January 15, 2025

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Rabbi Neil N. Winkler

Articles by Rabbi Neil N. Winkler

The True Leader

Parshat Va’etchanan Shabbat Nachamu “Nachamu, nachamu ami,” — Are there any better expressions of comfort to leave for a nation in mourning than the one

Sanctifying the Secular

Parashat Devarim Shabbat Chazon The Navi Yishayahu begins this week’s haftarah (and therefore, his entire sefer) letting us know that, although at times, he addresses

‘Hallelu et Hashem Kol Goyim’

The haftarah reading of Parshat Balak is a relatively short selection from Sefer Michah. The 17 pesukim that make up this week’s haftarah, seem to

A Lack of Gratitude

This week’s haftarah requires no deep analysis to understand our rabbis’ choice of the 11th and 12th chapters of Shmuel Aleph for today’s haftarah. The

Harmony Before Victory

This week’s haftarah is taken from the second perek in Sefer Yehoshua which, interestingly, relates events that took place before those found in the first

The Promise of the Menorah

Parshat B’ha’alotecha The haftarah that we read this Shabbat is a selection taken from Sefer Zecharya (Chapters 2-4) which includes the vision of the seven-branched

Retribution or Instruction?

Parshat Bamidbar Sefer Bamidbar, which we begin this Shabbat, begins with the events that took place in the beginning of the second year of B’nei

Sanctity Survives Destruction

Parshat Bechukotai The message that the navi Yirmiyahu imparts to us in this week’s haftarah is a difficult one. It is difficult to read, difficult

Residents or Sojourners?

Parshat Behar This week’s haftarah contains a prophecy of hope to the nation of Israel, a prophecy delivered to them by the prophet Yirmiyahu. Although

Kohen: Beyond Ritual Alone

Parshat Emor As we have learned from previous haftarah selections taken from the final section of Sefer Yechezkel, the navi uses these final chapters to

Why Are We Special?

Parshat Kedoshim The Book of Vayikra revolves around “Mikdash,” the Temple and Mishkan, beginning with the laws of korbanot (offered in the Mikdash), continuing (in

Beyond the Rituals

Parshat Toldot The precise identity of the last prophet in Trei Asar, the navi Malachi, is shrouded in mystery, with the Gemara in Megilla (15a)