Weekly Torah Commentary

A midrash on the Sotah ritual emphasizes the lengths to which we go to bring peace between spouses.

We should respond to major historical events and to personal decisions with the question, "Where are we morally?"

The land of Israel is sacred by virtue of the sacred actions performed by its inhabitants.

The request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle outside of the Land of Israel raises the issue of balancing communal and individual needs.

Being constantly engaged in learning allows us to guard against the pervasive forgetfulness around us.

God describes the service of the Gershon family of Levites; laws relating to the suspected adulteress and the nazirite are given; God tells Moses and Aaron the priestly blessing; the heads of tribes bring gifts to the Tabernacle.

The specific complaints of the Israelites in the wilderness illustrate their inability to develop mature, adult relationships.

The Book of Numbers, full of bloodshed and division, ends with a call for unity and a discussion of the sanctity of life.

Cities of Refuge are symbols of God's unconditional love and constant presence among people.

The list of places through which the Israelites traveled in the wilderness teaches us to understand Judaism through our everyday experiences.