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Author Archives: Aleinu
Thoughts on Va’etchanan
This week it would have been easy to look back and reflect on Tisha b’Av, but Rabbi David Friedman beat me to the punch with his Torah commentary for the UMJC (https://www.umjc.org/commentary/2020/7/30/the-groan-of-redemption). So, I began to think about the cornerstone … Continue reading
Thoughts on Balak
In Parashat Balak (Numbers 22:2 – 25:9), we see that contrary to Balak’s desire to have Bnei Israel cursed, Balaam not only blesses Israel but foretells the eventual destruction of numerous neighboring nations. Interestingly, in the rest of scripture, Balaam’s … Continue reading
Thoughts on Chukat’s Haftarah
How many of us doubt our ability to be of service to God and others? Sometimes such doubts are because of our age, like Jeremiah who tried to reason with HaShem, Then I said, “Alas, ADONAI Elohim! Look, I don’t … Continue reading
Some Thoughts on Korach
This week’s parasha, Korach, Numbers 16:1-18:32, is a continuation of times of trouble for Moses. Here is a brief recap of his problems in the last two parashot, Chapter 11 – grumbling crowd wanting a better menu. Chapter 12 – … Continue reading
Thoughts on Tzav
This week’s parasha, Tzav, “Command” (Leviticus 6:1-8:36) begins, ADONAI spoke to Moses, saying: “Command (tzav) Aaron and his sons, saying: This is the Torah (or law) of the burnt offering. The burnt offering should remain on the hearth atop the altar all night until the morning, while the … Continue reading
Thoughts from the Haftarah – Vayikra
This week we begin a new section of the Torah, Vayikra/Leviticus; the reading is Leviticus 1:1 through 5:26. The portion deals with various offerings and how they are to be brought before the LORD. While much could be said concerning … Continue reading
Weekly Thoughts Vayakhel-Pekudei – Shabbat HaChodesh
Tomorrow is Shabbat HaChodesh (“Sabbath [of the] month”), which is the Shabbat that precedes the month of Nisan during which Pesach (Passover) is celebrated (Exodus 12:1-20). Traditionally, Rosh Chodesh Nisan is the first month of the Jewish year according to the schedule … Continue reading
