June 26, 2025

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Rabbi Neil N. Winkler

Articles by Rabbi Neil N. Winkler

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)

Preparing for the Future

Parshat Chayei Sarah The haftarah reading this week is taken from the very first perek of Sefer Melachim and details the final days of David

Avraham and Elisha

Parshat Vayeira When studying this week’s haftarah over the past years, we have discussed the parallels between the stories included in the parsha itself and

Destruction and Construction

Parshat Noach There are times when, upon reading or hearing the haftarah, we assume that there is no reason to wonder about its connection to

Hashem the Creator

Parshat Bereishit As we begin the Torah reading cycle once more, we also start a new haftarah cycle. “New,” because, for the last three months