Israel

Chukat: A Wilderness Remembrance

One of my life’s greatest privileges has been time in the reborn Jewish state, a mystical dream to so many past generations.     Among many other experiences in Israel, I have had the opportunity to walk in places that brought the To... Continue Reading »
Jun 18
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History, Israel

Life on the Line: Rockets in Sderot

Dear Friends,   Due to the terrible, on-going violence in Israel, I depart this week from my Divrei Torah to share a personal account of a friend in Sderot, one of the (literally) hardest hit communities.     First, ... Continue Reading »
May 14
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Israel

Eikev: Was it a "Rock of Ages?"

As was widely reported in Israel recently, a heavy stone fell out of the Kotel (Western Wall) onto the pluralistic prayer platform.  You Tube clip accessible here. As soon as I saw that report, I anticipated that the Haredi (“Ultra-Orthodox... Continue Reading »
Aug 03
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Israel

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

Vayishlach: The First Salvation of the Jewish People in the West Bank from Conquest through Assimilation -- aka the “Rape of Dinah”

This week’s Torah portion, Yayishlach, has three main narratives. First is the account of Jacob wrestling with a man/angel/G-d. Second is what is usually referred to as the “Rape of Dinah.”  Third is Jacob’s “reconc... Continue Reading »
Nov 27
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Israel

"Lech Lecha" vs. "Lech Mi-po"

Note: While some here in Israel are able to focus on "apolitical" topics for their Torah commentaries despite the spate of stabbings and shootings, I find that I cannot.  Perhaps when I return to America soon, I will also return to less emotiona... Continue Reading »
Oct 23
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Israel

Noah: Israel's Leaky Ark

Here in Sderot, where many residents either are, or are descended from, immigrants forced to flee from elsewhere, my Shabbat lunch host told me, “Tell American Jews to move to Israel now, with their money – before they must leave without ... Continue Reading »
Oct 16
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Israel

B’haalotkha: "One Law for All" Doesn't and Shouldn't Mean That.

B’haalotkha: "One Law for All" Doesn't and Shouldn't Mean That.
Whenever I read in the Torah, as we do this week, “There shall be one law for you, whether stranger or citizen of the country,” (Numbers 9:14), I think of the U.S. Constitution.  The Fourteenth Amendment declares: “nor shall an... Continue Reading »
Jun 05
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Israel

Naso: Your Next Vacation: Sderot

Naso: Your Next Vacation: Sderot
When I tell well-meaning acquaintances that I am about to return to Israel – yet again -- they usually remark, “Have a good time!” “I hope you enjoy yourself!” and/or “You must really like it there!” &nb... Continue Reading »
May 29
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Israel
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He who guards his mouth preserves his life
Proverbs 13:3