This week’s parsha, Vayishlach, is replete with life-events that did not go the way those involved in them would have wanted. And yet, positive thinking people try to find silver linings. … more

Yaakov sends messengers to Eisav telling Eisav his story about having lived with Lavan and having amassed wealth. Perhaps Yaakov is indicating his intent to put the past behind them. “I am … more

The Talmud tells us that when Yosef was confronted by the temptress, his master Potiphar’s wife, he was able to control himself and overcome her advances because he saw his father … more

Take a careful look at Bereishit 24:67: “And Yitzchak brought Rivka to his mother’s tent. He took Rivka, she became his wife, and then he loved her, and then he was comforted over the … more

With the Ashkenazic community beginning Selichot this Saturday night, with Rosh Hashana around a week and a half away, bringing with it the Day of Judgment, we are left to examine our deeds, our … more

The shofar sound this past Sunday began the wake-up call of the month of Elul that reminds us that Rosh Hashana will soon be upon us. As I look back at notes from previous years, I have found that the commentary of Rabbenu Bachaye on these coming parshas has found an important place in my own Elul and Teshuvah-focused experience. more

William Faulkner was a master of writing single sentences that span an entire page. Though they run on and on, the sentences could not be marked as “run-on” by a grammar teacher. It is a unique skill possessed by the loquacious, which marvels readers. The longest sentence I am aware of in the Torah has 34 words in it (Shmot 32:1). more

Moshe saw all the work, and behold they had done it. Just as G-d commanded, so they did. And Moshe blessed them.” more

In the middle of Devarim Chapter 4, in this week’s parsha Vaeschanan, Moshe describes a future when the people abandon G-d in pursuit of idols: “G-d will spread you among the nations, and … more

The Levites are consecrated, once and for all, in the opening passages of our parsha. Mazal tov! Hold your horses. Did you read what they have to go through to experience this monumental achievement? more