Articles in Concepts
The Jewish Trump Card Over Iran
Last night, Israel launched a devastating preemptive strike against Iran’s military and nuclear ambitions. The IDF explained that Iran was on the verge of producing nuclear weapons, and there is no question of their aims against Israel. This was a preemptive strike, but by no means an opening salvo. This …
Make Your Desert Bloom
Every year, we read a Torah portion called Bamidbar—in the desert—on the Shabbat before Shavuot. This portion describes the census of the Jews in the desert. Just as we count forty-nine days and then celebrate Shavuot, so should we read about the counting of the Jews and then celebrate Shavuot.
This …
Shooting in Washington
I am not distraught, I am angry. I don’t know why this shooting, this mindless taking of life, was the string that broke my camel’s back, but it did.
The suspect says he did it for Palestine. Do you believe him? I don’t. I bet he did it because he was …
Good People in A Rotten System
The weeks leading up to Passover were incredibly hectic for me, and I didn’t have time to follow the news. Several weeks in, I realized that I was much more relaxed as a result. The news cycle is so filled with negativity that it seeps into our bones and mindset. …
Things We Leave Unsaid
The Torah portion we read this week is Pekudei, which means accounting. In it, Moses accounts for every donation collected for the Tabernacle and lists them in precise detail.
This got me thinking about the accounting we must make every so often to clear up unsettled issues. I am talking about …
You Are Good
This week, we read about the vestments worn by the priests and high priests. An elegant tunic, topped by a flowing robe with golden tassels was girded by a majestic sash and adorned by a fashionable apron and a diamond-studded breastplate. A golden forehead plate and a beautiful turban headdress …
As The Hostages Come Home
As the hostages return home, they revel in their freedom, but at some point, they will ask themselves why they were liberated. What is their new purpose? What must they do with their newfound freedom?
Before the Exodus from Egypt, G-d gave us two commandments: circumcision and the paschal lamb. Why …
Constructive Speech Prevents Harmful Speech
Jacob summoned his son Joseph to his deathbed to share last-minute blessings and instructions. The last agenda item was to grant Joseph’s descendants the region of Shechem in Israel (Genesis 48:22). This was the only part of Israel Jacob granted directly to his children.
Jacob explained that he was authorized to …
