We’ve written before that Devarim—Deuteronomy—begins what may be history’s first (and possibly its longest) farewell address. Leaders, such as President Washington returning to Mount Vernon,
“Actually, you know, my middle son was studying 18th-century history and the American War of Independence, and he said to me the other day, ‘You
“There’s no such thing as society. There are individual men and women and there are families.” – Margaret Thatcher Before we discuss the Four Questions,
It seems out of proportion. What did Nadav and Avihu do, after all? Was the sin so grave to truly merit a death sentence? Rabbi
The nascent nation of Israel has been through quite a lot. Centuries of persecution and slavery, attempted mass murder of their infant sons and redemption.
Kaddish is the long—the longest—goodbye. There are only two ways to take the responsibility (and privilege) to say Kaddish for a loved one, especially a
Joseph plays out an elaborate ruse. He has seemingly imprisoned Shimon, and then released him to his brothers. Then, he has the monies once again
Jacob is the patriarch most associated with darkness and night. Past is prologue. Ma’aseh Avot siman l’banim. Throughout Jewish history, across continents and throughout millennia,
Praying for children, Isaac, we are told, does the beseeching on his wife’s behalf, or with her in mind. The Bible’s major lesson is how
“Do you want the real story, or what we tell people?” That was the initial response when I called someone and asked how they succeeded
Abraham is commanded, perhaps, at least according to many commentators, with his ultimate test: to bring Isaac as a sacrifice. It is Abraham’s test. Isaac
The commentaries are quite explicit about it. Told by God to leave his land, birthplace and his family homestead to go to “an undisclosed location,”
