The Missing Rosh Chodesh Scripture mandates that the first day of every Hebrew month, Rosh Chodesh, be observed with an additional set of sacrifices. This Korban Musaf includes two bulls, one ram, seven lambs (all burnt-offerings), and one goat as a sin-offering (Numbers 28:11-15). The first day of the seventh month, known in...
Parshat Ki Tavo – פרשת כי תבוא September 24, 2016 – כ”א אלול תשע”ו Torah for the World Moses instructed the Israelites that immediately upon their crossing the Jordan River into the Land of Canaan they should build a stone altar and erect steles at Mount Ebal. The stones were to be coated with plaster
September 10, 2016 – ז אלול תשע”ו Accepting Contemporary Leaders Concerning the obligation for local courts to seek guidance in difficult cases from the supreme national judicial body, Scripture states, “And you shall come to the Levitical priests and to the judge who will be in those days, and you shall inquire...
Parshat Re’eh – פרשת ראה September 3, 2016 – ל אב תשע”ו This essay is sponsored by Tatyana & Eugeny Rubashevsky in memory of Leib Rubashevsky ז”ל. Gentile Idolatry Upon crossing the Jordan River and dispossessing the inhabitants of the Promised Land, the Israelites were bidden to destroy all vestiges of Canaanite...
Parshat Ekev – פרשת עקב August 27, 2016 – כ”ג אב תשע”ו This essay is sponsored by Suzy Levin in memory of her mother, שירה בת אריה לייב ורחל ז”ל. Reconsidering the Ark In Moses’ valedictory address, he reminisced about the origins of the ark. Before ascending Mount Horeb for the final time, Moses...
Parshat Va’etchanan – פרשת ואתחנן August 20, 2016 – ט”ז אב תשע”ו This essay is sponsored by Gary & Janet Waller in honor of Sam & Bruria’s upcoming wedding. The Jews through Gentile Eyes Moses assured the Israelites that their fealty to God’s commandments would raise the esteem in which other...