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Avraham was selected by Hashem to transform a dark pagan world by educating them about a “one God.” For thousands of years, Hashem’s presence was obscured from a lost world — lost, as in, which had fallen into moral disarray. Finally, one man discovered Hashem and he was determined to inspire his fellow human beings to a

If we were to make a list of the most influential figures in human history, Avraham Avinu and Sarah Imeinu would appear at the top. It’s difficult to exaggerate the significance of the steps they take in Parshat Lech Lecha. They embark on a journey to the Land of Israel as the first olim chadashim, new immigrants, and in doing so pave the

In Parshat Lech Lecha, Avram and Lot start by going on a journey and growing together. After leaving their homelands and going down to Egypt because of a famine, Avram had to make a difficult decision and tell Lot that it is best if they go separate ways. Avram told Lot that one of them should go south and the other should go north because

With Avraham and Sarah still childless, Sarah decides to give her maidservant—Hagar—to Avraham as a wife. Hagar conceives from Avraham, and immediately upon becoming pregnant, the pasuk says, “And her mistress became light in her eyes” (16:4). Since she got pregnant before Sarah did, Hagar began to look at Sarah differently. The

With Avraham and Sarah still childless, Sarah decides to give her maidservant—Hagar—to Avraham as a wife. Hagar conceives from Avraham, and immediately upon becoming pregnant, the pasuk says, “And her mistress became light in her eyes” (16:4). Since she got pregnant before Sarah did, Hagar began to look at Sarah differently. The

Part of the Chol Hamoed experience includes “back of hand stamps.” At many parks and recreational facilities, the policy is that if you need to leave temporarily after entering, before doing so you need to get your hand stamped. Just before the exit, there is a highly trained attendant who knows how to delicately and precisely apply the

(Courtesy of Cong. Adath Israel) Last Thursday night, over 25 men gathered at Congregation Adath Israel for the Daf Yomi Siyum on Masechet Ketubot. The festive catered event was enjoyed by all in attendance.

Most of those making the siyum learn at the shul’s regular

Sometimes, we confuse our terminology. The term “humanism” is often misunderstood and is often confused with related terms such as liberalism and individualism. Unfortunately, this misperception causes many religious people to reject the core values of humanism — many of which are central to Jewish belief.

As a child I was fascinated by submarines. Nuclear submarines can remain underwater for months, but the crew does need water and oxygen. These amazing vessels are equipped with technology to actually filter the seawater to make it drinkable. And oxygen is created by putting seawater through a process of electrolysis.

I read that a well-respected literature professor once referred to Noach as the “Woody Allen” of prophets. Perhaps, the Rodney Dangerfield of prophets would have been a better choice, for Noach gets no respect. In the course of the parsha, Hashem issues seven commandments for future generations. These commandments do not, however, bear

In Parshas Noach, we read about the great flood. Hashem had enough of corruption and immorality. The Talmud in Sanhedrin (57a) explains that idolatry and sexual immorality was pervasive. Rashi comments that even the animals, the wildlife and the birds were acting in an immoral fashion. God caused the greatest disaster to befall the earth,