Parashat Ha Shavua Commentaries

I’ve often marveled at the designation “the Great” in the history books tracing the development of Western Civilization.  Consider with me those august individuals who carry that appellation: Alexander the Great, Herod the Great, Charlemagne (which means Charlie the Great), Catherine the Great, Peter the Great.  In truth, the only trait that links these people, one to another, is their ruthlessness, their despotism, and the fact that they were responsible for the deaths of many, many innocents.  “Great”, apparently, is a term for mass murderers who possess power. Read more...

As I read this week's parashah, Matot, I was struck anew by one particular verse. Says the Torah: "Avenge the Israelite people on the Midianites after which you will be gathered to your kin." (Numbers 31:2) Reading the Torah in any moment, I believe, is a reflection of and reflects towards that which we are experiencing in that moment in time. So, the truth is I was struck by two completely different ideas within the verse itself. Read more...

This week's Torah portion opens with an elaborate scene as part of Moses' discourse to the people as they are about to enter the Promised Land. When the time comes that you enter the land of Israel, says Moses, you shall create a grand ceremony of bringing your first fruits to the priests in the Temple. Each person goes to the priests in charge and declares "V'higadtati - I acknowledge that I have entered the land of Israel" and this offering is my testimony to you and my sacrifice to God. Read more...

I'm one who feels quite conflicted about sports today. I love athletics, I love moving and competing and I enjoy watching healthy competition. But today, I'm hardly interested in professional sports. I'm turned off by the denigration of sportsmanship caused by showboating and how personal gains often overshadow self-sacrifice and team success. The rampant drug use in cycling has left me mostly uninterested in a once July morning ritual of watching the Tour de France. And the NFL's questionable response to domestic violence, in comparison to drug and alcohol use, leaves me perplexed. Read more...

"See, this day, I set before you blessing and curse: blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I enjoin upon you this day; and curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God..." (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)   Read more...