Between Prophets and Priests
Mar 15, 2008 By Edward Feld | Commentary | Vayikra
The relation with God is fraught with uncertainty and doubt.
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Between the Fire and the Cloud
Mar 2, 2008 By Marc Wolf | Commentary | Pekudei | Shabbat Shekalim
As we conclude the book of Exodus and wander further into the wilderness, I cannot help but wonder how different the children of Israel’s lives would have been if they had been equipped with GPS.
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The Challenge of Finding Balance
Mar 1, 2008 By David M. Ackerman | Commentary | Vayak-hel
If intricate descriptions of construction details capture your imagination, then Va-yakhel is your parashah!
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Listening: The Cornerstone of Leadership
Feb 23, 2008 By Charles Savenor | Commentary | Ki Tissa
In this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tissa, the Children of Israel stand at a crossroads between faith and fear, commitment and rebellion.
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Dressing to Lead
Feb 16, 2008 By Daniel Nevins | Commentary | Tetzavveh
Which candidate looks most presidential? Sadly, this question often determines our votes.
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Football’s Spiritual Prowess
Feb 9, 2008 By Marc Wolf | Commentary | Terumah
It was a demonstration of will; nothing short of unbridled desire to succeed led the Giants to their Superbowl victory over a nearly perfect Patriots team that will be remembered favorably by history.
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Nostalgia, Memory and the Building of Judaism
Jan 26, 2008 By Marc Wolf | Commentary | Yitro
As is often the case with buildings in Lower Manhattan, 211 Pearl Street was caught in the sights of a developer seeking to level the property and replace it with a grand modern building.
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The Power of Collective Prayer
Jan 19, 2008 By Edward Feld | Commentary | Beshallah
There are powerful moments when a community comes together, moments in which each individual feels his or her energy directed to common purpose.
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Lighting the Darkness
Jan 11, 2008 By Lisa Gelber | Commentary | Bo
It’s difficult not to notice darkness at this time of year; so many of us set out for work in the dark and leave our places of business long after the sun has set.
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The Lessons of Va-era
Jan 5, 2008 By Arnold M. Eisen | Commentary | Va'era
This week’s parashah abounds in venerable theological problems, beginning with its name and opening verses. How could it be that God “appeared” to the ancestors but that some aspect of God—or some truth articulated in God’s name—was not “made known” to them and will be revealed only now, to Moses? The answer that seems most persuasive to me bears a lesson that, like so many others in the Torah, is not so much theological as ethical; it teaches far less about the nature of God than it does about human responsibility.
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Negaim 2:5
Jan 1, 2008 By Daniel Nevins | Text Study
Should an expert be allowed to treat himself?
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Bikkurim 3:7
Jan 1, 2008 By Daniel Nevins
How do we balance the integrity of a ritual with the need to invite participation by the masses?
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Ta’anit 2:1
Jan 1, 2008 By Daniel Nevins | Text Study
How does a community demonstrate true remorse?
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Arakhin 3:5
Jan 1, 2008 By Daniel Nevins | Text Study
When is verbal assault considered worse than physical damage?
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Hagigah 1:5
Jan 1, 2008 By Daniel Nevins | Text Study
On the three pilgrimage festivals of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot, Jews were required to make pilgrimage to Jerusalem and bring two sacrifices. The re’iyah (appearance offering) was an olah (burned sacrifice). The hagigah (festive offering) was a sh’lamim (edible sacrifice). The latter was shared by the family as a simhah, or “happy meal.” The Torah does not specify the size of these sacrifices.
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Sanhendrin 3:7
Jan 1, 2008 By Daniel Nevins | Text Study
Should internal court deliberations be public or secret?
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Shabbat 6:4
Jan 1, 2008 By Daniel Nevins
What may one carry on Shabbat? Are weapons like jewelry or like tools?
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Shekalim 1:1
Jan 1, 2008 By Daniel Nevins | Text Study
What preparations are needed for the Jewish community to begin a new year?
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Temurah 4:2
Jan 1, 2008 By Daniel Nevins | Text Study
What happens to recovered property that had once been dedicated for a sacrifice?
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Terumot 6:3
Jan 1, 2008 By Daniel Nevins
Who pays the penalty for eating forbidden foods—the host or the guest?
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