In middle of the Torah's list of Jewish holidays—between Passover and Rosh Hashanah—a societal mitzvah suddenly appears. How does that fit in?
Emor: Primetime Surprise
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Acharei – Kedoshim: Love your fellow —Even when it’s dangerous?
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What is more important: my own life, or saving someone else's? A discussion on moral dilemmas and courage.
Tazria-Metzora: When Love Pushes You into The Sea
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A surprising journey sparked by an ancient love song that encapsulates the Jewish story
Pesach: The 5th Cup
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Why do we drink four cups of wine at the Seder; can I drink a fifth? Why do we pour another cup for Elijah; is he sitting down at our Seder table?
Tazria: Shabbat and Circumcision
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Why do we circumcise on Shabbat? Can't we just delay the surgery by a day, and not violate Shabbat? The history of circumcision and the surprising qualification required of the circumciser.
Tzav: Blasphemy or Heartfelt Cry?
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A young Jewish woman married to a Greek officer storms the Holy Temple, kicks the altar, and shouts "wolf, wolf..." Can anyone give this story a positive spin?
Ethics of Our Fathers 3: Don’t be so Quick to Judge
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Judging the actions of others may inadvertently seal the verdict for yourself.
Behar – Bechukotai: All or Nothing
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If I can’t get it right, why bother?
What do we do when the ideal is just not within reach?
Emor – Pesach Sheni: A Bug in the Divine System?
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Sometimes it seems like there's a bug in G-d's system.
He commands us to do something, but makes it impossible to fulfill...
Did anyone ever ask G-d this question?
Acharei Mos – Kedoshim: Is There Life After Death?
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Will the vision of the resurrection of the dead in the Messianic era actually be realized? Who will be resurrected, and when? Answers to all the questions you wanted to ask about the resurrection.
Shavuos (Bechukosai): “Beauty is Vain…” Really?
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Each Friday night, as the family gathers around the Shabbat table, we sing “Eshet Chayil,” the ode of the Jewish woman.
“Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain,” we declare in its closing.
What exactly does that mean?
Behar (Lag Baomer): Rabbi Akiva’s Students – Lovers or Haters?
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Rabbi Akiva is famous for his motto: Love your fellow as yourself. Yet, his own students died for... disrespecting their peers. Were they sleeping through class?
Kedoshim: Why Is Judaism Obsessed With Blessings?
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Jews recite blessings constantly: upon awakening, during prayers, before eating and afterwards. Why the obsessiveness? Can't we just do one big 'thank you' each morning?
Acharei: What’s Between the Lines?
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The Talmud records a bizarre argument between the High Priest and the Chief Rabbis. For generations, readers have been puzzled: Is that behavior befitting the most distinguished members of the Jewish people? In 1986, the Rebbe explained it's deeper meaning.
Tazria: Lamplighters
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Who was responsible for streetlights in the olden days? What is the ultimate Jewish nail treatment? And how does it relate to being a Chassid?
Shemini: The Calf and the Heavenly Flame
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After months of work, Aaron & Moses inaugurate the Tabernacle, and… nothing happens. The Divine presence remained absent.
Why didn’t G-d’s presence rest in the Tabernacle? What was still missing?
Behar-Bechukosai: Three Layers of Comfort
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Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, his son Rabbi Elazar, and the Rebbe each provide a message of encouragement to the Jewish people. The inspiration begins with the Talmud, continues through the Zohar, and receives a new layer of insight through the teachings of Chassidism.
Emor: High Court on the Dock
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The prophet Elijah delivers a scathing rebuke to the High Court, the group of the most respected elders of Israel. Their crime? They failed to wander through the shtetls and teach Jewish children.
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Why Did They Cry?
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In the Second Temple era, tensions between the Sadducees and the Pharisees would come to a head when the leading rabbis would coach the High Priest for his worship on Yom Kippur.
They would all leave in tears. What exactly was going on?
Shemini: Behind the Kosher Scenes
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Fins and scales, split hooves and chewing cud. How is it relevant to me?
Vayikra: How Many Times Could You Ask?
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During the central prayer in Jewish tradition, the Amidah, we ask G-d for health, wealth and happiness. But why is it recited three times a day? Can't I suffice with once a day? And what if I lack nothing--What am I praying for?