Whether exploring a new twist on a favorite topic, debating a taboo subject, or learning Jewish history on our heritage tours, Torah in Motion constantly seeks to expand the horizon of Jewish thought.
Chukat Jun 30, 2023

“And the Jewish people, the entire congregation, came to Midbar Zin in the first month, and they dwelled in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and…

Korach Jun 27, 2023

“Im Bryiah Yivrah, But if the Lord creates a creation, and the earth opens its mouth, patzta et piha, and swallows them and all that is theirs, and…

Shelach Lecha Jun 16, 2023

One of the most fascinating features of the Torah is the mixing of law and narrative. Nowhere is this more evident than in sefer Bamidbar. Sefer…

Behaalotecha Jun 9, 2023

One can reasonably argue that the primary theme of sefer Bamidbar is that of leadership. How much responsibility must a leader take for the failings…

Naso Jun 2, 2023

It is amazing how two people can look at the exact same thing and yet see things very differently. This is likely the reason that the Torah often…

Bamidbar May 19, 2023

One of the hallmarks of a strong society is its ability to smoothly effect change. New leaders and policies, crises and confrontations are all dealt…

Behar May 12, 2023

Many a great and historic event took place on a mountain. Noach’s ark rested on Mount Arrarat allowing for the continuation of humanity. Avraham took…

Emor May 5, 2023

The major theme of sefer Vayikra is, arguably, that of tumah and taharah, purity and impurity. When one reads the Torah, one senses what seems almost…

Kedoshim Apr 28, 2023

“The majority of the essence of the Torah is dependant upon it”. So asserts Rashi as he begins his commentary to parshat kedoshim. It is because of…

Tazria Apr 21, 2023

There is no aspect of our life that is beyond the purview of Torah. People need its rules and regulations in every area, to keep their natural…

Shemini Apr 14, 2023

At times of crisis, true leaders often emerge, be they political, military or religious. Their ability to effectively provide inspiration, motivation…

Tzav Mar 31, 2023

“Do not eat any blood…any person who eats blood shall have his soul cut off from his people” (Vayikra 7:26-27). The prohibition against eating blood…

Vayikra Mar 24, 2023

One of the tragedies of the human condition is the inability to admit our mistakes. Even when faced with compelling arguments to the contrary man has…

Vayakhel Mar 17, 2023

"Moshe said to the Jewish people: See that G-d called in the name of Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Chur, of the tribe of Judah" (Shemot 35:30…

Ki Tisa Mar 10, 2023

Why did Moshe break the luchot habreet, the tablets of testimony,  that were written by G-d himself? While one might be tempted to answer that it was…

Tetzaveh Mar 3, 2023

For many, when the Torah reading reaches the parshiot of Terumah and Tezaveh interest in the parsha wanes just a bit (or maybe more). It is hard to…

Terumah Feb 24, 2023

In his introduction to Pirkei Avot, the Rambam distinguishes between those mitzvot which we are to observe because we want to and those we should…

Yitro Feb 10, 2023

Famine, exile, dissent, descent, slavery, persecution, death and at last redemption. The Jewish people have crossed the sea – finally believing “in G…

Beshalach Feb 3, 2023

The story of the attack by Amalek upon the newly freed slaves from Egypt appears twice in the Torah, once in our parsha and once 40 years later in …

Bo Jan 27, 2023

The Torah is full contradictions[1]. So much so that interpreting these contradictions is one of the most fundamental principles of Biblical exegesis…

Vaera Jan 20, 2023

One of the amazing features of man is his ability to adapt to practically any and all situations. When facing tragedy, we often feel that we can no…

Shemot Jan 13, 2023

“And a new king arose who did not know Yosef” (Shemot 1:6). What a difference a few years can make. In the 59 years between the death of Yosef and…

Vayechi Jan 6, 2023

"And they said, should they make our sister like a harlot?" (Breisheet 34:31). So ends round one of the debate between Yaakov on one side, and Shimon…

Vayigash Dec 30, 2022

One of the tests of the character of a person is seeing how they react to adversity. Do they try to make the best of the situation, taking advantage…