Category: Parsha
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In the early 2000s, the MTA in New York City rolled out a powerful campaign:“If you see something, say something.”It was a call to action.A reminder that noticing something off wasn’t enough. You had to respond. To act. But the Torah takes it even further:If you see something… do something. In this week’s parsha, we…
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In Parshat Bamidbar, Hashem commands Moshe to count Bnei Yisrael. The Ramban offers three reasons for this census, but one stands out in our modern world: Moshe and Aharon themselves counted each person.They looked them in the eyes. Spoke to them by name.And when they were together, they gave them a personal beracha. Think about…
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In Parshat Bamidbar, Hashem commands Moshe to organize the Jewish camp — not randomly, but with divine precision. Each tribe had a unique flag, symbolizing its identity and mission. The tribes formed four groupings around the Mishkan — the dwelling place of the Shechina. But these groupings weren’t arbitrary.They were intentional.They were complementary. For example,…
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Parshat Behar opens with Shemita — six years of working the land, followed by a full year of rest. It echoes Shabbat: six days of work, one day of rest. Both reflect the rhythm of creation: Hashem created in six days and rested on the seventh. But this isn’t just about rest — it’s about…
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Don’t Miss the Point These days, antisemitism is on everyone’s mind.And rightfully so. We’re worried. We’re hurting. We’re searching for answers. What should we do?More security. Better PR. Stronger hasbara.We have to fight back.We have to protect ourselves. And yes — we absolutely need to do hishtadlut.We have a responsibility to act, to defend, to…
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This past week was Pesach Sheni, the “second Passover,” and it offers us a powerful window into something much deeper than makeup offerings and second chances. We learn about Pesach Sheni through the story of a group of men who were tamei (ritually impure) and couldn’t bring the Korban Pesach at the proper time. They…
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Living the Purpose of Our Redemption In Parshat Emor, we read a powerful command: “You shall not desecrate My holy name, and I shall be sanctified among the Children of Israel.” (Vayikra 22:32)Immediately after, the Torah reminds us: “I am Hashem who took you out of Egypt to be your God.” Rashi explains: The purpose…
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Let me ask you a question: If your friend was exhausted, overwhelmed, and on the verge of breaking… what would you say? “Take care of yourself. You need rest. You’re doing so much. Be kind to yourself.” But when it’s you feeling that way? You push harder. You criticize yourself. You say, “I can’t stop…
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Choose Life. Choose Joy. Choose Geula. There is a powerful idea toward the end of Parshat Acharei Mot: “Ushmartem et chukotai… asher yaaseh otam ha’adam vachai bahem” – “You shall keep My statutes and My laws, that a person shall do them and live by them” (Vayikra 18:5). What does it mean to “live by…
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Parshat Acharei Mot tells us not to live like the nations of the world: “Like the ways of Egypt… and of Canaan… do not do.” (Vayikra 18:3) Why? Because their society was built on a belief that this world is all there is.If life ends at death, then why hold back?Why not mourn with despair?…
