Torah portion Ki Teitzei
The approaching High Holidays are an opportunity to rejuvenate our spiritual connection with the Almighty. A high point in this process is singing the Avenu Malkanu prayer and proclaiming that God is our Father and King, and we are God’s children and servants. This hymn reflects the verse, “to
Torah portion Ki Tavo
Have you ever experienced a Godly revelation? I have. Maybe you have too and didn’t realize it. Isaiah identifies who will experience a Godly revelation when he prophetically and rhetorically asked, “to whom has the arm of God been revealed?” (Isaiah 53:1). To understand this verse and its
Torah portion Nitzavim
It hurts to hear people say it is too difficult to be Jewish. Some missionaries go so far as to claim that it is “impossible” to keep the Torah. My experience and the experience of generations before me is that the Torah is a precious gift with ancient wisdom that
Torah portion Vayelech
This Shabbat is called Shabbat Shuvah (Shabbat of Return) because it falls between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and contains extraordinary spiritual energy to reconnect to God In this week’s portion of Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:1–30), we learn that despite God’s displeasure with the Jewish people, the
Meditation
This Tuesday evening, we begin our observance of the holiest and most spiritual day of the year. If Shabbat is holy, then, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the Holy of Holies. I want to share a few meditations that make my Yom Kippur more meaningful. I hope they
Haazinu and Vezos Haberacha
The final two portions of the Torah, Haazinu and Vezos Haberacha (Deuteronomy 32:1-34:12), contains a song and a blessing from Moses. In the song, Moses urges the Jewish people to reflect on their past and remember that God provides their needs. Moses’ blessing is directed to each tribe
Torah portion Bereishis
This week we completed the annual cycle of reading the Torah and started again with the Torah portion of Bereishis (Genesis 1:1–6:8). The word Torah means more than “the law” or “bible.” The root of the word Torah is “horah” which means “instruction.” As it says, “instruct
Torah portion Noah
This week’s Torah portion of Noah (Genesis 6:9–11:32) highlights the well-known story of the righteousness of Noah and the decline of the world, which led to the flood. Although this story may seem mythical, it contains one of the most essential and spiritual principals for humankind.
Torah portion of Lech Lecha
In this week’s Torah portion of Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1–17:27), Avram, whose name was later changed to Abraham, is told by God that he will be blessed, and his “descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the heaven” (Genesis 15:5). The elderly and
Torah portion Vayera
Every morning I scan the news and shake my head at the breakdown of morality. The world is in a state of confusion and rampant with violence, profanity, sexual harassment, and disrespect for the law. This downward spiral threatens the moral fiber of civilized society. In this week’s Torah
Torah portion of Chayei Sarah
Confronting Mortality by Counting Days No one wants to confront their mortality. Avraham did, and he sought a way to establish a legacy In this week’s Torah portion of Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1–25:18), Abraham realizes that he is aging, and it is time to help his
Torah portion of Toldos
Although Thanksgiving is not a Jewish holiday, it reminds me that every day is an opportunity to give thanks to God for the blessings we receive both materially and spiritually. King David said it this way, “It is good to give thanks to the LORD” (Psalm 92:1). In this
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