Archive for the 'Culture' Category
Actions Have Consequenes
Sunday, June 4th, 2023Miriam 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. Share on Facebook
Be A Part of the Community
Friday, June 2nd, 2023The 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. Share on Facebook
Betrayal of Society
Thursday, June 1st, 2023Marriage 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. Share on Facebook
Punishment in the Torah
Wednesday, May 31st, 2023In 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. Share on Facebook
Priestly Blessings
Tuesday, May 30th, 2023The 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. Share on Facebook
Taking Responsibility
Wednesday, May 24th, 2023One 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. Share on Facebook
True Jewish Heritage
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023The 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. Share on Facebook
We Are On A Mission From God
Monday, May 22nd, 2023God 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. Share on Facebook
Service to the Community
Sunday, May 21st, 2023As 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. Share on Facebook
God’s Hand In History
Thursday, May 18th, 2023When 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. Share on Facebook
About the Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal is an Israeli-American, or an American-Israeli (I could never get that right) who is unabashedly pro-Israel, pro-US and a great guy.
He has an open mind to opinions that he agrees with.
Besides blogging on whatever he feels like blogging about on any given day he enjoys learning Talmud, davening, being the candyman in his synagogue, smoking his tobacco pipe, giving tours at the Grand Lodge of New York, being involved in Freemasonry, and partaking in an adult beverage every now and then