Bilam’s Lessons of Jewish History
Bilam and Balak’s conspiracy to halt the Jewish advance dominates most of parshat Balak even though the story could easily have been summarized in a few brief verses. Bilam’s prophecies are included, in part, because...
Torah reading: Balak
MAY JACOB CRITICIZE THE TENTS OF OTHERS?
Parashat Balak quotes Bilam's praise of Israel – "How goodly are your tents, O Jacob: your dwelling places,...
Ask The Rabbi – Recording Boris: Right or Wrong?
Dear Rabbi
Is it ever right to listen in on someone else’s conversations? I have been having this debate with my wife – a die...
Ask the Rabbi – Organ Donation
ORGAN DONATION
Q. What is the Jewish view of organ donation?
A. Organ donation involves two related but sometimes conflicting principles – the duty to preserve...
Too Much or Too Little ?
The mighty fall fast and fall hard! Parshat Behaalotecha begins by showcasing a a confident nation, primed to enter to land of destiny and...
Shavu’ot features
NOT COMMANDMENTS
Central to Shavu’ot is the Revelation on Mount Sinai, where God gave "Aseret HaDibrot" (Ex. 20:1-14).
We call them "The Ten Commandments" in English,...
Ask The Rabbi – Can My Rabbi Change His Tune?
Can My Rabbi Change His Tune?
Dear Rabbi
I attend my synagogue each week and all the Rabbi ever talks about is either Israel or national...
Ask The Rabbi – B’RACHAH OR KIDDUSH?
B’RACHAH OR KIDDUSH?
Q. In South Africa the refreshments after a Shabbat service are called a "b’rachah". Elsewhere it is a "kiddush". Which one is...
Ask The Rabbi – HANDLING YOUR EMPLOYEES
HANDLING YOUR EMPLOYEES
Q. What does the Talmud mean when it says that whoever acquires a servant acquires a master over himself?
A. The source is...
Ask The Rabbi – 08/05/2019
Dear Rabbi
I enjoy your column online and I seek your advice. This week communities around the world commemorate Yom Hazikoron, Israel’s Memorial Day. Many...