Category: Peace

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • The Constitution & The Bible

    פרשת שופטים / ה’ באלול תשפ”ב

    In this week’s portion we learn about the Biblical limits on the king. It is no accident that they match the limitations imposed on the American presidency in the US Constitution. It is important to remember that the most quoted book at the Constitutional Convention was the Book of Deuteronomy.

  • For the Sake of Heaven

    פרשת קרח / כ”ח בסיון תשפ”ב

    The Mishna in Pirkei Avot mentions the difference between a disagreement for the sake of Heaven and for personal ego is the dispute between Shammai & Hillel, for the sake of Heaven, and Korach and his congregation for ego. The difference is that if the dispute is for the sake of Heaven, then they might disagree, but they did not look on their opponents as enemies. Korach and his congregation looked on their opponents as evil.

  • Israel Memborial Day

    פרשת קדושים – י”ח בעומר / ג’ באייר תשפ”ב

    Today we remember the fallen defenders of the State of Israel. For those of us who served in combat and lost close friends it is emotional. If you think that war can be cheap and inexpensive, speak to a widow or orphan. They pay the full price.

  • Mourning during the Omer

    פרשת קדושים – ט”ו בעמר / ל’ בניסן תשפ”ב

    We mourn Rebbe Akiva’s students death during the Omer. The official reason given is that they died from a plague. The reality is that they died fighting the Romans in the Bar-Kochba revolt. It is no accident that Israel Independence day happens during this period.

  • Have a Heart

    פרשת תצוה / ו’ באדר א’ תשפ”ב

    The breastplate sits on the High Priest heart to remind him to feel the pain of those who are suffering as well as the joy of those who succeed in life.

  • Some Random Thoughts

    I know that I haven’t blogged in a while.

  • It’s Not About the Land

    One of the

  • The Mosque at Ground Zero

    In my last blog I mentioned the justification of the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.