We are Caretakers, not Owners: Thoughts on Parashat Re'eh, August 27, 2011
The Sages of Talmudic times often expressed profound ideas in terse, enigmatic statements. An example of this is found in the Midrashic comment: “The world was created in the merit of three things: in the merit of [the mitzvoth of] Hallah, tithes, and first fruits” (Yalkut Shimoni, Bereishith 1:2). If we were to speculate as to which mitzvoth were absolutely vital to the creation, we might have chosen other—seemingly more important—commandments: e.g. the Sabbath, the laws of holiness, the sanctification of One God etc.
Each Person Can Make a Difference: Thoughts on Parashat Va-et-hanan, August 13, 2011
This week’s Torah portion includes the instruction that we do that “which is right and good in the sight of the Lord” (Devarim 6:18). Rabbinic tradition has understood this phrase to mean that we are required not merely to follow the letter of the law (that which is right), but to be compassionate beyond what the exact law demands (that which is good). If we can conduct ourselves on this level of righteousness, we can live better lives for ourselves and can impact on the improvement of society.
Linking the Generations: Thoughts on Parashat Matot
Angel for Shabbat
by Rabbi Marc D. Angel
Rabbi Akiba believed that parents transmit to their children six characteristics: physical appearance, strength, wealth, wisdom, longevity, and “mispar ha-dorot lefanav”—the number of generations before (Mishnah Eduyot 2:9). What is meant by this last phrase?
Sports and Sportsmanship: Thoughts on Parashat Mishpatim, February 18, 2012
Sports aren’t just about games; they are about life. Good sportsmanship isn’t just an extra frill; it is the essence of sports education. Middot aren’t only to be learned in the classroom; they are to be learned in the gym and on the basketball court.
The “JFK” Syndrome vs. the Real JFK: Thoughts on Parashat Hayyei Sarah
I recently learned of a shorthand symbol used in online communications among Jewish singles. It is “JFK”. For example: “Don’t go out with him, he’s ‘JFK’.” “He’s not reliable, he’s ‘JFK’.”
A New Revelation?-- Thoughts for Shavuoth
On Shavuoth, we commemorate the awesome Revelation at Mount Sinai, when the Almighty presented the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel. All of the Israelite men, women and children experienced that solemn moment, marking an everlasting covenant between God and the Israelite nation.
Let us imagine that God would invite us to a second Revelation at Sinai, asking all the Jews of the world to attend.
Happy are You, O Israel: Thoughts on Yom Ha-Atsma'ut
Between 2005 and 2009, researchers at the Gallup World Poll surveyed thousands of respondents in 155 countries to find out the "happiness" levels in each country. They asked people to reflect on their overall satisfaction with their lives. Do they feel free? Are they making a living? Do they feel intellectually engaged? Are they relatively free of pain? Do they feel that they are respected by others?
Talmudic Logic: Thoughts on Parashat Tazria
Angel for Shabbat, Parashat Tazria
by Rabbi Marc D. Angel