Zalman Kravitz - Jews for Judaism (Page 9)

Yom Kippur Meditations that Touch the Soul

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 will enhance your experience too. As we approach God on this day, I contemplate the significance of the words, “not because of our righteousness do we pour out our supplication before You, but because of Your great compassion” (Da

Meditation salvation

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Isaiah 53’s Secret Message of Unity and Blessing

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 according to their unique responsibilities and strengths. Spiritually a song represents unity because it is sung in unison. As it says, “Burst out, sing in unison” (Isaiah 52:9). Jewish unity can elicit God’s b

Haazinu and Vezos Haberacha

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

How Could Man Be Created in God’s Image?

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 (horos) the children of Israel” (Leviticus 10:11). The Torah is a source of transformative instructions which affect our body and soul. In this week’s Torah portion, there is a valuable spiritual lesson derived from two wor

Torah portion Bereishis make man in our image

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

A Remarkable Discovery: Two Paths to One God

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. Despite the corruption that filled the world, the merciful God gave humankind a second chance and established an “everlasting covenant between God and every living creature” (Genesis 9:16). Since God established

Torah portion Noah 7 Laws of Noah

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Are Actions or Faith Our Ticket to Heaven?

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 childless Avram did not ask God for a sign of proof about this promise. Instead, “he believed in God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Putting your faith and trust in God is a powerful expression of spirituality. Bu

Torah portion of Lech Lecha Genesis 15:6

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 1 min read

Finding Morality in a World of Confusion

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 portion of Vayera (Genesis 18:1–22:24), Abraham provides a solution to the immorality of his time that is applicable today. Abraham “planted an orchard in Beer-Sheba and proclaimed that God is the master of

Torah portion Vayera commandments

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 1 min read

Confronting Mortality by Counting Days

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 son Isaac find a wife. Marriage would guarantee future generations who would walk in Abraham’s footsteps. To describe Abraham’s age, the Torah says that “Abraham was old, advanced in days”(Genesis 24:1). The statement “advanced i

Torah portion of Chayei Sarah Genesis 24:1

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 1 min read

Is Thanksgiving a Jewish Holiday?

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 week’s Torah portion of Toldos (Genesis 25:19–28:9), Isaac blesses his sons Yaacov and Esau. The Torah (Genesis 25:27) refers to Yaacov as “a wholesome man, abiding in tents,” which describes him as a person who focused on spirit

Torah portion of Toldos Thanksgiving

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read