Torah Commentary

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Instructed To Curse, Inspired To Bless

He came to curse, and ended up reciting a blessing so beautiful it is prominent in our liturgy.

Pinchas and Intermarriage

The Torah portion deals with intermarriage, a phenomenon with contemporary resonance.

Spirit Strength

Balak intuited an important truth about the Israelites: Their strength was spiritual, not military.

Jewish Texts: The Ultimate Self-Help Guide

Amidst seemingly mundane laws, valuable lessons emerge.

Fringe Story

A reminder to participate in, and not just observe, the world around us

Sometimes There Are Second Chances

Of "Second Passover," Rabbi Akiva and adult bat mitzvahs.

Surrogate Judaism

Some try to "outsource" their Judaism, but this approach has severe limits.

Why Bondage?

An exploration of why the Children of Israel were destined to be slaves to Pharaoh

Joseph’s Moment of Truth

Revealing his true identity, the viceroy cannot control his emotions.

Real Men Do Cry

Joseph's tears, public and private

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