One of the most transformative korbanot is a chatat, offered in response to negligent shogeg commission of sin. It offers an opportunity for soul-searching, teshuva
I. Freedom of the Will Pesach is the holiday of freedom, when God redeemed us from slavery. But has that freedom continued with us, even
The book of Tanach is defined by “causality.” Mitzvah performance yields a life of welfare and blessing, while religiously errant behavior is punishable by removal
Parshat Terumah introduces the ambitious project of constructing an edifice to house the presence of God. It is a one-time feat of human craftsmanship and
Our son, Nissim Shalom, has recently became a bar mitzvah, and it is a living reminder for us of our family’s remarkable and ancient history.
Parshat Mishpatim begins by discussing the laws of a Hebrew slave. At the end of six years he has the opportunity to go free. However,
In Parshat Beshalach we read that Miriam, the prophetess, led the women in song and dance after the defeat of the Egyptian army. They had
Place yourself in the shoes of one of your ancestors on the day we were freed from slavery in Egypt. After hundreds of years of
There are times in life when we are seemingly challenged beyond our capacity to cope. We may be dealing with a sick parent, a wayward
It all started on visiting day during the summer of 2015. The Friedmans were driving in the Catskills on Route 17, between Exits
In Parshat Vayigash we read how Yaakov was introduced to Pharaoh. When Pharaoh first sees Yaakov he is amazed to see someone who looks so
The fast of Asara b’Tevet (“the 10th of Tevet”) is unique when compared to the other fast days that are mentioned in the Prophets. Even
