Torah Commentaries

The Torah’s elaborate description of the priestly vestments reminds us that clothing has the power to change how we feel.

In building a sanctuary in the wilderness, God calls on the Israelites to contribute the gifts they don’t even know they have.

This Torah portion offers a vital ethical message for a people who have suffered centuries of oppression.

Parashat Yitro: On Leadership and Family

In a Torah portion long understood to be a lesson in leadership, we are led to believe Moses all but ignored those closest to him.

Why the creation of the Jewish nation in Parashat Beshalach was marked by singing praises to God.

Parashat Bo reminds us of the beautiful world that can be built in an instant, even after destruction and heartache.

This Torah portion features a passage recounting the genealogy of Moses and Aaron -- with some glaring omissions.

Moses’ inquiry about God’s name reveals the essential quality of how God manifests in the world.

Jacob’s blessing to his son Joseph offers a potent metaphor about maintaining steadfastness in a world defined by rapid change.

This Torah portion opens with a passionate exchange between Joseph and Judah, two brothers with distinct personalities.

This Torah portion begs the question of whether it’s acceptable to use coercive power to have people to do something that’s good for them.

This Torah portion interperses multiple momentous encounters with the divine realm with a series of fraught incidents between humans.

Why does the Torah specifically mention the "weak eyes" of the matriarch Leah?

This portion records the first instance in the Torah of someone initiating a dialogue with God.

The lingering trauma of Isaac’s near-sacrifice is felt in his relationship with his wife Rebecca and in the generations that follow.