Hi, … It’s one of the most famous stories in the Torah. And one of the most difficult. The Akeida.  The “Binding of Isaac”. We could spend weeks on it.  Full time.  Not just a minute a day! But here are some thoughts. G-d commands Abraham to bring his son Isaac as an offering. G-d […]

Hi, Mazal Tov! It’s a boy! Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah. (Genesis, 21:1) Isaac represents the Jewish future. … Earlier, Abraham had married Sarah’s servant Hagar. And they had a son, Ishmael. But G-d had told Abraham that Sarah will have a child. And that the Jewish People will come from Isaac. … […]

Hi, There’s one more story about Lot. And unfortunately, it’s on my mind today. We had seen that Lot was hosting two guests. The “people of Sodom” surrounded his home in order to sexually assault them. Lot’s response? Shocking! He went out and pleaded with them.  (Genesis; 4-8) “I beg you… do not act wickedly. […]

Hope you’re having a great day! … Mention the Biblical figure ‘Lot’. The response of many Jews? ‘Who?’ … Which is part of the tragedy of Lot’s life. Lot was Abraham’s nephew. And was influenced by his teachings. When G-d sent Abraham on his mission? Lot was with him. (Genesis; 12:4) It looked like he […]

Hi, Hope you’re having a great day1 The city of Sodom. A name that goes down in infamy. The people had become morally corrupt. And G-d tells Abraham that He will destroy them. (Genesis; 18:17) … Abraham shows his true greatness. How does he respond to the news? To the destruction of a society that […]

Hi, Hope you’re having a great day! As we saw yesterday, Abraham was given a promise. He’ll become a great nation that will change the world. G-d even promises the Land of Israel to Abraham’s children. Sounds like a great plan! There’s only one problem. Abraham and Sarah are old. And how many children do […]

Hope you’re having a great day! It’s easy to remember the Jewish date of Abraham’s birth. 1948! (Around 1800 B.C.E.) … G-d appears to Abraham and gives him a mission. (Genesis 12:1) “Leave your birthplace.  I’ll make you into a great nation. You’ll be a source of blessing for the entire world.” And one more […]

Hope you’re having a great day! One more thought about the Tower of Babel. As we saw, they said, “Let us make a name for ourselves.” (Genesis 11:4) We suggested that the “us” was the State.  As opposed to the individual. And here’s another idea. Different, but related. They wanted to build this huge tower […]

Hi, Hope you had a great Passover. It’s great to be back! I thought I would discuss something that may remind us of the holiday. Food! … Noah survives the great flood. The work of rebuilding the world begins. And G-d tells Noah some very fundamental moral and spiritual ideas. But among them, we find […]

Happy Purim eve. I’m already into the spirit of Purim! It’s the happiest day in the Jewish calendar. What’s the last thing that would come to mind when we think Purim? Yom Kippur. Two opposites. But Jewish tradition says that there’s a connection. What do Yom Kippur and Purim have in common? They are both […]