Torah

What the ma'apilim teach us about faith and judgment

The story of the spies shows how belief in destiny can falter in fear or slip into reckless overconfidence.

Overconfidence, underconfidence –both negative.
 The Grapes of Canaan by James Tissot (circa 1900). Although the 12 spies brought back a cluster of grapes so large that it took two men to carry it, only two of the 12 brought back a good report of the land.

Joshua's spies chose faith over fear - can Israel do the same?

An illustrative image of New Israeli Shekels in a wallet.

Your Investments: The spies and fear of financial success

Truth

Parashat Shlah: The absolute truth


Lag Ba’omer reminds us to choose respect over division among Jews - opinion

Rabbi Akiva’s students remind us that respect and unity are essential to Jewish spiritual life.

 Rabbi Elimelech Biderman with his followers celebrate the jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer, in Meron. May 9, 2023

Parashat Emor: The social revolution

This portion is read during the days of the Counting of the Omer, when Judaism emphasizes mutual respect and love between people as preparation for receiving the Torah on the festival of Shavuot.

GOODWILL: PROVIDING volunteer massage therapy to soldiers at an IDF outpost in Samaria, March 12.

Jewish learning defines knowledge in a fragmented world - opinion

In an age of distraction, Jewish knowledge is no longer about knowing everything, but about engaging deeply with the core texts that shape understanding, practice, and meaning.

Torah scroll 521

Beyond the headlines: Finding an anchor in the shelter - opinion

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

LEARNING IN the bomb shelter.

Understanding global criticism of Israel through historical, theological lenses - opinion

How history, religion, and ideology shape global views of Israel and Jewish sovereignty.

An Israeli flag flutters, with Ma'aleh Adumim is visible in the background, in the West Bank, August 14, 2025.

What South Park and Dante get wrong about the Hebrew Bible’s Hell - study

A new academic essay argues that the fiery underworld familiar from Dante, TV, and pop culture replaced the Hebrew Bible’s older, quieter idea of Sheol.

Dante and Virgil in the Second Circle of Hell, 1823. Found in the Collection of Thorvaldsens Museum, Copenhagen. Artist Koch, Joseph Anton (1768-1839).

Love isn’t enough: Faith in humanity through the lens of the Torah

In a fractured world, Torah reminds us through Akiva, Hillel and Ben Azzai that every person carries dignity, meaning and divine image.

Hillel was not asking for perfect emotion.

Israel must break free from the dangerous status quo - opinion

What once felt like stability in Israel is now revealed as dangerous inertia with real costs across security, society, and faith.

Israeli soldiers guard near stickers of victims killed in the October 7 massacre and ongoing Iron Swords War at the Bental water reservoir near Kibbutz Merom Golan, in the Golan Heights, October 7, 2025.

Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: The promise of permanence

The covenant endures. The people have returned. And, as the Malbim teaches, we shall never again be cast out.

That mission is rooted in the fusion of the sacred and the everyday.

Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Love your neighbor as yourself

The days between Pesach and Shavuot invite reflection, as Rabbi Akiva teaches that loving others is central to receiving the Torah.

These are also days of great light.