Zalman Kravitz - Jews for Judaism (Page 10)

The Mystery of Biblical Names that Contain God

In this week’s Torah portion of Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10–32:3), Jacob fathers eleven of the twelve founders of the tribes of Israel. In order of birth, the sons are Reuben Shimon, Levi, Yehuda, Dan, Naftali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulon, and Joseph. The birth of Jacob’s twelfth son Binyomin is recorded in next week’s portion. After each son is born, the Torah explains the meaning of their names. For example, Yehuda means to “thank God” (Genesis 29:35). The Hebrew letters of Yehuda’s name co

Torah portion of Vayeitze Jeremiah 23:6

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Amazing Tale of a Real Rescue Mission

In this week’s Torah portion of Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43), we read about the kidnapping of Dina, the daughter Jacob and Leah. Two of Dina’s brothers, Simon, and Levi, go to extreme measures to rescue their sister. Although Jacob disapproved of their methods, we can learn a valuable lesson about the importance of saving a life. With this message in mind, it seems appropriate to share a portion of my talk from our recent Jew for Judaism Gala. Our sages teach, “whoever saves a single soul i

Torah portion Vayishlach Pslam 22

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

A Dreamer of Dreams and the Messianic Age

This week’s Torah portion Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1–40:23), starts with dreams and ends with dreams. Joseph’s dreams foretell that he is destined to rule over his family and the dreams of the butler and baker pave the way to Joseph’s miraculous rise from enslavement to a position of leadership. My grandmother told me a story of a dream she had concerning an event that eventually occurred. I was skeptical until I had my own experiences with dreams that came to pass. Although dreams have the potent

Torah portion Vayeshev dreams

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

The Secret Code Hidden in The Fine Print

Years ago, while attending the University of Texas, I met a Rabbi who changed my life. Rabbi Sholom Ber Alperowitz shared a Torah insight based on this week’s Torah portion Miketz (Genesis 41:1–44:17). Joseph’s imprisonment ends when he successful interprets Pharaoh’s dreams of seven fat cows that are swallowed up by seven lean cows, and of seven fat ears of grain swallowed by seven lean ears. Joseph interprets the dreams to mean that seven years of plenty will be followed by seven years of hun

Torah portion Miketz nuances

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

A Hero Discovers a Personal Relationship with God

There is an expression, “heroes are made, not born.” Someone willing to put his own life at risk to save others is a real hero. One such person was Yehudah. In this week’s Torah portion of Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27), Yehudah risks his life to save his brother Binyomim who was being held captive by the all-powerful Egyptians. When Yehudah boldly confronted the second in command to Pharaoh and demanded Binyomin’s freedom he did not realize he was speaking to Yosef. Yehudah understood the im

Torah portion Vayigash

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Finding The Lost Kings of Israel

In Hebrew, a Jew is called a “Yehudi.” The Jewish people take their name from the tribe of Yehudah. This is true even if we are not from the tribe of Yehudah. A clear example is found in the book of Esther where Mordechai is described as, “a Jew (Yehudi) from the tribe of Binyamin” (Esther 2:5). Yehudah’s special place in Judaism is highlighted in the week’s Torah portion of Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26, when he receives his blessing from his father Yaacov. Yehudah is told, “The scepter (of l

Vayechi Kings

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

How I Survived a Challenge at 35,000 Feet

The book of Exodus is a turning point in Jewish history. This week’s Torah portion (Exodus 1:1 - 6:1) describes how the twelve diverse sons of Yaacov were forged into a unified nation. In Hebrew, the book of Exodus is called “Shemot “which means “Names.” After listing the names of the twelve sons of Yaacov the Torah proclaims that the total number of people who “emerged from Yaacov were seventy” (Exodus 1:2). The number “seventy” is mentioned three times in the Torah. First in Genesis 46:27 wh

70 people contradictions

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

The Day I Witnessed a Miracle

On November 9, 1989, I witnessed a miracle. Glued to the television I watched as people on both sides of the Berlin Wall tore down this massive symbol of the global power struggle between dictatorship and democracy. This event was so unanticipated and unbelievable even news reporters called it a miracle. The Torah is replete with accounts of miracles that transcend the natural order. I have personally experienced miracles, and I consider the survival of the Jewish people, time and time again ag

Torah portion Va’era false prophet

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read