The Torah gives 613 commandments for Jewish people. But what about the non-Jews? Does Judaism have a message for all mankind?
Shemot: What Exercise Teaches Us
Lech-Lecha: Why Is a Jewish Lifestyle so Expensive?
Noach: When Noah Didn’t Argue
When G-d tells Noah that he plans to destroy humanity, Noah does not pound on the table and demand mercy. Why? Why didn't he act like Moses, who pounded on the table and prevented the Children of Israel from being punished?
A deeper reading will shed light on Noah's reasoning and teach us how to judge others.
Tishrei: The Journey of the Holidays
Why a Leap Year?
Simchat Beit Hashoevah – The importance of tradition
Ki Teitze: Judaism and Polygamy?
EKEV: MUST I DO EVERYTHING MYSELF?
Va’etchanan: Are You Emotional or Intellectual?
Tisha B’av: Rejoicing in Tragedy
Menachem-Av: Solace Through Yearning
Pinchas: How to Deal with Bias
Chukat: Dealing With Resentment
Gimmel Tammuz – Korach: Don’t Abandon Ship
Shelach: Statistics and Free Will
Naso: Be Smart and Apologize!
Shavuot: The Anatomy of a Custom
Emor: High Court on the Dock
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Why Did They Cry?
Pesach: Four Questions for Life
On Passover eve, we all gather around the Seder table and turn our attention to the children’s recital of the Four Questions. These Questions are not just children’s play. They have deep meaning and relevance for every person’s life. The following pages contain a new and original interpretation for the ancient and beloved text.
Vayikra: How Many Times Could You Ask?
Vayakhel-Pekudei: Between Right and Right
Ki Tisa: Broken Tablets: An Achievement?
Tetzaveh: Archaeology vs. Tradition
Terumah: The Power of the Palpable
Mishpatim: Reincarnation Can Define Your Life’s Mission
People are often quick to shrug off communal responsibility. Even Moses himself, when instructed to redeem the People of Israel, made every effort to avoid the mission.
What does Jewish tradition say about this attitude? Is communal work really for everyone?
Yitro: Leadership of Love
Beshalach: The Emphasis on Women
Bo: Why Do Rabbis Make Rules?
Throughout Jewish history, the rabbis have enacted takanot, or Rabbinic ordinances, to safeguard Jewish observance. Shabbat begins at sundown? The sages extend it by eighteen minutes. The evening Shema must be recited by sunrise? The rabbis said midnight.
Where did they learn this behavior? Why are the Torah’s commands not enough?