The end of our parasha contains a very difficult narrative in which Miriam and Aaron speak against their beloved brother, Moses: Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses regarding the Cushite woman he … more

One of the disturbing episodes in the parsha concerns the people who are complaining about the manna, bemoaning a lack of meat as they remember the fish, fruits and vegetables (cucumbers, melons, … more

One of the laws discussed in Parshat Naso concerns the Nazir – a person, man or woman, who chooses to remove himself or herself from society to a limited degree, through not consuming wine and … more

One of the best-known passages in our parsha, and the entire Torah, is that of Birkat Kohanim: “The L-rd spoke to Moses saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: This is how you shall … more

I recently heard a wonderful story by a flight attendant who, after being throttled by one too many rude comments, was starting to think she needed to change careers. Then a passenger had a heart … more

Shavuot begins on Saturday night, and since one cannot begin preparing for the holiday before Shabbat ends anyway, the point being raised here about beginning Shavuot early is a non-issue in 2016. … more

Few things in this world are as beautiful as the night sky in the desert. Most people do not get to see this beauty, far away from the bright lights and cacophony of sounds in the city, the black … more

One of the words that stands out in the Tochacha (Rebuke) of Parshat B’chukotai, a word which very clearly refers to bad behavior that people will exhibit towards G-d, and the consequential … more

Parashat Bechukotai presents shalom as one of the greatest rewards that we will receive when we live lives dedicated to Hashem’s holy Torah: “And I will grant peace in the Land, and … more

Yom Yerushalayim, which commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem following the Six-Day War in June 1967, 49 years ago, is observed on 28 Iyar (this year, June 5). Jewish Star columnist Rabbi Binny … more