Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal

  • Leadership Has to Be Earned

    Reuben should have been the leader of the brothers but failed. He meant well but was lacking in judgement. Judah will become the leader due to his judgement.

  • The Imperfection of Joseph

    In this week’s portion we see that Joseph is Jacob’s favorite son. Joseph flaunts his status in front of his brothers. He will have to learn humility the hard way.

  • Overcoming Our Flaws

  • Admonish the Sinner with Kindness

    פרשת נח / כ”ט בתשרי תשפ”ג

    The Dimensions of the Ark were 30 x 300 x 50 which equal the numerical value of lashon (ל=30ת ש=300ת ן=50) meaning tongue or language. This was to teach Noah that he had to admonish the people to repent from their ways.

  • The Reason for the Flood

    פרשת נח / כ”ח בתשרי תשפ”ג

    All ancient cultures record a flood. Only the Bible attaches morality for the Flood.

  • Own Up to Your Actions

    פרשת בראשית / כ”ו בתשרי תשפ”ג

    The reason for the punishment of Adam & Eve was not that they had violated God’s one commandment. It was that they denied culpability.

  • To Make the Mundane Holy

    פרשת בראשית / כ”ה בתשרי תשפ”ג

    We learn about Hanuch in this week’s Portion. He was considered great because he made his labor for man a holy act.

  • The World Was Created for US

    פרשת בראשית / כ”ד בתשרי תשפ”ג

    One of the first commandments given to man was to name the animals. This is to underscore that the world is meant for man to make it holy through his use of it.

  • The Torah Belongs to All Jews

    פרשת וזאת הברכה / י”ט בתשרי תשפ”ג / ד’ דחול המואד סוכות

    Simhat Torah is the recognition that the Torah is the property of all Jew, no matter how rich or poor, high and low, educated or not.

  • The Inclusivity of Sukkot

    פרשת וזאת הברכה / י”ח בתשרי תשפ”ג / ב’ דחול המואד סוכות

    Sukkot is the holiday for all people. One can build a sukka that covers the entire world. This show that it is for all.