Someone once gave me a fairly depressing definition of a politician: someone we entrust to lead our countries but would never consider inviting to our dinner table. I do not remember where I read that quote, but it can unfortunately sum up too many people we know of involved in politics. The potential for power, […]
The Revelation at Mt Sinai which forms the central part of parshat Yitro is arguably the most spectacular moment in the Torah narrative. It is in many ways the sequel to last week’s portion where the children of Israel escape from slavery in Egypt, dramatically crossing the sea of reeds as the waters miraculously […]
This week’s Torah portion, Shemini is from the book of Leviticus and deals with a very strange and tragic incident: Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s two oldest sons, while laying incense on fire that they brought to the alter were consumed by that fire. The Torah does not give us any reason for the unexpected death […]
There is an idea, expressed by our Rabbis, that the Divine intervention that led to the Exodus from Egypt and liberation from slavery was an act of grace by God. It was given to the children of Israel be hinam—‘for free’. But despite their acknowledgment of this miracle, the Rabbis were uncomfortable with it. Why? […]
This week’s Torah portion, Shemini is from the book of Leviticus and deals with a very strange and tragic incident: Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s two oldest sons, while laying incense on fire that they brought to the alter were consumed by that fire. The Torah does not give us any reason for the unexpected death […]
