Evergreen

The lack of chronological order in Bamidbar allows expressions of God's love for Israel to precede the trials and tribulations of desert wandering.

The commandment to rebuke one another teaches the importance of mutual responsibility.

The sexual relationships forbidden by the Torah are intended to prohibit non-Israelite religious practices and abuses of power.

The commandment to bring the redemption of the Land of Israel reminds us of the inextricable link between Judaism and Israel.

The prohibition against interbreeding animals and plants raises questions about the kashrut of genetically modified foods.

We are commanded always to act in ways that bring honor and sanctity to God's name.

The philosophers and mystics of the Middle Ages suggested an array of solutions to the problem of suffering.

According to the kabbalists, evil is a bi-product of the relationship between humans and the sefirot, God's manifested attributes.

At Sinai, the Israelites pledged their allegiance to God and accepted the punishments that would result if they betrayed God.

If suffering is beneficial, then the existence of evil is not a problem.