Holidays are a most opportune time to instill in our children the values and character traits that…
Shabbat Chol HaMoed: a Matter of Context
When studying literature we must study not only its content, but also its form. This is especially…
Haazinu: The Straight Path
“The deeds of the Mighty One are perfect, for all his ways are just. He is a faithful judge; never…
Sukkot: Time to Teach
Holidays are a most opportune time to instill in our children the values and character traits that…
Yom Kippur: a Marriage Made in Heaven
“How majestic was the kohen gadol as he left the Holy of Holies in peace, without injury…like the…
Vayelech: Helping Others
The time has come for new leadership. “I am no longer able to come and go, and G-d has told me you…
Parshat Nitzavim: the Missing Moon
It is customary that on the shabbat before a new month we "announce" its arrival with a prayer that…
Some Thoughts on the Passing of Queen Elizabeth II
That the passing of Queen Elizabeth ll marks the end of an era is a great understatement. One need…
Ki Teitzei: Form and Content
When studying Torah we must study not only its content, but also its form; not just what the Torah…
Shoftim: Intellectual Honesty
Judaism has always placed tremendous emphasis on intellectual achievement and development. …
Re'eh: Divine Love
How can you tell if somebody loves you? We all understand that words alone are hollow, and that it…
Eikev: The Big Bribe
The measure of a human being is revealed by the little things. The greater the person, the more one…
Vaetchanan: Seeking Comfort
Our Sages ordained that we should read parshat VaEtchanan on the Shabbat after Tisha B’Av. As they…
Tisha B'Av: Constructive Hatred
One does not have to look very hard to find sources within our tradition that allow, encourage, or…
Devarim: Where is the Temple?
Each one of the five books of the Chumash has a unique central theme, be it the choosing of the…
Humbling History
I have long had an interest in Jewish history, finding it inspiring and illuminating to be part of…
Mattot-Massei: United We Stand
When the eighth day of Pesach falls on Shabbat, those of us living outside of Israel lain the…
Commentary from Cascais
Portugal is one of the few countries in Europe in which no Jews were deported during World War ll.…