Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch:
Shlach: With G-d, we’re invincible
The spies misunderstood the nature of their mission.
Elliot Resnick, PhD, is the host of “The Elliot Resnick Show” and the editor of an upcoming work on etymological explanations in Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s commentary on Chumash
The spies misunderstood the nature of their mission.
Abstinence leads to holiness but isn’t holiness itself.
Moshe didn't use his position to advance his children’s careers.
This parsha contains the secret to overcoming anxiety and self-doubt.
Judaism is supposed to be a springboard, not a crutch.
Stubbornness can lead us to, or away from, Hashem.
A metzora must control his instincts and forswear selfishness.
Judaism calls on us to serve G-d, not our own whims.
Judaism flourishes in light, not darkness.
A korban shelamim is the quintessential “Jewish” offering.
The prohibition against the homosexual act is clearly stated in the Torah. While that does not mandate ostracizing anyone, allowing an LGBT club is tantamount to approval of a way of life that is forbidden. Opinion..
The kohen’s avnet represents the life we should all live.
Thinking and acting must always go together.
The Torah quickly disabuses us of a popular notion.
Don’t smother the unique characteristics with which Hashem blessed you.
Matzah reminds us that we left Egypt thanks to G-d’s grace alone.
G-d wants us to accomplish, not just exist.
Pity comes naturally; sympathy doesn't.
Equality before G-d is supposed to govern human society.
Esav sought to escape Yaakov's influence.
G-d is our father… and our lawgiver.
Even if she could fool Yitzchak, there's no fooling G-d.
If he did, what happened to her?
Avraham rushed to serve pagan guests.
Avraham’s spirit elevated Hagar into an entirely different person.
A functioning society is impossible without objective language.
Imparting pure philosophical truth isn’t the Torah’s primary aim.
We all have a role to play in the divine plan.
Denying religious truth is often convenient.
One category of sin isn’t “better” than another.
The fate of a nation rests on its mothers.
Our actions – not “black arts” – determine our future.
Truth, not feelings, must govern our actions.
Supporting a family is no excuse for violating the Torah’s commands.
Truth isn’t equivocal, and we dare not present it as such.
Just verdicts are primarily the product of character, not IQ.
Our body must ultimately succumb to nature; not so our soul.
Hashem wants us to defend His honor.
Bilaam couldn’t harm us, but our own misbehavior did.
Moshe hoped Korach’s men would reconsider if given time to reflect.