Unwavering Faith

Parashat Chukat (Statute of) Bamidbar (Numbers) 19:1–22:1 It’s easy to criticize people and situations when we’re far removed from them, isn’t it? This is especially true when we read the Bible! As I was reading … Read More

Aaron’s Rod

Parashat Korach Bamidbar (Numbers) 16:1–18:32 As we read the book of Numbers, we find a common thread of the children of Israel complaining against and challenging God and His elected leaders — Moses, Aaron, and … Read More

Re-focus Your Gaze

Parashat Shelach (Send Forth) Bamidbar (Numbers) 13:1–15:41 This week’s parasha reminded me once again of how important it is to keep our eyes and minds fixed on the LORD! Chapters 13 and 14 of the … Read More

Take Every Thought Captive

Parashat Behaalot’ha (When You Kindle) Bamidbar (Numbers) 8:1–12:6 As I was preparing to write the blog this week, I kept returning to the same Scripture again and again, which is Numbers 12:1. It is a … Read More

The Privilege of a Blessing

Parashat Nasso (Lift Up) Bamidbar (Numbers) 4:21–7:89 In our reading this week, we find a very special prayer and blessing which is possibly one of the most well-known blessings, known as the Priestly blessing, or … Read More

The Inner Circle

Parashat Bamidbar (In the Desert/Wilderness) Bamidbar (Numbers) 1:1–4:20 The Book of Numbers in Hebrew is called “In the Desert (Wilderness)” and it speaks of the time when the children of Israel wandered in the desert … Read More

Holding On Too Tight

Parashat Bahar (On the Mountain)& Bechukotai (In My Decrees) VaYikra (Leviticus) 25:1–26:2 & 26:3–27:34 Our weekly reading made me think about things that we hold on to, and the possessions that we think belong to … Read More

Holy Fuel

Parashat Emor (Say) VaYikra (Leviticus) 21:1–24:23 Oil was the primary “fuel” for lamps in biblical times. The oil for lamps is mentioned many times throughout the Word of God, and for good reason; it’s not … Read More

Deadly Sin

Parashat Acharei Mot (After the Death) & Parashat Kedoshim (Holy Ones) VaYikra (Leviticus) 16:1–18:30 & 19:1–20:27 Our weekly Scripture reading brings us to two very interesting portions, “After Death” and “Holy Ones”. I have previously … Read More

Bold Belief

Parashat Tazria (She Conceives) & Metzora (Leprosy) VaYikra (Leviticus) 12:1–13:8 & 14:1–15:33 In our Scripture reading this week, we read an interesting and sometimes puzzling set of purity laws that have a powerful connection to … Read More