A civil society in which life is sacrosanct frowns upon the act of murder. It is a heinous crime to rob another person of life itself. In America, states have different punishments in place for murderers, ranging from prison sentences to a ticket to death row. And yet, not all acts that bring about death are considered “murder.” more

Harry Potter fans know that Lily Potter gave her life for her son, and what saved his life in his various encounters with the villain of the series (who must not be named) is Love. The theme of … more

There’s an old saying “Seeing is Believing.” But while many idioms have truth, this one is factually inaccurate. I’ve watched many a magic trick, both live and recorded. I … more

In the history of mankind, rulers have often had the power over who will live and who will die. In some cases, one’s prison sentence might be linked indefinitely to the grudge of the ruling power, and reprieve might come about upon the latter’s death. Much would depend on the nature of the crime of which the individual stood accused, while in many cases, there may not have been a crime committed at all. more

Leviticus 23:40: “On the first day, you must take for yourself a fruit of the citron tree, an unopened palm frond, myrtle branches, and willows [that grow near] the brook. You shall rejoice before G-d for seven days.” more

One of the more mysterious narratives in the Torah concerns what is likely the final trip back to Egypt after the burning bush (the midrash suggests Moshe went back and forth a number of times, … more

What brought about the deaths of Aharon’s older sons? Most discussions analyze the specific nature of the particular service they were performing. Were they drunk? Were they wearing the proper clothing? Did they enter an area prohibited to them? Did they perform a service reserved for their father alone? Did they merely bring a strange fire? more

Are human beings basically animals who need to be tamed by the forces of civilization? Or are humans angelic beings who sometimes get dragged down by the external forces of nature? Thomas … more

One of the most enduring challenges in the Binding of Isaac story, the Akedah, is that as much as we explore it, the less we understand it. Which is why the challenge to understand the … more

One of the more strange rituals discussed in Kedoshim is the Molech. There is a debate as to what it was and what purpose it served, but this is how the Torah begins the instructions concerning … more