commandments

My Transcendent Discovery in Israel

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

Zalman Kravitz
Finding Morality in a World of Confusion

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

Zalman Kravitz
The Council of My Nation - Law and Chosenness - Introduction

The Council of My Nation - Law and Chosenness - Introduction

THE LAW AND THE CHOSENNESS OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE Introduction Let us now move on to the subject of the Law. Here too, God spares no words in emphasizing the centrality of the Law in our relationship with Him. Abraham was chosen because of his obedience to God’s voice (Genesis 26:5). The chosen-ness of Israel centers on our obedience to the commandments (Deuteronomy 26:18). Obedience to the Law is equated with life (Deuteronomy 30:30), with good and righteousness (Deuteronomy 6:24), and with ete
book of moses commandments
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz