torah commentary

Although the rabbis propagated the belief that rabbinic teaching went back to Moses on Mt. Sinai, many classical texts clearly demonstrate that the rabbis understood the innovative nature of their work.

At Sinai, God started a conversation that Jews are still carrying on, through interpretation and reinterpretation of Jewish texts.

We must find the causes that make us most passionate--and work for change.

There are many motivators for fighting injustice.

The power of "Amen."

The Torah provides a model for separating religious, judicial, and governing bodies -- to keep power in check.

Zealous acts are not always heroic.

The biblical "migrash" principle provides a response to urban sprawl.

The Jewish concept of holiness is bound to notions of sacred time and space--and reaching out to those in need.

The Torah teaches us to think globally and act locally.