Zion has always had its despisers. Recently, their numbers have increased. Anti-Zionism has been adopted as a fervent cause by a frightening variety of individuals and groups. What is … more

Is it possible that Esau really deceived Yitzchok and hid who he truly was? Yitzchok’s love for Esau — where does it stem from? Isaac favored Esau because he had a taste for game; but … more

How do we process what we saw in the news this past week? On the eve of Kristallnacht — the anniversary of the November night in 1938 when synagogues burned across Germany and Austria and … more

It is one of the most emotionally affecting scenes in the Torah. Jacob, dressed in Esau’s clothes, has taken Esau’s blessing. He leaves and, shortly thereafter, Esau enters. What is remarkable is … more

Eulogy first, tears later: Why did Avraham praise Sarah before he wept? Rabbi Weinreb weighs three commentators and finds Sarah still very much present. more

If beauty is vain, why praise Sarah? Rabbi Dr. Wiseman’s answer is that kings adored the Matriarch, yet her looks never went to her head or shook her faith. more

Glass like snow: At a Long Beach Kristallnacht vigil, a 96-year-old survivor stunned the room. Rabbi Berlin finds her secret in Avraham — who wept, then rose. more

Isaac’s quiet power: Rabbi Sacks on morning, afternoon and night — how three patriarchs gave us three daily prayers, and why real conversation is itself a prayer. more

It seems that we often mistake cause and effect in the unfolding of the events in the Torah. What from the outside looks to be a reason for something not to occur is really the cause of its … more

I’m a Brooklyn boy, born and bred. Apart from occasional visits to the Prospect Park Zoo and the park’s lake and skimpy woods, I grew up in a totally urban environment, with few opportunities to … more