Entries for July 2017

Devarim: Did You Ask the Boss?

Asking G-d for help with difficult decisions or actions (even though actually an integral part of many prayers) is something that many of us associate more with “Twelve Step” programs, or with “fundamentalist” adherents of other religions, than with ... Continue Reading »
Jul 28
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals, Ethics

Matot-Massei: Blaming Others? Hold the Phone!

About a month ago, I posted a D'var Torah about our obligation to give people the “benefit of the doubt” and even to “make excuses” for them, unless their prior behavior demonstrated that doing so would clearly be unjustified.  Little did I... Continue Reading »
Jul 21
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Balak: The Satan Within Us

Do Jews believe in Satan?  For many of us, “Of course not!” is the likely answer.  Indeed, the question itself may seem entirely non-Jewish.   Except that this week’s Torah portion (Balak) states:  “The angel of the Lord pl... Continue Reading »
Jul 07
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals, Ethics

He who guards his mouth preserves his life
Proverbs 13:3