Torah Commentary

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

Ki Teizei: Human Nature is Not a Croc

In Kenya last month, I watched several hundred migrating wildebeest and zebra cross a river. The animals gathered on the bank and milled around nervously until one literally “took the plunge.” The others followed in a mad dash for the rocky slope on ... Continue Reading »
Sep 01
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals, Ethics

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

Chukkat: Not for the Sake of Argument

It’s a cliché about Jews with which we can’t argue: we argue. But that doesn’t mean we’re good at it.  That when arguing we are either fair or persuasive.  It’s ironic, because we should be good at it – not primarily through constant pract... Continue Reading »
Jun 29
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Israel, Ethics

Korah: G-d vetoed democracy. If necessary, so should Israel.

Which form of government is best?  Although most of us would likely immediately answer “Democratic,” the better response would be to first ask several clarifying questions. Best for whom?  Best for what purpose?  Under which circumsta... Continue Reading »
Jun 23
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History, Israel

Shelach-Lecha: Half Your Cup Runneth Over.

Are you a “glass is half full” person or a “glass is half empty” person?  And if the latter, is that anyone’s business but your own? American law does not seek to govern attitude, but Jewish law certainly does. Jewish law's aim is much more tha... Continue Reading »
Jun 16
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Be-Ha'alotekha: A Humble Request

Dear Friends, As is my practice, I surveyed several compendia on Jewish ethics to choose this week’s D’var Torah topic -- humility.  I then checked to see whether I previously posted about it and was reminded that I have, twice, ["Take Your Lea]... Continue Reading »
Jun 09
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Naso: Shalom Bayit Not Worth Spit?

According to Jewish law, the Divine Name must be treated with great care.  We may not use it improperly, nor obscure nor destroy it when it is written on any object.  How, then, are we to understand the apparently sacrilegious judicial pro... Continue Reading »
Jun 02
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics
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If charity cost nothing, the world would be full of philanthropists.
Jewish Proverb