After a long and agonizing separation, Jacob and Joseph were finally reunited at the ancient gates of Egypt. What did the loving father do at that moment? Did he embrace his son and release his pent-up tears? No, he recited the Shema, proclaiming his faith in G-d.   more »

“As you enter the land that G-d your lord has given to you and inherit it and settle it. You shall take from the first…fruit of the earth… and bring it to… G-d.” This verse carries an apparent contradiction. Were these instructions to be carried out as soon our ancestors entered the land or only after they inherited and settled it? Also, why the emphasis on the fact that G-d our lord has given us this land?   more »

In ancient days the Levite was not given a portion in the land of Israel; he lived largely by the largess of Israelites and was often impoverished. Why does the Torah encourage us to reflect upon the lot of the Levite in order to find cause for joy? Are we meant to rejoice in his suffering?   more »

Ben Zoma used to say,"How many labors Adam carried out before he obtained bread to eat! He plowed, he sowed, he reaped, he bound, he threshed and winnowed and selected the ears, he ground, and sifted, he kneaded and baked, and then at last he ate; whereas I get up, and find all these things done for me."   more »