As the history of the Israelites in the wilderness is reviewed in Devarim, an interesting trend is presented. The nations of Eisav, Moav and Ammon are treated as closer than brothers with … more

The truth is, it depends. The Torah, for example, says that if a person kills someone accidentally, the blood of the victim shall be avenged (Shmot 21:20). Chapter 19 in Devarim discusses the … more

Bamidbar Chapter 26 is largely dedicated to another census of the Israelites, this time counting the people in the final months before they enter the land of Israel.  Owing to the midrash in … more

In this week’s parsha of Chukas, Bamidbar chapter 20 is divided into four sections. •Verses 1–6 describe the death of Miriam and the complaint of lack of water which comes in the … more

There are many synagogues whose names begin with the word anshei (Anshei Emes, Anshei Shalom, Anshei Chesed, Anshei Emunah). There are also Anshei synagogues named for individuals, families, or … more

On your days of rejoicing, on your festivals, and on your new-moon celebrations, you shall sound a note with the trumpets for your burnt offerings and your peace offerings. This shall be a … more

As we begin the fourth book of the Torah, we embark on a journey, along with the Israelites who are leaving Sinai after having been there for 11 months. Not only does the focus of the … more

In the Torah, there are a number of times when G-d uses the word v’natati (and I will place or give) to indicate what He will give to the Bnei Yisrael. Sometimes it is good, and in the cases in … more

One of the questions which gets much emphasis nowadays is whether the Torah discriminates against kohanim who have some kind of deformity, blemish, or disability. This is an outcome of looking at the … more

In describing the Yom Kippur service, the Torah tells us that “with this shall Aharon enter the Holy, with a bull that is ben bakar as a sin offering, and a ram as a burnt offering.” … more