Zalman Kravitz - Jews for Judaism (Page 7)

Impulse Control Enhances a Connection to God

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, cutting their hair and contact with death. Samson is perhaps the most well-known individual who was a Nazir. The Nazir is usually thought of as an ascetic who practices self-denial, and extreme asceticism. However, there is much more to

Torah portion Naso Nazir

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Is a Compassionate God Unforgiving?

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 lesson we can apply to our lives. Although God desires that we pursue a life of goodness and holiness, we are not expected to be perfect. If perfection were the only option for mankind, God would not

Torah portion Behaloscha God’s compassion

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

My Transcendent Discovery in Israel

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 I felt an infusion of holiness that can only be described as transcendent. Yes, we experienced security concerns while driving through Judea and Samaria, and it was alarming to see the large red signs warning Israelis that

Torah portion Shelach commandments

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

The Day I Walked on Water

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 made a detour to see the Baltic sea which was frozen over. As we “walked on water,” I marveled at how so much salt water could turn into ice. I recalled this incident as I review

Torah portion Korach trip to Russia

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Snakes, Mistakes, and Discovering Spirituality

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 respect for these slithering creatures. Snakes play a pivotal role in this week’s Torah portion of Chukas (Deuteronomy 19:1-22:1). In response to the Jewish people’s discontent and complaint about the Manah food God

Torah portion Chukas snakes

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Shedding Light on The Real Role of Satan

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 week’s Torah portion of Balak (Numbers 22:2–25:9) God miraculously causes a donkey to speak. It happened like this. Balak, the king of Moab, summons the non-Jewish prophet Bilaam to curse the people of Israel. On the way, Balaam is scolded by his donk

Torah portion of Balak free will

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Winning the Spiritual Lottery

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 this week’s Torah portion of Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1). God once again commands the Jewish people to take a census. Our sages explain that the repeated counting of the Jews was God’s way of s

Torah portion of Pinchas tribes

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Kosher Guardians of The Universe

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 contained in Kosher. I have come to appreciate this commandment in ways I never anticipated. Keeping kosher provides lessons about self-control, responsibility, and the recognition that the world is not ours to do with a

Torah portion Matot-Masse

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read