Bloom on Parashat Yitro: The Desert’s Advantage
By Rabbi Moshe Bloom
Torah VeHa’aretz Institute
“Whoever prophesied did so either in Eretz Yisrael or concerning Eretz Yisrael … Jeremiah’s prophecy was . He prophesied in the portion of Egypt...
Challah: The Odd One Out?
By Rabbi Moshe Bloom
Torah VeHa'aretz Institute
This week’s parashah should have been a party for all of those involved in the mitzvos tied to the Land of Israel. This is...
Noach: The Problem With Preaching
From Where I Stand
By Rabbi Yossy Goldman
נח איש צדיק . . . בדורותיו
Noach was a righteous man . . . in his generation.
— Bereishis 6:9
Do sermons really work? Can the words...
Chayei Sarah: A Shidduch Well-Done
By Rabbi Mordechai Young
When I was in elementary school, parent–teacher conferences were always exciting in that it was an opportunity to look for new places to hide from my...
From Where I Stand: Vayikra Bulls and Lambs
אדם כי יקריב מכם קרבן
When a man will bring an offering from among you . . .
—Vayikra 1:2
Not only animal-rights groups have difficulty with this week’s parashah. Many, if not most, people...
Time After Time
Jewish holidays recount seminal moments of Jewish history. These annual celebrations shape our collective memory just as they animate our common future. The celebration of our history creates eternal...
Pinchas: What’s the Line You Won’t Cross?
By Rabbi Yossy Goldman
This is the parashah of Pinchas the Zealous. The courageous young priest stood up against idolatry and immorality and, in the end, saved Israel from a...
Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei: Turn Back The Clock
The wedding date had already been set. Anxiously anticipating this day, the bride and groom shopped for the furniture of their future home. Selecting the couches, beds, and tables...
Parashat Vayeitzei: Ma’aser, A Symbol Of Permanence
By Rabbi Moshe Bloom
Torah VeHa'aretz Institute
“If G-d remains with me … and of all that You give me, I will set aside a tithe for you.” (Bereishit 28:20–22)
A Tenth...
Haftarat Chazon and the Perpetuation of Memory
By Rabbi Yossy Goldman
Devarim is the parashah associated with Tishah B’Av, the Jewish national day of mourning. On this Shabbos, we hear the famous haftarah of Chazon, the Vision...