In Pirkei Avot, Ethics of Our Fathers, we come across a curious statement. “…and the one who talks excessively brings on sin.” (Avot 1:17). What does this mean?

In this week’s Torah reading, Parshat Naso, we come across a fascinating mitzvah. It is the only mitzvah in the entire system of 613 mitzvot that directly involves a miracle.

Shavuot is unique among all the other Yomim Tovim in our yearly cycle of celebrations. Parshat Emor, Chapter 23 of Sefer Vayikra (Leviticus) describes all of our sacred holy days and gives the dates when they should start. All except the holiday of Shavuot. Why?

If I forget you Jerusalem, may my right arm forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.” (Tehillim 137:5-6) These two verses capture a vital tenet of our religion and culture, the centrality of Jerusalem.

This week’s Torah portion Emor, אמור, contains within it the section of the “moadim,” מועדים. How exactly to translate the term “moed,” מועד, to convey its proper significance, is not so simple.