Bible
Decisions And Consequences
Parashat Ki Teitzei contains numerous examples of how we should structure and categorize our decisions and their consequences.
Judaism and the Human Body
The commandment to remove a corpse from the stake on which it is impaled teaches us the importance of respecting the holiness of the body.
Every Act Is Significant
The reward of long life for the seemingly simple commandment of shooing away a mother bird before taking her young teaches us that no act is trivial.
The Emergence Of Environmentalism
From the commandment not to cut down trees in war, we derive the prohibition against the careless destruction of nature.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Remission of debt and freeing of slaves are two biblical institutions that ensure that cycles of poverty are not perpetuated.
Should We Fear God or Love God — or Both?
Moses' message to relate to God through love, not only through fear, is especially relevant in the modern age.
Interpretive Independence
The Torah expects us to be our own autonomous interpreters of divine will, turning to Jewish legal experts only when we reach our limits of understanding.
No Neutrality: Silence Is Assent
The laws of nullifying vows teach us that our silence and inaction in the face of contemporary injustice and oppression is akin to assenting to it.
The Eyes Have It
The commandment of tzitzit (fringes) reminds us to enhance our vision with faith and see new possibilities.
Be Yourself
The gifts brought to the Temple for the pilgrimage festivals teach us the importance of preserving our unique identities.
Graced With Food
By blessing after we eat, we elevate the act of eating by connecting with God.
Through Weakness And Strength
In times of success and prosperity we must remember those who have assisted us in the past.