Parashat Ha Shavua Commentaries

This week's Torah reading describes at length the elaborate outfit of the Kohanim (Priests) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Not only were these elaborate and striking vestments used during the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, but they became the paradigm for the priestly robes in Solomon'sTemple in Jerusalem in a later period. They must have added a powerful sense of majesty and pageantry to the earliest worship of the one true God. Read more...

One of the most terrifying aspects of getting married is the idea of making a commitment to one person for the rest of their life. One of the most daunting responsibilities of parenthood is knowing that another life is dependent on you forever. Even going to the pound to get a pet can intimidate because of the permanence of the commitment. Read more...

In seeking spiritual highs, people often turn to moments of overwhelming emotion, or to exotic locations. Our culture perceives spirituality as a jolting transformation -- an overwhelming sense of God's presence that is different than ordinary experience. Such moments certainly occur in biblical and rabbinic Judaism as well. Read more...

Everyone knows that the principal symbol of Judaism is the six-pointed Star of David. But did you know that the Magen David only became a Jewish symbol in the Middle Ages? Despite its prominence on the flag of Israel and kiddush cups, the Magen David is a rather late representative of Judaism and the Jewish People. Read more...

Each of us is descended from parents. Without exception, a man and a woman were involved in your inception and birth, and generally in your childhood, teen years and early adulthood as well. How are we to respond to these people, how should we adjust to our own increasing powers of understanding, physical strength and financial ability in the light of the gratitude and respect we owe our parents for the care we received at an earlier age?  Read more...