he been corrupted by his surroundings? Miketz: The SommelierA person who see himself as a purely independent existence can have little room for God. Vayeshev: The evil wifeAll the wrong reasons. We bid you adieuThe ideology presented by Yaakov could not tolerate the intrusion of anything foreign. Divergent pathsNo mechanism within Judaism exists to tolerate a communal religion. Good or bad?A heavy burden. To look or not to lookDuring the flood, God was enacting a punishment, a clear demonstration of the idea of Divine judgment. 10 reasons for blowing the shofarCan one sound really do so much?The real blessingThe Torah lists blessings, but what is good about being so blessed? Three in orderAbout priorities. Internalizing the tragedy of Tisha B'AvShould it be a struggle to internalize the reality of the loss of the Temple? Standing in for MosheHearing the right voice. What Is fair?Adapting the Torah to what is accepted as fair by the surrounding world is a direct rejection of its Divine objectivity.No menial taskWhy is all of the information here important, especially in light of the fact that the various assignments in the parsha were particular to the sojourn of the Jews in the wilderness? Threading the lineThe universe is fine-tuned for the existence of life as we know it. Purim ushers in a new eraThe different faces of Mordechai. The fall of the Egyptian EmpireTorah from the city of Modiin, the area lived in by the Maccabees. Mr. Nice GuyThe Torah begins with chesed, kindness, and ends with chesed. Please be compassionateCompassion takes one to a different level of understanding. Natural orderMan needs to guard himself from chance occurrences that are usual in the world - Sefer Hachinuch. New ideas in the festivalsIf one would briefly analyze the festivals, it would become abundantly clear that each one is “built” around a specific theme of the Divine relationship with the Jewish people. Balak (Diaspora): No one is perfectThe Torah does not hide the faults of our founders. The notion of applying superhuman qualities to a human being is not a Jewish idea. Behaalotcha (Diaspora): The mysterious sinWhat is the sin that is not elucidated? |
