Articles in Parsha Insights
Shoftim: Rabbinic Legislation
Where Does it Say?
The following question is one that rabbis commonly field. The written Torah is G-d’s law, but on what authority do Rabbis legislate new laws?
Its a fair question and it was first posed by the Talmud. Before kindling the Chanukah lights we chant a blessing, thanking G-d for …
Re’eh: The Sacred Barbecue
The Barbecue
Its a lazy summer afternoon. Warm sunshine bathes the yard, birds perch atop the trees and a gentle breeze caresses its limbs. Sounds of playing children and chatting adults waft up through the yard and, on the patio, an aroma of sizzling steak rises from the barbecue.
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Eikev: The Deeper Bond
Opposites
Opposites attract. They say this is because life with a like-minded spouse is too agreeable and therefore boring. I say, really? Bring on the boredom. Please!
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Vaetchanan: Inadvertent Murder
The Refugee
We are all familiar with the modern notion of refugee. Our cities provide a haven of refuge for victims of instability and violence the world over, who petition our country for asylum. When our ancestors entered Israel, they too appointed cities of refuge. However, these cities were not populated …
Devarim: When Crying is not Enough
Emotional Death
“Rabbi,” he wailed, “my wife of seventeen years has just passed on and I cannot live without her.” This cry pierced me to the core. I empathized and soothed in every way I could. In the end, the words that resonated with him were, “Don’t compound your wife’s physical …
Matot Masei: Purposeful Living
Loyalty
The purpose of wealth is power, the purpose of power is freedom and the purpose of freedom is what? There must be more to life than just this. But if there is, what is it?
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Pinchas: Realizing the Goal
Creationist Museums
The debate about Creationist Museums sparked my interest. Creationist Museums apply scientific methods to prove the biblical account, but it is the integrity of these methods that many in the scientific community have called into question.
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Balak: The Chosen People
A Pivotal Moment
They stood arrayed against each other; the best either nation had to offer. On one side stood Moses, highly regarded as the greatest prophet of all time. On the other side was Bilaam, the far famed soothsayer, whose curses were irresistible. (1)
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