Articles in B’Ha’alotcha
Behaalotcha: The Miracle of Marriage
Sibling Rivalry
When word reached Zipporah that two new prophets had been identified among the Jews, her response was a quiet murmur, “Oh, I feel for their wives, I hope their marriage won’t end as mine did.“ Her sister in law, Miriam, overheard and asked her to explain. Zipporah replied that …
Behaaloscha: Love Your Fellow
When Your Brother Does Wrong
Several weeks ago, on Shabbat afternoon, we had a fascinating discussion. How should we respond when we learn through the media that our fellow Jew has behaved improperly or even immorally? Should we jump to condemn and separate ourselves from the crime lest it reflect badly …
B’haalotcha: Live every Moment
An Invitation
Just before the Jews departed Sinai, Moses invited his father in Law to join them. Jethro wasn’t a Jew from birth; he was a priest, who had converted first to monotheism and later Judaism. Moses was somewhat hesitant about his invitation as apparent from the following text.
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B’Ha'alotcha: Absorbing the Abstract
Lighting The Candle
Every year, shortly after the holiday of Shavuot, we chant the Biblical injunction to kindle the candelabra in the Bet Hamikdash. King Solomon used the metaphor of light to describe the Torah for the Torah radiates light. It thus stands to reason that much can be inferred about …
Beha’alotcha: Constructive Shame
A Royal Visit
As soon as the tabernacle was erected G-d instructed that seven lights be kindled on the candelabra every day. Surprised, Moses asked, “Dear G-d, you are the master of light, do you require light from us?” To which G-d replied with the following parable:
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B'Ha'alotcha: Food For Thought For Your Dinner Table
Sunday: Eternal Lights
Aharon had hoped to deliver the inaugural ceremonies of the Mishkan, but when he saw that the tribal leaders were selected over him he was crestfallen. G-d comforted Aharon with the kindling of the Temple Lights. “Yours [the lights] are greater than theirs.”
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B’ha’alotcha: Timeless Moments
Never Again
“Time is money,” or so goes the common refrain intended to underscore the importance of every moment. You wouldn’t discard a dollar so why waste a moment? The point is well taken, but the comparison is not equitable. Time is not money, it is much more than money. A …
B’haalotcha: The Silent Flame
Hardly any Splash at all
One of the criteria by which professional high divers are rated is their smooth water entrance and the resultant splash factor.
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