Vayakhel Pekudei: The Heart Counts
For the average young American, ambiguity and uncertainly seem constant. Most everything seems up to each individual to define. No wonder we feel lost without clear lines and borders!
Rabbi David Schallheim
Rabbi David Schallheim
Ki Tisa: The Golden Calf
One of the most disturbing incidents in the Torah is the sin of the Golden Calf. The generation that witnessed the Revelation of God’s...
Tetzaveh: Seek the Truth
When I entered a baal teshuvah Yeshiva twenty-eight years ago my clarion cry was “Clarity or Death!”
Terumah: The Tabernacle in Our Heart!
This week’s Torah portion focuses on the Mishkan (the Tabernacle), which is the dwelling place for the Shechinah (Divine Presence).
Yitro: Preparation for Matan Torah
Any worthwhile endeavor in life requires preparation. The Boy Scout’s Motto is “Be prepared.” How must we prepare ourselves to receive the Torah?
Bo: The Four Sons
During the Seder meal, we relate the Exodus to our children. How does the Seder "fit the spirit of the times"? The Beit HaLevi gives an insightful answer for us today...
Mishpatim: Blueprint of Reality
A startling insight into Judaism is provided by the Torah’s juxtaposition of the civil laws with the Ten Commandments. Most people think of religion as a matter of ritual...
Behaalotcha: A Babe in His Arms
This was the praise of “the lovingkindness of your youth, the love of your nuptials.” The realities of the natural world meant...
Dust in the Wind
Amazingly, it just hit me now, years later, when I happened to hear a radio station play that melodious acoustic number—why! Dust in the Wind...
Ki Tavo: The Importance of Thanks
Gratitude is fundamental to our relationship with God. Hashem showers us with every good thing: life, sustenance, health, livelihood..
Va’eira: Take It Into Your Heart
We all want to live with what we know is true. But when push comes to shove, our behavior is often shaped by our emotions.
Matot-Masei: Anger Destroys
We can turn down the heat by emulating the humblest man who ever walked the earth, who became angry (and with good cause) only three times in forty years!