Category: Israel

  • Duties & Obligations

    The Torah takes a census of men of military age. This, in case the nation has to go to war. Considering that the main job of the Jews at the time was learning shows that we are obligated to do our duty to the nation.

  • Israel Independence Day

    No matter how we count the Omer, Israel Independence Day falls in the middle of the mourning period. This is no accident. Israel Independence Day is the atonement for the sins committed by Rebbe Akiva’s students during the Bar-Kochba Revolt.

  • God Wants Action, Not Words

    When the Jews get to the Red Sea they seem to be trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s army. Moses prays and God tells him to quit praying and jump into the sea. This shows God wants action, not just prayers.

  • Pharaoh’s True Punishment

    The true punishment of Pharaoh was the taking away his free will. Free will is one of the things that separates humans from animals. By removing this Pharaoh was being made into an animal.

  • Joseph’s Message to Jacob

    When Jacob was told that Joseph was alive, he did not believe it until he saw the wagons. Why did they make a difference?

  • Remember Why We Fight

    The fast of the 10th of comes a week after we finish celebrating Hanukah. This is to teach us that the Hasmoneans lost sight of the reason for the war against the Hellenists. Over the generations they became Hellenists. When we lose sight of the goal we lose all.

  • United We Stand

    In the end of this week’s portion the brothers are united in their love of one another just as the five Hasmonaean brothers were united in the story of Hanukah.

  • Hanukah and Purim

    Why do we say Hallel on Hanukah bur not Purim? What is the difference between the two festivals?

  • Every Jew Has Value

    פרשת וזאת הברכה / א’ דחול המואד סוכות / י”ז בתשרי תשפ”ג

    The lesson of Sukkot is that every person has value, no matter how high or low that person may be. We all equal in God’s eye.

  • We’re In A Partnership With God

    פרשת האזינו / י”א בתשרי תשפ”ג

    This week’s portion deals with the problem of success. Many of us achieve success and forget that God had a hand in it. This is a clear warning not to.