Rabbi Jonthan Sacks, z’l: Nitzavim-Vayelech Leadership: Consensus or Command?

Torah Sparks

Rabbi Sacks comments on the textual nuances of the verb “to bring”:  Moses tells Joshua to “go with” the people—tavo.  God says to Joshua “you will bring the Israelites…and I…will be with you” – tavi. Despite the slight nuances, the phrases are very different.  Rabbi Sacks refers to Rashi:  Moses instructs Joshua to ensure that “the elders of the generation are with you.”  In contrast, God implies that he is to bring them into the land that God promised them, even if against their will.  

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A unique commentary probing the psychological, philosophical, ethical and spiritual themes found in each weekly portion. The commentaries touch our souls, and reveal the depths of traditional, contemporary, and Chassidic/Kabbalistic sources. A rare, compelling, and uplifting work.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l: Ki Teitse Two Types of Hate

Torah Sparks

Rabbi Sacks addresses the conundrum of Moses’ commands regarding the Egyptians vs the Amalekites: The Egyptians enslaved the Israelites and attempted to drown every male child. Yet one instruction is to “…not despise an Egyptian because you were strangers in his land.” The Amalekites attacked once and were successfully repelled, yet the second command is to “blot out the name.” Rabbi Sacks applies the concept of conditional love to hate. Conditional love only lasts as long as the particular condition. Likewise, when hate has a rational basis it can end, whereas unconditional hatred cannot be reasoned with.