Articles in Va’etchanan
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 …
Vaetchanan: Life’s Little Lessons
Two Stalled Cars
On a family visit to San Antonio I was called upon to demonstrate my mechanical prowess or, as it turned out, my lack thereof.
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Vatchanan:The Loss of a Leader
They Cried
Our Parsha this week begins with Moses’ report to the Jewish people that he would not lead them into the land of Israel. The Midrash relates a fascinating tale that occurred at that time. Jews bemoaned the future loss of their beloved leader Moses, Joshua mourned and rent his …
Vaetchanan: Does it Permeate?
An Echo
This week’s Parsha recounts the Ten Commandments. The Torah tells us that the commandments were delivered in “a powerful voice that was never repeated.” Our sages explain that this voice did not have an echo. Why is the absence of an echo important?
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Vatchanan: Am I Wasting My Time?
The Purpose
In this week’s Parsha Moshe recounts the history of our ancestors in the desert and reminds them of their life’s purpose.
I once received an email with the following question: Dear G-d, why did you create me, as a material being? Was it so I would live my life …
Vaetchanan: Living for G-d
Three Loves
“And you shall love G-d your lord with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might.” (1) These words are not poetic descriptions of love but precise instructions that define the parameters of the love that G-d desires.
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