2024-08-02

“In ten utterances did G-d create the world” (Avot 5:1). It is thus not surprising that many see man’s ability to speak as the…

2024-07-29

Parshat Pinchas presents us with at least three distinct models of leadership. Our parsha gets its name from the zealotry of Pinchas who, without…

2024-07-21

As I noted in my last post I had the honour of speaking at the Beit Yehudah  synagogue in Budapest last shabbat. Below is a summary of my words. As…

2024-07-15

The transition point from the generation that left Egypt to the one that entered the Land of Israel is never mentioned in the Torah. The Torah does…

2024-07-08

Tzizit and Mezuzah are two of the most popular and easy to fulfil mitzvot. Thankfully, even Jews who are very far removed from traditional practice…

2024-06-28

Great people are not afraid to put their name behind their convictions. “And Calev quieted the people for Moshe and said, ‘We will rise…

2024-06-24

“Moshe said to his father-in-law, ‘We are now on our way to the place that G-d promised to us. Come with us and we will let you share the benefit of…

2024-06-17

The Torah was given to us on at least two occasions. The first revelation, just weeks after the exodus was ineffectual as the people built a golden…

2024-06-10

Sefer Bamidbar can be viewed as a book of missed opportunities. A small group of Jewish slaves—the midrash claims no more than one in five—showed…

2023-07-14

“And a lot of livestock did the children of the Reuven and Gad have and they saw the Ya’azer, and Gilead areas that were good for livestock” (…

2023-07-07

While it is undoubtedly true that people get the leaders they deserve, it is also true that great leaders are often—though not always—able to inspire…

2023-06-30

“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…

2023-06-27

“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…

2023-06-16

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…

2023-06-09

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…

2023-06-02

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…

2023-05-19

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…

2022-07-29

When the eighth day of Pesach falls on Shabbat, those of us living outside of Israel lain the special Torah reading for Yom Tov Sheni[1], while those…

2022-07-22

Success and great leadership go hand in hand. That is why organizations, sports teams and even countries can continue to excel or flounder year after…

2022-07-15

In a world in which image and marketing play such a crucial role, perception is often more important than reality. In fact, perception often creates…

2022-07-08

Judaism has always understood that miracles have very little long-term impact on one's behaviour. During our nation's infancy in Egypt miracles were…

2022-07-01

The lust for power can destroy a person. It is amazing how people who are otherwise very competent are blinded to reality when the smell of power is…

2022-06-24

Having the right people for the wrong job can lead to tragic consequences. Such was the fate of the meraglim. Twelve handpicked leaders, who…

2022-06-17

“[Then journeyed] the flag of the camp of Dan m'aseif, the gatherer, of all the camps” (Bamidbar 10:25). As the Jewish people prepared to march to…