Category: Culture

  • Actions Have Consequenes

    Miriam meant well when she commented to her brother Aaron her concern that Moses seemed to be neglecting his wife. Though she meant well she was punished for the sin of malicious gossip. Meaning well is not enough. Your actions matter.

  • Be A Part of the Community

    The Torah stresses that we are a part of the community. The fact that even someone who lives off charity is required to tithe is important. We are all responsible for the upkeep of the community.

  • Betrayal of Society

    Marriage is the basis of society. When there is suspicion that the wife is betraying her husband but there is no proof then the Torah proscribes the ritual of the Mei Sotah, Waters of Contrition. This is to find out the truth and, if possible to save the marriage.

  • Punishment in the Torah

    In the view of the Torah a thief has to repay his victim for what he has stolen. Just sitting in jail is not enough. He caused damage to the victim and until the victim has forgiven him, he is not forgiven.

  • Priestly Blessings

    The Priestly Blessings mentioned in this week’s portion are the basics on societal norms. We ask for God’s blessing, then for wisdom and finally for peace. The fact is that without peace none of the rest matter but peace at any price is not worth it either.

  • Taking Responsibility

    One of the themes of the Book of Ruth is taking responsibility. Both, if one is a leader or a common person, we are responsible for doing the right thing.

  • True Jewish Heritage

    The Museum of Jewish Heritage, a Living Memorial to the Holocaust is an important venue but it gives the wrong message. The true heritage of the Jewish people is when we behave as Jews and keep the commandments that were given us at Mt. Sinai.

  • We Are On A Mission From God

    God took us out of Egypt with a plan. We are to be a light unto the nations. That they should learn from us what a Godly society should be.

  • Service to the Community

    As we approach the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai, we have to remember that one the central themes of the Torah is that we are required to be of service to the community. That we are a part of the whole.

  • God’s Hand In History

    When we think about the liberation of the Old City of Jerusalem, we have to remember that it occurred through a miracle. The IDF was able to take the city with ease due to the Jordanians abandoning the all of Judea & Sumaria. With this we see God’s hand in history.