MainOpEds ![]() Person in the parsha: Elite by commitmentIs there an elite class in Judaism?![]() Anniversary, Birthday, JubileeWhat does the word "Jubilee" itself mean?![]() The unburied corpseA proper Jewish burial is the last “kindness of truth (hesed shel emet)” that one can perform for another.![]() No exit: Aaron, Nadab and AbihuOne of the secrets of authentic spirituality is in this reading.![]() Do I really feel as though I was freed from Egypt?It is not easy to empathize with the plight of others, but it can happen.![]() Person in the parsha: Pinkus the peddlerPinkus peddled more than goods.![]() Person in the parsha: My earliest memoryA Dvar Torah for Parashot Hachodesh and Tazria.![]() The person in the parsha: "And Aaron was silent"Lessons from the sad narrative of our parsha, a narrative also shared by the parents of fallen IDF soldiers.![]() The person in the parsha: Increasing gratitudeThankfulness is an emotion to share with others in a public celebration.![]() For Parshat Zachor: Purim in HellPurim in the Warsaw Ghetto.![]() A Special SpiritualityWhere is the spirituality in the technicalities of the Mishkan?![]() Person in the parsha: Three dimensionsFor Vayakhel and Shabbat Shekalim.![]() Person in the parsha: The Hindu princess and the Golden CalfConnecting the parsha with real life.![]() Person in the parsha: Receiving is givingDo we bless G-d?![]() Person in the parsha: My house, and His houseThis parsha tells of the very first house of worship for the Jewish people. Just one.![]() Person in the Parsha: Truth be toldHow would you title the Midrash brought in this article?![]() The Person in the parsha: Simple belief, genuine beliefA story for Shabbat Shira.![]() The person in the parsha: "Let's talk it over"Pharaoh was undoubtedly the most stubborn person in history.![]() On the shoulders of giantsThe person in the Torah reading for this week.![]() The person in the parsha: Spiritual time managementOn learning a crucial lesson for life.![]() The person in the parasha: The yoke’s on usThe similes in Jacob's blessings have levels of meaning.![]() The person in the parsha: Wagons, calves and responsibilityJoseph is put to the test.![]() Man plans, G-d laughsThe Yiddish equivalent: "Mentsch tracht, Gutt lacht."![]() Jacob's Strategy: A Model for Jewish Leadership?The stories of the Patriarchs are predictive.![]() The person in the parsha: TearsShedding tears is a uniquely human behavior.![]() The person in the parsha: Strength, patience, and hopeIsaac stands out from the other biblical figures in his patient persistence.![]() Better the servant than the studentThank you, Mildred!![]() DystopiaWhat exactly did they Sodomites do to deserve such a malignant biblical review?![]() One day we will all be togetherReunion and separation.![]() The Person in the Parsha: Filling in the BlanksWhat was Abraham's greatest contribution to the world? Noach's?![]() The Person in the Parsha: Angelic AdviceDon't make important decisions without consulting others.![]() Person in the Parsha for Haazinu: Repression of the Sublime"Remember the days of yore, understand the years of generation after generation."![]() Twice BornWhat is teshuva?![]() Ki Tavo: Walls Have EarsIf God knows all, how can you delude yourself into thinking that your secret misdeeds can go undetected?![]() Ki Tetze: Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers?The Torah has something to say about this children's jingle.![]() Shoftim: Kohanim and KingsWhat is legitimate government?![]() Re'eh and Rosh Chodesh Elul:"How’m I doing?"The place of constructive and corrective feedback in our lives.![]() Ekev: Discipline and SufferingTorah from the Executive Vice President (emeritus) of the OU.![]() Va'etchanan: Answering Unanswered PrayersOften, we are much the better for having certain prayers rebuffed.![]() Stations in the WildernessHow many stations do we need to reach our own potential as human beings?![]() I Act, Therefore I AmA tool is available to reverse feelings of violence that threaten to emerge in us, by acting kindly and compassionately.![]() Doing it my WayIdeally, we all should act out of perfect commitment. But human nature often insists that we do it our way.![]() Chukat: Discovering our MortalityHow older people face the death of their parents.![]() Shlach: Appearances and RealitySometimes it is desirable and meritorious to feign a surface appearance, even if it totally contradicts one's internal convictions.![]() Habit PowerEmulating King David.![]() Emor: Introvert/ExtrovertThe person in the parsha.![]() Shmini: The Stork and the HeronThe parsha lists non kosher birds - and some of them symbolize character traits.![]() Vayakhel-Pekudei: "Black Sabbath"Weekly column from the Executive Vice President (Emeritus) of the Orthodox Union': The Person in the Parsha.'![]() The Masked Man: Purim and this Week's Torah ReadingFor many of us the masquerades of Purim are worn all year. Not Moses.![]() Spiritual SlaveryWe all begin to worship the Almighty as slaves. And as slaves, we prepare ourselves for the next step, to worship G-d as His children, not as slaves.![]() Walking with G-d or Before HimAnother look at Abraham and Noah with a powerful lesson for educators.![]() Naso: Sanctity and SanctimonyOne who is truly holy is not "holier than thou."![]() You Too Can Be a LeviteThere are ascribed roles and chosen roles in Judaism. Maimonides has an innovative idea about the Levite role.![]() Vayigash: The Empty ChairA good family does not forget its absent members.![]() Miketz: On Wisdom & the MenorahWe encounter the first man to be known as wise. |