Torah Commentary

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

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

Vayakhal-Pekudei: Don't Stop Me If You've Heard This One.

When we don’t need more of something, it’s natural to tell someone who brings more,  “Thanks, but I have enough.”  After all, wouldn’t it be wrong to mislead someone who thinks their gift is needed when it is not, and they could keep, retur... Continue Reading »
Mar 23
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Ki Tissa: The Calm During The Storm

Which are the best ways to calm a very angry person who threatens to do something rash?  This week’s Torah portion, Ki Tissa (Exodus 30:11-34:35), provides practical advice through example.  When the Israelites built a golden calf and wor... Continue Reading »
Mar 17
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Hukkat: What Have You Done for Me Lately?

What happened yesterday about which you still feel grateful today?   How about the day-before-yesterday?  Last week? Last month? Last year?  It’s hard, and maybe impossible, to feel grateful for benefits received that we no longer re... Continue Reading »
Jul 15
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Focus on Prayers, Jewish Rituals, Ethics
Page 5 of 22First   Previous   1  2  3  4  [5]  6  7  8  9  10  Next   Last   

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