Ascending
Although Noach survived the Flood, nonetheless it appears that the decree to eliminate mankind also included Noach. As Rashi cites the Midrash that Hashem ‘concurred’ with his angels that the entire world had been created ‘mistakenly.’
Striving
If one peruses even superficially the history of the world clearly there have been many generations of evil corrupt people. Was it truly necessary to have all these wicked individuals? Couldn’t we have just had generations that also contained righteous and outstanding people?
A Protective Layer
After the coronation of Hashem on Rosh Hashana and meriting clemency for our sins on Yom Kippur, we head into the beautiful and inspiring Yom Tov of Succos. In order to appreciate the fundamental theme of Succos we first have to quote the words of our Sages.
Passing the Torch
Moshe in his final moments addressing the nation cautions them to be attentive to the entire communication that has been delivered to them. They will soon be leaving the protective buttress of the desert. There they lived a life constantly supported by miracles.
Rejoicing in Court?
We have a massive court case pending. It’s called Rosh Hashanah. The Talmud explains that the books of Life and Death are opened and each and every person’s entire life history of the past year is examined in great detail. Not a point is overlooked or not dealt with.
Where are we going?
The Torah states that Moshe ‘went’ and then spoke to the nation. However, it is not clear where did Moshe go? Rav Shlomo Kluger presents a fascinating explanation which will serve us well in 2026. At the end of his life, Moshe no longer has the faculty to disseminate Torah as he had done before.
True Happiness
When the owner of a field brings his first ripened fruits to the Beis Hamikdash, he recites an entire litany that he has followed all the rules that pertain to tithing his produce
The Wrong Direction
One of the perks of studying Torah is a glimpse into understanding life with tremendous insight and bringing to light principles that will guide us for our entire journey. This week we learn about the wayward son known as the ‘ben sorar u’morah.’
Pay Attention
We are introduced to a very complex parsha of the corpse found between two cities. A measurement is done and the closest city is considered liable for the death of the individual. That of course in of itself is an interesting point to reflect upon but beyond that the end of the parsha has a very fascinating twist.
Returning to our Roots
The end of the parsha deals with animals that we are prohibited to consume. The commentators intertwine the theme of sanctity which defines the nation with the ban against those forbidden animals. Nachmonides and others explain that the essence of the proscribed animals is antithesis to the very nature of the Jewish people.