Tzav - Torah Commentary of the Week

This week’s Torah portion is Tzav from the book of Leviticus. A powerful commentary on the meaning of the sacrifices and the zealousness with which G-d commands the priests to perfom them is address in a drash by Rabbi Neal Joseph Loevinger titled “Service As Its Own Reward”.
Zil g’mor (go forth and study)

On Same-Sex Marriage

An excellent article on the question of Same-Sex Jewish marriage by Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson, was recently published. In it, he addresses the various halakhic issues around same-sex marriage and some of the common responses to homosexuality (including an approach to Leviticus 18:22).
HUC-JIR
Jewish Week

Palestinians using children with disabilities to be suicide bombers

According to Ha’aretz, this morning a 14-year-old Palestinian boy with learning disabilites was discovered with a 16-pound bomb strapped to his body. For sacrificing his life, he was paid the equivalent of $20.
This is so sad. So sad. Clearly, the situation is very complicated and some on both sides feel [...]

On the Yassin killing

As you probably know by now, yesterday Israel killed the founder and head of Hamas, Sheik Yassin. Many people have blogged about it and what it means. I’ve also been reading news reports and some emails (private) from colleagues who are rabbis in Israel. The consensus from them is that this assasination [...]

Torah Commentary - Parashat Vayakeil Pekudei

This week’s Torah portion is a double one, Vayakeil Pekudei.
The following commentary is from Rabbi Bruce Kadden and titled “FROM B’NEI YISRAEL (THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL)
TO BEIT YISRAEL (THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL).”
Here is an excerpt,
“Exodus begins by recalling B’nei Yisrael, the sons of Jacob, who came to Egypt, each with his household. Although brothers, [...]

But…

Okay, I am proud that Israel has a high life expectancy. But, Isarel (like other countries) has a problem with domestic violence and abuse. Fortunately, the Knesset’s Domestic Violence Committee seems to be doing somthing about it.
So, it seems to be a mixed news day with things looking up.

Guess: Longer life expentancy in Israel or United States?

Really. Guess.
What do you think?
Life expentancy in Israel is 79.4 years - 14th in the world.
Life expentancy in the US is 77.1 years. (This particular stat. source.)
Overal health score of Israel is 16th in the world and the US is 17th.
I learned about this from Ma’ariv International.
You can read a PDF [...]

Death Again

Sadly, there was another double so-called suicide bombing in Israel today, killing at least 10 people.
May G-d bring speedy healing to the wounded, comfort to the bereaved and heavenly grace to the murdered.
Some time soon all violence, assault and war must end. May it be soon.

Coming together a year and a bit after the Columbia disaster

Ma’ariv tells of a beautiful visit by the families of the Columbia astronauts to Israel. Apparently, while they were in orbit, they made a pact to visit each other’s hometowns/countries.
May their sharing with each other inspire all of us to learn from our friends, neighbors and colleagues and to share with them the beautiful [...]

This week’s Torah portion - Ki Tissa

Hi. This week’s Torah portion is Ki Tissa (Exodus 30:11-34:35) and includes the story of the golden calf. When Moses sees the Israelites (who just a short while before had heard the words of the Torah) worshipping this idol, he is so stunned and hurt and angry that he drops the tablets containing the [...]

Happy Purim!

Hag Purim Sameach!
A very joyful and happy Purim to you. On this day when we remember the heroism of Esther and Mordechai who stood up for their Jewish identities and defeated the evil Haman, may you feel the joy of Esther and those who have celebrated her throughout the centuries.
Some places where you can [...]

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