Bible
Eichah: Where Are We Now?
We should respond to major historical events and to personal decisions with the question, "Where are we morally?"
What Makes The Land Holy?
The land of Israel is sacred by virtue of the sacred actions performed by its inhabitants.
Do We Have to Cross the Jordan?
The request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle outside of the Land of Israel raises the issue of balancing communal and individual needs.
Trying To Remember The Reason I Forgot
Being constantly engaged in learning allows us to guard against the pervasive forgetfulness around us.
Leaving Childhood Behind
The specific complaints of the Israelites in the wilderness illustrate their inability to develop mature, adult relationships.
The Search for Moses’ Successor
In identifying Moses' successor, God emphasizes that inspiration, not passion or popularity, makes a successful leader.
The Connection And Stability Of Blessing
Parashat Beha'alotcha illustrates three paths of achieving meaning in life.
Making Sense Of The Census
The prohibition against the direct counting of the Israelites cautions us to remember the human faces behind abstract statistics.
Princely Gifts
The princes' gifts to the Tabernacle illustrate important principles of leadership and methods of balancing personal and communal needs.
Ancient Rituals, Enduring Values
The rituals described in this week's portion remind us to allow our values and principles to guide us in balancing our physical and emotional imbalances.
Situational Ethics And God
The importance of preserving the relationship between a husband and wife provides an example of the Torah's use of relative morality.
Naming Names
Conducting the census by naming each Israelite teaches us the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of every individual.