Parshat Mas’ei – The ‘Palestinian’ Question
While Israel was obligated to drive the British from our soil, the Torah's approach to the "Palestinian" question might actually be more complicated.
The Rationalist Spies – Parshat Shlaḥ Lekha
The spies that led Israel to national catastrophe mistakenly thought that the value of preserving life overrides the commandment to free Eretz Yisrael.
The Rationalist Spies – Parshat Shelach
The spies that led Israel to national catastrophe mistakenly thought that the value of preserving life overrides the commandment to free Eretz Yisrael.
Parshat Metzora – Mitzvot that Challenge Values
While it is unfortunate that even observant Diaspora Jews can be corrupted by the moral values of their host countries, the greater tragedy is that they are not living up to their full potential in life.
The Secret of Bilaam’s Prophecy – Parshat Balak
While Moav & Midian championed a separation of 'religion' & state, Israel’s mission demands that spiritual ideals be materialized on a national level so that our Torah’s values be fully expressed on earth.
Parshat Yitro – The National Prerequisite
The Torah is not a 'religion' relegated to the houses of study or prayer. Nor is it a set of rules meant to coercively modify human behavior.
Parshat Tetzave: The Value of Self-Sacrifice
Upon a surface reading of the text, Aharon appears to have lacked the readiness for ultimate sacrifice.
Parshat Ekev – Difficult Mitzvot
When facing our enemies, it's often necessary to don a ruthlessness seemingly at odds with our inner nature. The 'hands of Esav' can sometimes be utilized to achieve the goals of 'Yaakov's voice.'
Enemies of the Creator – Parshat Matot
By waging war on Israel, even if not consciously aware of its inner motivation, a person or group is declaring war against the Source of all Creation.
Legacy of a Zealot – Parshat Pinchas
A true pursuer of peace/completeness is one who identifies the obstacles to HaShem’s Ideal for this world and works passionately to remove them.
Parshat Bamidbar – The Purpose of a Hebrew Army
A people's army is necessary for Israel to fulfill the Divine commandment of sovereignty over our land.
Parshat Tzav – Freeing Humanity from Edom
Israel has dramatically returned to the world stage in what has so far been merely the introduction to a revolutionary process destined to free humankind from a global order that promotes injustice.
Tangible Spiritual Manifestations – Parshat Metzora
While it is unfortunate that even observant Diaspora Jews can be corrupted by the moral values of their host countries, the greater tragedy is that they are not living up to their full potential in life.
The Return of Prophecy – Parshat B’haalotcha
Through Israel's returns home and national rebirth, we have already seen sparks of prophecy return.
Parshat Noah – Believing and Not Believing
The study of emuna infuses us with the vision to see history’s ultimate goal, as well as the confidence that we will succeed in bringing this goal to fruition.
The Secret of Bilaam’s Prophecy – Parshat Balak
While Moav & Midian championed a separation of 'religion' & state, Israel’s mission demands that spiritual ideals be materialized on a national level so that our Torah’s values be fully expressed on earth.
V’Zot HaBrakha – Am Segula
The Torah is not merely some disjointed ritual precepts but rather the Divine Ideal from before existence placed into this reality for the sake of elevating our world beyond its current limitations.
Parshat Ki Tavo – Israel’s Story is the Context
The performance of our Torah's ritual precepts must be contextualized & experienced within the larger meta-narrative of Israel's story & mission.
Parshat D’varim – When Rabbis Err
Our sages warn us of the possibility that great Torah scholars can lead Israel away from serving HaShem.
Between Man & Wife – Parshat Nasso
That HaShem forgoes His Honor for the sake of making peace between man and wife comes to teach us the importance of humbling our own egos for the sake of making our relationships work.
Parshat V’et’hanan: The Power of Tefillah
As characters participating in one of history’s most incredible chapters, we focus our efforts on the specific challenges facing our generation.
Parshat Vayeilekh – Our Nationality is Israeli
Although he had been raised in Pharaoh’s palace and had never in his life actually seen Eretz Yisrael, Moshe was held accountable for allowing himself to be referred to by others as “an Egyptian man.”
Pesach Sheni & The Secret Power of Israel’s Second Month
Pesach Sheni constitutes the first Hebrew festival established 'from below' & sets the precedent for all the holidays that would later fill the month of Iyar.
Lekh Lekha: Avraham’s Valor
It is precisely Avraham’s valiant behavior in battle that proves the authenticity of his compassion to all of HaShem’s creatures, presenting a model of true kindness for the Hebrew nation to uphold.
Parshat Vayechi – Tribes United for a Mission
Only as a “kingdom of priests and holy nation” that reveals HaShem’s Oneness over all spheres of life can Israel fully express His Ideal and lead mankind to experience a world of total blessing.
Parshat R’eh – Taking Responsibility
The essence of Ahavat Yisrael is the willingness to take responsibility for Israel’s future. It is being prepared to sacrifice everything for the defense of the Jewish people and liberation of the homeland.
The Value of Effective Communication – Parshat Ḥukat
Communicating the Jewish people's deepest aspirations can often serve to raise morale & strengthen Israel’s position on the battlefield.
Parshat Shoftim – Leadership and the Burden of Responsibility
A Hebrew leader must embody the aspirations of his people to the extent that he becomes a microcosm of the entire nation of Israel and his personal identity is absorbed into that of the national collective.
Inseparably Connected – Parshat Kedoshim
The Segula is Israel's inner Divine light planted within the collective Hebrew soul and revealed in human history through the Jewish people.
Parshat Nitzavim – Returning Jewish National Consciousness
More than merely fostering personal piety among Jews, tshuva that begins with a reawakening of Hebrew identity will lead Israel to express kedusha in every sphere of national life.