Entries for November 2017

Vaiyetzei: How to Bargain with G-d

Is it okay to try to bargain with G-d for what we want, and if so, what's the most likely effective method? In this week’s Parashah, Vayeitzei, Jacob flees from his brother Esau after receiving their father’s blessing through trickery.   J... Continue Reading »
Nov 26
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals, Ethics

Toledot: Hunting and Guns in Judaism

“When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the outdoors.”  Genesis 25:27  It’s hard to think of an area that more starkly contrasts American and Jewish culture than hunting and guns.  They are hugely popular in Am... Continue Reading »
Nov 16
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Chai Sarah: How Should We Help Others?

In this week’s Torah portion Abraham sends his servant Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac.  Abraham provides no criteria other than that she must come from the land of Abraham’s birth.  The future character of the Jewish people is in Eliezer’... Continue Reading »
Nov 10
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Va-Yera: How Do You Know?

My four-year-old grandson – to whom I haven’t even mentioned law school yet, much less explained “cross-examination” -- has picked up the habit of asking me, “How do you know?” whenever I make a statement.  It can be annoying, but it’s also a wo... Continue Reading »
Nov 03
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

If charity cost nothing, the world would be full of philanthropists.
Jewish Proverb