Lekh Lekha – Parasha Pointers
Some parsha Pointers for Parshat Lekh Lekha...
May 31, 2026 , Parshanut
The Eight Commandments
The Torah refers to the content of the Tablets of the Law, given to Moshe on Mount Sinai, not as the Ten Commandments, but rather as עשרת הדברים – the Ten Concepts (Ex. 34:28; Det. 4:13; 10:4). That is because the first and the last of the ten concepts cannot be counted as commandments, hence the title of this article.
May 31, 2026 , Philosophy of Torah, Parshanut
The Thirteen Attributes of God
In a famous passage in Exodus, God reveals some of His ways to Moses, who is hidden at the crevice of the rock. This very powerful passage is recited numerous times on Kippur with great enthusiasm. To continue the prayer, skip to the next Hebrew section. If you wish to better understand the message of this paragraph and how it applies to our current life, here is a reflection on it:
May 31, 2026 , Parshanut, Philosophy of Torah
Curing Narrow-Mindedness
When the leper heals, he brings two live birds, cedar, crimson wool, and hyssop. The priest will slaughter one bird onto a clay vessel filled with fresh water. He will then dip the live bird, with the cedar, crimson wool, and hyssop, in the mixture of blood and water. He will sprinkle it on the healing leper seven times, and will then let the live bird fly into the fields. (Free translation of Lev. 14:2-7)
May 31, 2026 , Parshanut
Embracing Life
At first sight the laws of Nazir, detailed in Parashat Nasso, seem to suggest that the Torah encourages people to take upon themselves vows of abstinence. A closer, contextual reading, makes it clear that the life of a hermit, away from society and from the world’s bounty, is not the Torah’s idea of a perfect life.
May 31, 2026 , Philosophy of Torah
Give Earth a Break
The term Tree Hugger is not usually associated with observant Jews, which is truly hurtful and unfair, because we hug a tree at least four times a week. We do it, religiously, on Mondays and Thursdays, Shabbat mornings and afternoons. We gather around our tree, touch it, kiss it and then sit quietly and serenely listen to what it has to say. Yes, I am referring to the famous tree of Proverbs (3:18): עץ חיים היא למחזיקים בה – She (the Torah) is a tree of life to those who adhere to her
May 31, 2026 , Philosophy of Torah
Omer – Keep Counting!
Counting the Omer is a beautiful concept. It emphasizes the importance of gradual development, echoing the physical and spiritual journey of our ancestors from slaves in Egypt to a liberated, monotheistic nation at Mount Sinai.
May 31, 2026 , Holidays: The Omer
Pray for Evil?
Prayer is not a biblical commandment. According to Nahmanides, that is. According to Maimonides, it is a biblical commandment, but even he agrees that the original concept was much more limited than it is today, as one would pray once a day, in a language and format which suited him or her.
May 31, 2026 , Prayer
The Gifts of the Torah
Let us keep an eye, when we read the Tanakh and when we study the history of the Jewish People, for those gifts, and let us ask how can we use them to benefit the whole world.
May 31, 2026 , Philosophy of Torah
Blessing for Rosh HaShana
Kiddush and simanim for Rosh Hashana ... Shana Tova uMetuka!
May 27, 2026 , Holidays: Rosh Hashana