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?

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.

Just a few weeks ago we were gathered around a festive table with our family and friends. Our purpose was to retell the events surrounding our Exodus from Egypt. The Haggadah recounts the story of five great rabbis having a Seder together in Bnai Brak, a city in Israel. They were discussing the Exodus from Egypt all night until close to sunrise. What did they have so much to talk about? One clue is found from this week’s Torah reading.