Archive for the 'Justice' Category
How To Become Holy
Monday, April 24th, 2023The Book of Leviticus tells us about the Temple service. Yet it suddenly takes a detour to discuss societal issues. What we are being told is that the Temple is just a building unless we behave correctly toward our fellow man. Share on Facebook
Leaders Are Accountable
Friday, March 24th, 2023There were special offerings given by the leaders if they inadvertently made a mistake, both the religious leaders as well as the religious. The reason is that people will base their decisions on what they do and say. Share on Facebook
A Lesson in Bad Governance
Friday, March 3rd, 2023The story of Purim tells us that the real danger to the Jewish people is not people who are evil. We can find them easily enough, but of leaders who are venal and corruptible. Without them the evil doers do not have a chance to do evil. Share on Facebook
Moses & True Humility
Tuesday, February 28th, 2023True humility is not being quiet and living a sheltered life. True humility is that when we take on a leadership position, we remember that it not about me but getting the job done and not caring who gets credit. Share on Facebook
Justice Needs to be Blind
Friday, February 17th, 2023The Torah admonishes judges not to take social status in consideration when rendering a judgement. Neither the person’s wealth nor poverty. All are equal before the Torah. Share on Facebook
Do Not Pervert Judgement
Thursday, February 16th, 2023The Torah admonishes judges to be upright and follow the law, even when the majority want it to do otherwise. The worst thing that can happen to a society of that there is no justice. Share on Facebook
Slaves Cannot Serve God Fully
Wednesday, February 15th, 2023If a slave states that he prefers slavery to freedom, he is punished. This is to teach us that slavery is not the normal state of a person. God wants us to be free people. Share on Facebook
Judging Pharaoh
Wednesday, January 18th, 2023Pharaoh presented himself as a god. His authority was based on this. When it was proven that he was not a god he lost his authority. Share on Facebook
Know Before Whom You Are Standing
Tuesday, January 10th, 2023When Moses was at the burning bush he was told to remove his shoes. One of the reasons was that he should stand on rocky ground so that he would feel the pain that the enslaved Jews were feeling. A leader has to understand the pain and suffering of their followers. Share on Facebook
Joseph’s Message to Jacob
Wednesday, December 28th, 2022When Jacob was told that Joseph was alive, he did not believe it until he saw the wagons. Why did they make a difference? 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