Is the manner in which we shake the four species random, or is there reason behind how we are supposed to wave them? One of Rabbi Zvi Dov Kanatopsky’s holiday sermons, in the book … more

For the parsha with the fewest number of verses in the Torah, Vayelech is quite busy. (Nitzavim has 10 more verses, but it takes up less space in the Torah.) Between warnings of bad that may … more

At least three words in our parsha, Nitzavim, could be defined as a “milah manchah” — a repeated word which Nechama Leibowitz Z”L would utilize to draw out a theme in a … more

In our parsha, Ki Tavo, we find Moshe being repetitive with his goodbyes. Which seems excessive. At the end of chapter 26, he tells the people, “G-d is commanding you to keep the laws. … more

If one finds something that belongs to someone else, the Torah obligates the finder to return it. Beginning with an example of a wandering animal, the mitzvah becomes more specific and general in … more

In preparation for Tisha B’Av, I read through Artscroll’s Eicha and came across the following passage by Rabbi Nosson Scherman. “The truth is far beneath the surface: … more

The source of Rabbinic commandments is in Devarim chapter 17, when Moshe decreeds that the Sanhedrin, based at the place “G-d will have chosen,” will declare laws. “You must do … more

The haftarah of Chazon, the opening chapter of Yeshayahu, includes a message from G-d that is very hard to understnd. “Of what use are your many sacrifices to Me? says the L-rd. I am … more

We finally made it! The week our Torah reading catches up with that of Israel! We have been misaligned with our brothers and sisters ever since they observed Shabbos and read Parshat Shemini on … more

The plague is over, the story of Pinchas and Zimri Ahas reached its conclusion, and it is time for the Israelites to move on. G-d instructs Moshe to count the people, and in 26:4 he and Elazar … more