Weekly Torah Commentary

All humanity descended from one family.

Pinchas saw the relationship of an Israelite and a Midianite as a curse--but perhaps he, like Balaam, could have turned it into a blessing.

The story of King Balak and Balaam demonstrates that truly seeing others is what allows fears to dispel.

Moses' frustration and fatigue were no excuse for his refusal to accept the people's cry for help.

The Torah law about the red heifer was given because it anticipated the temporal nature and limitation of what Miriam had to offer.

Are we more worried about our own egos than about the Jewish people as a whole?

The Torah articulates norms about legitimate dissent and authority's reasonable response to it.

Our relationship with the Divine must also encompass a relationship with the world that surrounds us.

The nostalgic memories we have of the past may seem appealing -- but they require closer inspection.

This week's portion reminds us of our sacred obligations to those who are still languishing in oppression.