• The Importance of the Rule of Law

    The Torah places a lot of importance on the Rule of Law. This is a concept that without it we will descend into a lawless society which will be no good for us. The Torah is against someone being above or below the law.

  • Make the Common Special

  • 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.

  • Be A Part of Society

    At the end of the Nazir’s term of Nazirut he is required to bring a Sin Offering. The reason is that he while he was a Nazir that he had taken himself out of society. The Torah wants us to a part of society.

  • Individuality & Society

    In the Torah we see that individuals are recognized for their leadership roles but that a same time we are encouraged to build a society from the bottom up.

  • 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.