Ki Tetze. Why do Mitzvot?
Prof Shalom Rosenberg compared mitzvot to one of two different laws: Are they akin to the requirement to wear an army beret or a seat belt?
Shoftim. Justice "In All Your Gates"
One cannot compare the experience of a judge who lives among those who he must guide and lead. The magistrate is part and parcel of the city
Ekev. The Lessons of Rain
Israel is a place where people look up to heaven in search of rain, not down to earth and its natural water supply. Why?
Re'eh. Open Hearts - Open Hands
The Torah repeatedly uses the term “brother” to depict the recipient of welfare. If we viewed a needy person as a sibling, would we not be
VaEtchanan. Spirit of the Law
The Torah leaves some of the ethics to our personal intuition and conscience. Our moral instincts are the divine voice within us.
Devarim. "Low and High Alike!"
"Hear out low and high alike" - Justice depends upon impartiality, and that is the basis of society.
Mattot-Massei. Vows - The Power and the Danger
Our words have enormous impact. The power of our intent coupled with the divine name, create a binding commitment
Pinchas. Fire and Passion
What are the advantages of zeal, idealistic outrage, passionate protest? Is zealous action responsible? Can it go wrong?
Balak. Learning the Hard Way
We humans have the choice. But we also bear the consequences of our choices. God leads us the way we want to go, but he might not agree with
Hukkat. Choose Life!
"Judaism abhors death, organic decay, and dissolution. It bids one to choose life and sanctify it."
