Articles in Parsha Insights
Nitazvim: Questions Without Answers
Hidden Problems
“That which is hidden is for G-d our Lord but that which is revealed is for us and our children eternally, to carry out the words of this Torah”. The Torah instructs us not to worry about problems that are not in our purview. What kind of problem is …
Vayelech: Concealment Within Concealment
A Double Phrase
“And I conceal I shall conceal my face on that day because of the evil that he (the nation) did and because he (the nation) turned to foreign G-ds.” The Baal Shem Tov taught that by doubling its words, conceal I shall conceal, the Torah implies concealment within …
Ki Teze: Earn Your Blessing
Content to Take
Inherent in human nature is the desire to make our own way in life. Constant dependence on the largess of others is abhorrent to us. How many children of Billionaires opt for a life of leisure and constant dependence? Most want to contribute to their parents business or …
Ki Teze: Asylum for Those in Need
A Timeless Message
This week’s Parsha teaches us that we are morally obliged to grant asylum to those who flee persecution. “You shall not turn over to his master a slave that has been rescued from his master to you” (Deuteronomy 23,16).
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Ki Teze: A Noble Purpose
Everything, but The Pillow
In this week’s Parsha we learn that a creditor is permitted to demand collateral before offering a loan even if the debtor is impoverished. However, the Torah enjoins us not to demand an article that the debtor would require during the normal course of his day. For …
Shoftim: Dying for Life
A Horrible Dilemma
A little boy steps into the path of an oncoming train. The child can be rescued, but the rescuer would likely forfeit his life. How do the parents decide who should die to save the child and should should live to raise him?
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Shoftim: Lower is Higher
Man and Bread
Our Parsha declares that “man is the tree of the field.” Our sages comment that the fruit of the tree is man’s primary sustenance. Though our diet contains many foods that are entirely unrelated to the tree, the Torah insists that only “bread can fully satiate the heart …
Shoftim: Judge Thyself
Guarding the Gateways
“Judges and guardians shall you appoint at all of your gateways” (Deuteronomy 17, 18). Every person has seven “gateways” through which impressions enter from the surrounding environment: one mouth, two nostrils, two eyes and two ears. It is our duty to appoint judges and guardians to regulate traffic …
