Entries for April 2017

Tazria-Metzora: A Plague Upon You!

One of my favorite Talmudic maxims is: “[G-d] created the Evil Inclination, and the Torah as its antidote.” (Kiddushin 30b).  I like it for two reasons.  First, it makes Torah, Judaism, and G-d relevant to every moment of our lives. ... Continue Reading »
Apr 28
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Shemini: Storks Play Favorites!

Do storks play favorites when they deliver babies? The stork (Hebrew: חסידה Chasidah) is included in this week’s Torah portion, Shemini, among birds Jews are forbidden to eat.  (Leviticus 11:13, 19).  According to the Ramban (Nachmanides... Continue Reading »
Apr 21
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Dvar Torah Shabbat Pesach: Does Yichus Matter?

Does he/she come from a good family? That’s a common question parents and grandparents ask about any perspective (grand)son- or (grand)daughter-in-law.  After all, as the adage goes, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”  Moreov... Continue Reading »
Apr 14
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

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