Entries for May 2016

Behar: Don't live in the "Shark Tank"

Who said, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be”?   Although Ben Franklin is often credited, it was actually Shakespeare, who put these words into the mouth of his character Lord Polonius (Hamlet Act I, Scene III).   How ironic, the... Continue Reading »
May 27
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals, Ethics

Emor: Profane Sanctimony in the Synagogue?

“You shall not profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people, I the Lord, who sanctify you.”  -- Leviticus 22-32.  “You shall not profane My holy name” is highly reminiscent of the third of the “Ten Co... Continue Reading »
May 20
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Aharei Mot: Offering our Offspring to Molech

“Do not allow any of your offspring to be offered up to Molech.”  Leviticus 18:21 The many biblical references to child sacrifice to "gods" indicate that this was once a common practice.  Perhaps it still occurs in some cultures, but, than... Continue Reading »
May 06
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word that escapes your lips will not return.
Jewish Proverb