Nechama Leibowitz, z/l: Parashat Bamidbar

Nechama Leibowitz,  z/l gives an instructional explanation of the census in Parashat Bamidbar.  

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l: Behar – Behukkotai – Family Feeling

Rabbi Sacks, z’l, cites 4 different verses that require us to be financially responsible for the well-being of our brothers. “Brothers” implies not just siblings and immediate or extended family, but the entire community. He cites Hosea, who describes God as a Parent, teaching a child to take its first steps.

Rabbi Adam Ruditsky: Parasha Behar Behukkotai- Reap What You Sow

“…in Bechukotai from Leviticus 26:3 and 26:14 we read simply that if God’s laws concerning the land are followed then there will be “rains in their season the earth shall yield its produce and the trees of the field their fruit,” but if they do not “you shall sow your seed to no purpose, for your enemies shall eat it.”

Rabbi Adam Ruditsky: Emor

Rabbi Ruditsky quotes Rashi, who stipulates that the Levitical text addressing methods of execution for specific crimes is not to advocate the execution, but to underscore the difference between the holy and the secular.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: Parashat Emor Holy Times

Rabbi Sacks also quotes Rashi, but he addresses the issue of Shabbat and its inclusion in the instructions for the Shalosh Regalim. Rashi explains that this is to emphasize the holiness of the festivals by comparing them to Shabbat.

Parrashat Acharei Mot – Kedoshim: Rabbi Adam Ruditsky

Rabbi Ruditsky addresses multiple themes in this week’s parashat, starting with the concept of separation between the Holy and the secular.

Parashat Acharei Mot: Rabbi Chaim Ovadia

Rabbi Ovadia addresses the key themes of the weekly parashah, which covers the importance of following God’s commandments.

Rabbi Adam Ruditsky: Shabbat Mevarchim: Food for Thought

Rabbi Ruditsky tackles the challenging problem of why some foods are not kosher, while others are, yet the distinction, as we understand the science of diet today, is not necessarily conducive to good physical health.  He addresses it from a fascinating and unique perspective:  entitlement; namely, humanity tends to feel a sense of entitlement to whatever they want, yet we are not entitled. 

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Pesach – Turning Curses into Blessings

“The worse things get, the stronger we become. Jews are the people who not only survive but thrive in adversity.”  This capacity to turn weakness into strength has its origin in the event when Jacob wrestled with the angel and became Israel. 

Rabbi Cantor Eva Robbins: Spiritual Preparation for Passover

For those who missed Rabbi Robbins’ email on “Spiritual Preparation for Passover”, please follow the link below to read this beautiful article