Torah portion Naso
I am writing this week’s spiritual insight from Netanya Israel, where I took this photo of the sunset over the Mediterranean. In this week’s Torah portion Naso (Numbers 4:21–7:89), we are introduced to the Nazir, a man or women who choose to abstain from wine,
Torah portion Behaloscha
This week’s Torah portion of Behaloscha (Numbers 8:1-12:16) contains God’s instruction to give individuals a second chance to offer a Passover offering if they were unable to do so on Passover. This special offering is called Pesach Sheni, the “second Passover” and provides an important spiritual
Torah portion Shelach
I just returned to Los Angeles after three weeks in Israel. During this trip, my wife Dvora and I were able to witness the sunset over the Mediterranean, the site of the ancient Tabernacle in Shiloh and a view of Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives. Israel is breathtaking, and
Torah portion Korach
In January 1990, I traveled to the Soviet Union with several of my colleagues to deliver Jewish ritual items and teach Torah to Jews thirsting for knowledge. In Moscow, Leningrad, and Kiev we witnessed firsthand how difficult Jewish life was because religious freedom was still restricted. While visiting Leningrad, we
Torah portion Chukas
Growing up on the East Coast, I was never afraid of garden snakes, which I often discovered in my backyard. When I moved to California and started hiking in the mountains, I encountered my first rattlesnake. Although I did not panic, I was cautiously nervous. I now have a healthy
Torah portion of Balak
The first time I saw a horse talk, I was seven years old. My brother and I turned on our black and white TV to watch the first episode of Mr. Ed. We always wondered how they got the horse to move its lips. That was make-believe. However, in this
Torah portion of Pinchas
When I was young, I enjoyed counting my baseball cards over and over. Repeatedly counting something demonstrates how precious it is. That collection was valuable to me, especially, since it included baseball great Mickey Mantle. I wish I knew where my collection was now. Counting plays a pivotal role in
Torah portion Matot-Masse
I grew up in a Kosher home, and on Passover, my mother sent me to school with buttered matzah instead of bread. My non-Jewish friends were jealous. For me, keeping Kosher was never a burden; it was a way of life. I accepted this without realizing the profound spiritual message
Torah portion Deuteronomy
Of all the books of the Torah, Deuteronomy is considered by many to be the most spiritual. In the coming weeks, we will encounter passages which explain the true nature of God’s absolute oneness. Other verses will explain how finite beings can achieve a personal relationship with our infinite
Torah portion Va’etchanan
Growing up in the Sixties, everyone seemed to be searching for answers. Peace and spiritual enlightenment were the rallying calls. It took me some time, but I finally found both. Although my family has roots that go back to one of the first students of the Baal Shem Tov, I
Torah portion Eikev
An atheist approached a great Chassidic rabbi and said, “I can’t believe in a God who is harsh and judgmental and spends His time in heaven handing out punishments.” The rabbi responded, “the same God you don’t believe in I also don’t believe in.” I was reminded
Torah portion Re’eh
In 1921 my grandfather (see photo) opened a deli in Philadelphia. So naturally, I appreciate a good deli sandwich. I didn’t know that originally, humanity was not allowed to eat animals. Later in the Torah God permitted eating meat only if specific guidelines were followed. These guidelines are intended
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