To the Editor: In issue #548, Rabbi Avi Shafran introduces readers to the group called “Birds Aren’t Real”, which he admits is a satire of “conspiracy theory” groups. He then goes on to lump all “conspiracy theory” groups with BAR – except for “real” sinister plots, such as “Watergate”. This is disingenuous. While many of…
The fictional character Yoda is known for the quote “Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.” In the beginning of this week’s parsha we see examples of two people who disagreed.
In this week’s parsha, Vayechi, Jacob gives final blessings to each of his children. But some of the blessings seem a bit harsh.
In this week’s parsha, Vayigash, Jacob reunites with his son Joseph after 22 years. But one important question just doesn’t seem to be asked…
When I was in university, the assistant chaplain at the Hillel House always referred to Jews as “G-d Wrestlers”! The source for this odd name is in this week’s Torah reading, Vayishlach.
What is living the “Good Life”? Is it lounging on the beach as you stir your ice-cold strawberry daiquiri with a mini umbrella? Is it touring the world while staying in every first-class hotel and eating in every first-class restaurant? Or is it living the life that Sarah the Matriarch lived?
In this week’s parsha, “Vayeira”, Abraham and his wife Sarah go to the land where Abimelech is king. Abraham says that this woman is his sister, but the king still snatches her with the intention of making her his wife. G-d punishes Abimelech and everyone in his palace, until Abraham intercedes and prays on behalf…
Abraham the Patriarch was 75 years old and had thousands of followers – people that Abraham taught and how now believed in G-d. Yet at this point, G-d told him to leave!
The people of Noah’s generation were known as a sinful generation. Yet it was a particular sin which did them in.
This week we begin the Torah anew, starting with the Creation of the World. At the end of the Creation, it says, “vayishbox b’yom hashvi’i” – G-d abstained on the seventh day. But just prior to this it says that G-d completed His work! Telling me that G-d abstained from work that was already completed…
