Parasha

Israel after Oct. 7: What Moses teaches us about survival and responsibility

As Israel emerges from three years of war, Moshe’s ancient message offers a powerful reminder: surviving tragedy is only the beginning. We must also decide what we stand for.

|ByMOSHE TARAGIN
WOMEN STAND in prayer at the Kotel.
MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY: Young Israelis who completed military service help farmers like Giora Isar from Moshav Maaleh Gamla at the height of the mango-picking season, near the Sea of Galilee, Aug. 4.

Parashat Nitzavim: Why we are all responsible for one another

In a world increasingly focused on personal success, Parashat Nitzavim reminds us that no one stands alone. Our fate is bound together, and we are responsible for one another.

|ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
HONEST ACCOUNTING cannot be selective

Parashat Ki Tavo: The finest generation

Elul's call to confession requires more than admitting failure. Authentic teshuva also means recognizing personal growth and the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of this generation.

|ByMOSHE TARAGIN
REJOICING UPON the release of Hamas hostage Bar Kupershtein, Nov. 2, 2025.

Parashat Ki Tavo: The power of joy

Parashat Ki Tavo teaches that joy is not a luxury but a religious obligation, revealed through gratitude, generosity and serving God with a sincere and joyful heart.

|ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

Parashat Mishpatim: The Jewish consciousness of ‘hessed’

You must assist him even at the expense of helping a righteous person who also needs aid – so that you may overcome the inclination to hate that person within your heart.

FEBRUARY 21, 2025ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
An illustrative image of a coinpurse.

The Angel’s Double-Edged Sword: Protection and Obligation

FEBRUARY 20, 2025ByMARK FISH

Parashat Yitro: Preceding the Torah

Good character traits – especially those expressed in accepting those who are different and understanding their pain and feelings – are a prerequisite for receiving the Torah.

FEBRUARY 14, 2025ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
An illustrative image of a path leading to a cloud formation shaped like a heart with sunlight shining through.

Parashat Yitro: Hearing the silence, seeing the sound

Comprehension begins within us, including our understanding and encounter with God – the universal web that connects us to everything and everybody.

FEBRUARY 14, 2025ByMICHAEL M. COHEN
Lightning is seen over Palmachim Beach.

The Chosen People: But Why Us?

FEBRUARY 11, 2025ByMARK FISH
An orthodox man prays at the Western Wall

From fear to song: Haftarah of Parashat Beshalach mirrors Israel's current state - opinion

As in the Jewish Bible, Israel also now stands at a moment that offers the hope of quiet. With a fragile cessation of hostilities holding for now, we feel just about ready to lift our heads and heart

FEBRUARY 7, 2025ByKENNETH BRANDER
Exodus - the splitting of the Red Sea.

Parashat Beshalach: The path to victory

Unite the nation through love and kindness, and we will defeat the descendants of Amalek.

FEBRUARY 7, 2025ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
An illustrative image of chess pieces.

Parashat Beshalach: How to cross the Reed Sea

We are at a watershed moment, and we need to respond from courage, artfulness, and faith, – not from despair. It’s time to cross the Reed Sea together.

FEBRUARY 7, 2025ByRAPHAEL SHUCHAT
An illustrative image of feet walking through the water.

Parashat Bo: Beautiful as the moon

The commandment of sanctifying the month is not merely a technical instruction for those who establish the calendar on how and when to determine the new month.

JANUARY 31, 2025ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
SUPERMOON RISES over Jerusalem this past November.

More Than a Pharaoh: The Clash of Human Desire and Divine Power

JANUARY 29, 2025ByMARK FISH