Jabalya. Anyone who has been there has no desire to go back. A nasty piece of real estate in the Gaza strip, Jabalya is a densely overpopulated refugee camp that is always waiting to explode, … 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

Koach hataya — literally, “a force of deception” — is one of the most difficult roles a soldier can assume. This is the force designated to draw the enemy out of … more

In the aftermath of a horrific tragedy in Israel, a comforting letter composed by widows of the murdered expressed a life-focus that appreciates the role G-d plays in their lives. Combine that … more

Sometimes, you have to be willing to take a stand, even if your goal is just to keep standing. I don’t remember what it was that Barak had done that had so angered our sadistic first … more

As the main character in the story of the book of Bereshit, our forefather Yitzchak gets all of one chapter before the tale switches its focus to Yaakov. Towards the end of chapter 26, Yitzchak … more

In Avraham’s relationship with the Almighty, their connection is described in different ways in the Torah. In the beginning of Lekh Lekha, He is “Hashem who appeared to him” … more

You are snuggly under your blanket or in your sleeping bag when all that peace and serenity comes to an abrupt halt. Shouting and yelling, darkness turning into abrupt harsh light, sleeping bags … more

As these words are being written. Yehuda Glick, a passionate advocate for the right of Jews to pray on the Temple mount in Jerusalem, lies fighting for his life after being shot four times by an … more

Avraham and Sarah are both given the same information. A child will be born when you are 100 and 90, respectively. He laughs … more