August 23, 2017 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Moshe reviews for Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) the Torah’s system of justice, the rules of kingship, the nation’s relationship to idolatrous peoples, and the rules for doing battle. One oft-quoted passage on social justice appears in this parasha (16:18-20), which uses words derived from the root “tzedek” three times in […]

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August 16, 2017 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Moshe instructs the Bnei Yisrael (the Israelites) regarding idolatry, false prophets, pure and impure foods, tithes, freeing slaves, and pilgrimage festivals. Chapter 12, verses 20-22, address the question of eating meat, and clearly it is permitted by the Torah. However, there was one major early modern rabbinic figure who was theoretically opposed to […]

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August 9, 2017 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Moshe continues his speech to the Bnei Yisrael, reminding them to keep Hashem’s commandments when they enter the land of Israel. The first verse, which includes the word for which the parasha is named, reads, “And it shall come to pass, because [ekev] you listen to these laws, and keep and do […]

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August 2, 2017 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Moshe stresses to the Bnei Yisrael the importance of keeping Hashem’s commandments when they enter the land of Israel; Moshe repeats the Aseret HaDibrot (Ten Commandments) and utters the Shema and V’ahavta passages. The Shema is central to Jewish belief and Jewish prayer. It is recited during Shacharit (the morning service) and […]

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July 26, 2017 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Moshe recounts to the Bnei Yisrael episodes from the 40 years in the wilderness; he gives the Bnei Yisrael encouragement regarding their upcoming conquest of the land of Cana’an. During the retelling of the history, Moshe reminds the Bnei Yisrael of one of many times he turned to God, saying (1:12): “How […]

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July 18, 2017 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In Parashat Matot, Moshe describes the laws of oaths; the Bnei Yisrael battle the Midianites; and the tribes of Reuven and Gad request to dwell outside of the Land of Israel. In Parashat Masei, the final parasha of the book of Bemidbar (Numbers), the Bnei Yisrael stand on the banks of the Jordan River, ready […]

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July 11, 2017 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Hashem gives Pinchas, the grandson of Aharon, a covenant of peace; Hashem explains to Moshe the distribution of the Land of Israel to male heirs in their respective tribes; the daughters of Tzelophchad successfully petition to inherit their father’s portion; Moshe appoints Yehoshua (Joshua) as his successor. Any good leader sustains a […]

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July 6, 2017 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Balak, the king of Moav, asks Bil’am to curse the Bnei Yisrael after he sees them defeat various nations in battle. As Bil’am sets out to fulfill this task, his donkey sees an angel of God and refuses to move any further. Bil’am hits the donkey; God speaks through the donkey to […]

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June 28, 2017 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Hashem instructs Moshe and Aaron regarding the parah adumah (red heifer); Miriam dies; to bring forth water, Moshe hits a rock rather than speaking to it; Aharon dies. One of the more bizarre episodes in the Torah appears in this parasha: the story of the brass serpent (21:4-9). Read more >

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June 20, 2017 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this week’s parasha, Korach and his followers rebel against Moshe’s and Aharon’s leadership and are killed; Hashem instructs Aharon regarding laws of the priesthood. Korash rebelled against the leadership of Moshe and Aharon, and he and his followers were “swallowed up by the earth.” The earth opening up and swallowing Korach’s assembly can be […]

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