Parashat Vayishlach begins by telling us that “Ya’akov sent malachim lifanuv (messengers ahead of him) to his brother Eisav, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom.” Rashi … more

The laws of sacrifices that dominate the early chapters of the Book of Leviticus are among the hardest in the Torah to relate to in the present. It has been almost 2,000 years since the Temple … more

There are very few feelings in life that leave us more challenged, hurt, and insecure, than the feeling we get from being ignored. Part of this may stem from the fact that we need to feel we have what to contribute, to give back to society and the world. Indeed our ability to be in touch with what we have to give is the essence of connecting with our purpose in this world. So when someone completely ignores us, perhaps we wonder whether we really have as much to offer as we think we do. more

The song of Haazinu is quite poetic, complete with imagery that invites the most lyrical interpretation. more

I recall, after my cousin Benjy Hillman was killed in the Second Lebanon War, hearing of one particular Shabbat when Benjy, a company commander in the Elite Egoz anti-terror unit, was due to go home on leave. It’s difficult to describe, to anyone who has not experienced it, just how valuable a weekend pass is in the army. more

A lady passing a young boy on the street noticed he was entranced by a pair of shoes in a store window. “My, but you’re in such … more

Our Sages, in Tosefta Berachot 4:17-18, ask a fundamental question: “Why did Yehuda merit kingship?” After all, each of the brothers was great in his own way. Why, then, was … more

One of the best-known parts of the Haggadah is the section known as “Mah Nishtana,” where one or more children at the Seder ask the Four Questions. It is based upon the following … more

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about transitions and destinations. Perhaps it’s because in childhood, at precisely this time of year, my friends and I would relish the approach of … more

There are moments when Divine Providence touches you on the shoulder and makes you see a certain truth with blazing clarity. Let … more