Rabbi Reuven Mann

Parashat Shlach:

Like grasshoppers? Not at all

On the most basic level, the Sin of the Spies was that they were overcome by fear and communicated their despair to the nation. The lessons of this episode are very relevant to the current situation.

Parashata Beha'alotcha:

The danger of faulty comparisons

There are times when we must be able to control our urge to criticize.

Parashat Naso:

Turning blessings into meaningful brachot

There are many potential factors that could rob a person of the full benefits of the numerous blessings that might have come his way.

Parashat Bamidbar:

Bamidbar and the ultimate Redemption

The fourth Book of the Torah begins on a certain high note, but turns out to be the saddest and most disappointing in the entire Torah. On the other hand, it has high points.

Parashat Behar-Bechukotai:

Are we eternally chosen?

Yes, there is an unbreakable bond between Hashem and the Jewish people.

Parashat Emor:

Are we holier than thou?

There is a clear distinction between what is expected of the ordinary Jew and what is demanded of the Kohen.

Acharei-Mot–Kedoshim:

Worshipping under the influence?

The dangers of misguided zeal: Lessons from Nadav and Avihu

The joy and challenge of children

If you want to be a better parent, you must first become a better person.

The Holocaust: Have we learned its lessons?

Remembering the tragedies of the past, while extremely significant, provides no protection against their being repeated.

Parashat Tsav:

Mindfulness in the service of G-d - and advice on enhancing it

The daily lifting of the ash, which was performed by the Kohen as part of the Temple service, did not serve the practical purpose of keeping the Altar clean. What then was the objective of this Mitzvah?

Pekudei:

Atonement for the Eigel (Golden Calf)

Given that so much of our historical national suffering has been caused by the inability of people to work together and demonstrate respect for one another, the cooperation in building the mishkan is a great achievement in its own right.

Purim 5785:

Just one more day, please?

Why did Esther not cease hostilities, or in the unforgettable words of former President Joe Biden, “take the win,” after the first day of fighting the enemies of the Jews?

Parashat Tetsave:

The Kohanim and the legacy of the Levites

Behavior common in politics stands in stark contrast to the example set by Moshe and the Levites.

The morality of personal feelings

The Torah does not want us to judge people based on how we feel about them.

Parashat Bo:

Pharaoh’s anger at Moshe

Unshakable stubbornness is a key feature of brutal rulers. They have an irrational magnified belief in their own significance in the scheme of things that blinds them to reality.

Parashat Vaera:

You must CHOOSE Hashem!

Why would Hashem give Moshe, as evidence for Pharaoh, something which could be reproduced by others and thus undermine its claim to be supernatural?