One of the more profound lessons in our liturgy can be found in Tehillim 128: “See the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.” Beyond Jerusalem itself, the verse serves as an … more

There are so many things in life that are impossible to understand. Yet every now and then, we are afforded a glimpse, as if through a momentary clearing of the fog, of what it’s all … more

In Bamidbar 20:2-4, the nation is depicted three different ways: once as an edah (a united group), once as ha’am (the nation, though less united than an edah), and once as kehal Hashem, the … more

Aharon was the first Kohen Gadol, and one of the greatest people in the history of our nation. Yet, as King Solomon taught us long ago, “There is no righteous man on earth who does good and … more

T he people were thirsty. In desperation, they complained bitterly. Moshe and Aaron did not know how to respond; they retreated to the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. G-d then commanded … more

Whenever I participate in a raffle, with great anticipation I wait for the drawing, which will declare me, as usual, a loser. And my losing ticket? Ends up in the garbage, of course. The mature … more

Korach and his fellow rebels wer e miraculously punished for their sinful rebellion against Moshe: “And the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men … more

A friend of mine once shared part of the process he used to interview prospective students at his high school. The boys were invited to a full day of interviews, tests and experiences. In the … more

After listing the names of the leaders set to spy the Land, the Torah informs us that Moshe changed Hoshea bin Nun’s name to Yehoshua. The fact that his name is mentioned prior to this as … more

This week’s parsha, Sh’lach, contains one of the most challenging stories in the entire Torah: the story of the spies. It’s an incredible moment in Jewish history — with … more