Articles in Concepts
Tazria Metzora: Do We Really Have Free Choice?
When We Are Free
Those among us raised in free societies, whose earliest impressions were molded by values of democracy, cherish the principle of free choice. We believe deeply that the freedom to choose is integral to the human condition and we intuitively reject notions of pre-determinsm.
We cannot stomach the idea …
Vayikra: When You Really Feel Like Helping
Sudden Inspirations
Are you ever seized by a sudden desire to do good? An elderly lady is crossing the street and you really feel like helping, you drop your son off at school and are struck by the feeling that you should be more involved with PTA or you go shopping …
Tetzaveh: Discipline Your Child With Love
What’s In A Belt?
Every morning Jews thank G-d for “girding Israel with strength.” (1) According to the Talmud this blessing is offered when we strap on our belts. (2) The belt is associated with strength, For example, King David, the poet warrior, described G-d as “girded with strength.” (3) As …
Chanukah: Naturally in Love with G-d
The Split
I once asked an audience to tell me which historical factor contributed most to our continuity and one fellow insisted that the correct answer was anti-Semitism. When the nations reject us we have no choice, but to turn inward. When the nations befriend and accept us we tend to blend into the global culture …
Vayetze: Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk
Is Talking Enough?
We live in a world of action. If you want something to be real, you can’t just talk about it, you have to do something about it. Talking about love is not enough. Even if you truly love your words aren’t real until you do something to show …
Chayei Sarah: Man and Woman
Who Does the Chasing?
Mazal Tov, they’re engaged, soon to be married. When is the wedding? The date hasn’t been set yet; the invitations aren’t even printed. And how did they meet? Actually, he caught a glimpse of her one day and from that very first moment he knew she was …
Vayera: When Weakness Becomes Obsession
Abraham and the Philistines
When Abraham and Sarah visited the Philistines they neglected to mention that they were married. Abimelech, the Philistine king, soon requisition Sarah for his harem, but G-d appeared in Abimelech’s dream to warn him that Sarah was a married woman.
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Sukkot: No Strangers In the Sukkah
Sharing Humanity
Have you ever experienced a bond of common humanity with a perfect stranger? One moment you were a stranger the next moment you were one, caring as much about what happened to him as to yourself. Under ordinary circumstances this common bond doesn’t surface, but under extreme circumstances it …
