בס”ד Chanukah is a holiday that symbolizes the dedication of Jews to maintain their identity and faith as given in the Torah, in the face of a mighty, idolatrous nation of Greeks. It is not only a historical story of military victory but primarily a spiritual victory of faith in… Read More »CHANUKAH 5785 – A MESSAGE OF FAITH IN ONE G-D FOR ALL MANKIND
בס”ד Our Torah portion, Vayeshev, describes the consequences of evil tongue: “And Joseph brought their evil report to their father” (Genesis 37:2). It’s important to know that Joseph’s reporting of his brothers’ actions wasn’t intended to harm them. He simply informed his father of what he had observed, and his… Read More »VAYESHEV 5785 – THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE SPEECH
בס”ד Jacob takes his wives, children, and all his possessions and secretly departs from Haran to return to his father Isaac in his homeland. After three days, Laban learns of Jacob’s departure and his family and sets out in pursuit. G-d appears to Laban in a dream at night and… Read More »VAEITZEI 5785 – TO HELP OTHER GET RID OF THE OFFENSE
בס”ד The Torah portion of Toldot tells us about the birth and lives of Jacob and Esau. The Torah says that even while they were in their mother’s womb, Jacob showed and developed opposing tendencies—Jacob was drawn to the Beit Midrash, while Esau was drawn to idolatry. When we delve… Read More »TOLDOT 5785 – THE ONGOING STRUGGLE BETWEEN JACOB AND ESAU
בס”ד In this weekly Torah portion, the importance of prayer is described. When Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, arrived at the water well outside the city, he prayed to the L-rd to grant him the wife of Isaac. His prayer was answered remarkably quickly: ‘And it happened before he had finished speaking;… Read More »CHAYEI SARAH 5785 – A PRAYER MIGHT BE FULFILLED IMMEDIATELY
בס”ד In this week’s portion, the Torah tells us that when everyone saw how the Holy One, Blessed be He, stood by Abraham and brought him success in all his endeavors, Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, made a covenant with Abraham, our forefather. Afterward, it is written about Abraham:… Read More »VAYERA 5785 – THE IMPORTANCE OF LEGAL SYSTEM DRIVEN BY NOAHIDE LAWS
בס”ד In this Torah portion, Lech-Lecha, the theme of reward and retribution for a good deed is discussed. After his great victory over the four kings, G-d told Abraham, “Do not be afraid, Abram… your reward is very great.” Rashi, one of the prominent commentators, interprets this as follows: Abraham’s… Read More »LECH-LECHA – DOING FOR THE SAKE OF HEAVEN OR THE SAKE OF REWARD?
בס”ד The Torah portion of Noah recounts the story of Noah and the flood, which emphasizes the need for a moral and just society. Following the flood, G-d established a covenant with Noah and his descendants, representing all of humanity, and gave 7 basic commandments to ensure the existence of… Read More »NOAH – HOW TO OVERCOME THE FLOOD OF LIFE
בס”ד It is said that this Torah portion of Bereishit, has great significance as this is the beginning of the Torah. But still, the centrality of the Totah portion of Bereishit requires explanation. What is so special about it? What is unique about this portion is that it describes the… Read More »BEREISHIT – A CENTRAL CONCEPT IN PERSPECTIVE OF LIFE
בס”ד Sukkot carries a powerful message for all human beings about the nature of human existence and our relationship with G-d. The sukkah, a fragile temporary structure, reminds us that no matter how wealthy or powerful we may become, our ultimate protection and security come not from material wealth or… Read More »SUKKOT – FINDING REAL SECURITY
