Eye for an Eye?
This week’s Torah portion, משפטים (“Mishpatim”) brings together a fundamental Jewish legal principle with the underlying ethical philosophy of Judaism.
A Role Model to Emulate
An entire Torah portion is named after a righteous non-Jew, Yitro. Who is he and what was so outstanding about him?
Avoiding a Bitter Life
This week’s Torah portion, Beshelach, sheds light on the uniquely human propensity for fantasy and the problems that come with it.
Redemption and Freedom
There are two aspects to the story of the Exodus that culminates with this week’s Torah portion, Bo. One is גאולה, “redemption” and the other is חרות “freedom.”
God’s Every Action is a Learning Opportunity
Unlike human behavior, all of God’s actions are instructive. This idea is clearly stated throughout the next two Torah portions.
Human Dignity and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This week’s Torah portion, Shemot, begins the record of the Jews’ enslavement in Egypt and liberation by God. Pharaoh remains adamant in his refusal to heed the many requests of Moshe. What was Moshe asking of Pharaoh and how can we relate Moshe’s actions to those of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Recent Comments