Entries for May 2017

Bamidbar: Torah Study Not Required?

Surprisingly, the Torah does not explicitly command us to study Torah!  The King of Israel was required to write for himself two copies and read one his entire life. (Deut. 17:19).  Moses decreed that a copy be placed aside the Ark of the ... Continue Reading »
May 26
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals, Ethics

Behar: People Are Astounded by What's in This Dvar Torah!

“Puffing” refers to advertising and other selling activities that exaggerate the quality or benefit of goods or services.  Under American law, puffing is legal, so long as it can be reasonably construed as a matter of opinion.  But Judaism... Continue Reading »
May 19
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Emor: Would You Wear a Yarmulke in Public?

I read with interest this week’s Reform Movement “Ten Minutes of Torah,” entitled, “How to Decide About Wearing a Yarmulke.”  The article, written by Rabbi P. J. Schwartz, appears to refer to wearing a yarmulke in public.    I gr... Continue Reading »
May 12
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals, Ethics

Important Lessons of the Touro Synagogue

This week, I depart from discussing the weekly Torah portion in order to share some thoughts on our history as American Jews.  This departure is prompted by my recent visits to Recife, Brazil and to synagogues in Barbados and Newport, Rhode Isla... Continue Reading »
May 05
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History

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