Articles in Yearly Cycle
Passover: A Wise Meditation
The Wise Son
On the first night of Passover we are introduced to the four sons of the Haggadah. (1) Drawing on various verses from the Torah, the Haggadah teaches us that there are four types of students: the wise, the wicked, the foolish and the one who knows not how …
Tzav: Transformation From Within
In Love
A young man was set up on a “shidduch” date. After the first date he told his mother that he was impressed with the young lady’s character, but not with the shape of her nose. After several further dates the young man fell in love. When his mother asked …
Passover – A Fourteen Step Ritual
Pre Passover Preparation
Once again Passover is on the horizon and, in Jewish homes, the air is filled with excitement. If you are Jewish then your home is probably in a state of disarray with a cleaning crew hard at work. The smell of Windex, Lysol, Furniture Polish and Soap. The …
Purim: Every Moment Counts
Every Moment Counts
The Midrash tells us that the in the merit of our matriarch Sarah’s one hundred and twenty seven righteous and meritorious years, her descendant, Esther, reigned over one hundred and twenty seven countries.
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Purim: Celebrating the Inner Battle
A Curious Distinction
Among the many rituals observed during the holiday of Purim are those of Mishloach Manot, sending food baskets to fellow Jews, and Matanot Laevyonim, sharing gifts with the poor.
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Tetzaveh Purim: The Connection
The Jew and the Olive
The first verse of our Parsha reads, “And you (Moshe) shall instruct the children of Israel and they shall take olive oil to you.” Why must we take our olive oil to Moshe?
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Bo: Battling Complacency
D Day
On June 6, 1944, allied forces launched a major assault against occupied France along the coast of Normandy. In the initial phases of the landing, American forces suffered heavy casualties on Omaha Beach. Communications with headquarters was scant because many radios were either lost in the Channel or destroyed …
Bo: Uncovering Divine Mysteries
In Awe of Pharaoh
G-d commanded Moses to come to Pharaoh and instruct him to release the Jewish people from bondage. Why did G-d tell Moses to come to Pharaoh and not go to Pharaoh? The Zohar answers that Pharaoh’s aura and power overwhelmed Moses and he was afraid to enter …
