Parsha

Parashat Re'eh: The choice to choose

Even those who observe Jewish tradition have areas of choice that they have already conquered, while their struggles lie elsewhere, each person according to their own level and circumstances.

|ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
A person is obligated to identify where their own 'point of choice' lies.
Every generation has its super powers.

On Shabbat Nachamu, Isaiah reminds us that human power is just an illusion

Isaiah declares, “Behold, the nations are as a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as the dust on the scales... All the nations are as nothing before Him” (Isaiah 40:15,17).

|ByMICHAEL FREUND
‘MESIRUT NEFESH’: Willingness to give up comfort, time, money, and personal interests for a greater value.

Parashat Hukat: A life of meaning

The Torah teaches that genuine values require commitment and effort. A person who remains connected to their values only when it is convenient will struggle to maintain them over time.

|ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
ARNOLD FROM Aukland, New Zealand.

Beyond the Headlines: A letter from New Zealand - opinion

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

|BySIVAN RAHAV MEIR

Parashat Vayigash: Trading passion for compassion

Israelis are deeply passionate about their political and ideological beliefs. As a people, Jews possess a natural tenacity and a remarkable strength of will.

JANUARY 3, 2025ByMOSHE TARAGIN
Joseph is see embracing and crying on the neck of his brother Benjamin as their brothers look on in this episode from the Bible depicted in the 1908 work 'The Bible and Its Story,' edited by Charles F. Horne.

At the edge of doubt and faith - opinion

"Doubt has pushed me into a more profound and existential space, forcing me to confront life’s rawest truths and to anchor myself in something deeper."

DECEMBER 18, 2024ByMOSHE TARAGIN
ONE ACCEPTING the yoke of heaven enters into a relationship of love and friendship with God.

Parashat ‘Vayishlach’: Be Thyself

"We have to resolve the tension in ourselves before we can do so for others. We have to be at peace with ourselves before we can be at peace with the world."

DECEMBER 13, 2024ByRABBI JONATHAN SACKS
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.

Parashat Toldot reveals the profound impact of genuine communication - opinion

So many aspects of our lives are impacted by misinformation and enhanced by genuine communication. 

NOVEMBER 29, 2024ByRABBI JONATHAN SACKS
Women studying at Matan Women's Institute for Torah Studies in Jerusalem.

Parashat Toldot: The struggle between Rome and Jerusalem

This tension between the heroes of Rome and the sages of Jerusalem will not last forever. The prophet Obadiah prophesied the resolution of this struggle.

NOVEMBER 29, 2024ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
‘Rebecca at the Well.’ Photograph of 19th-century French painting by Jean Baptiste Camille Corot.

Jewels of wisdom: Rivkah’s gift of sensitivity

NOVEMBER 20, 2024ByMARK FISH

Parashat Vayeira: Order of priorities

No spiritual experience, no matter how lofty, takes precedence over simple acts of kindness, such as welcoming guests, visiting the sick.

NOVEMBER 15, 2024ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
Francesco Guardi - The Angels Appearing to Abraham.

At Madison Square Garden, an Ishay Ribo concert becomes a moment of Jewish awakening

Ishay Ribo’s concert at Madison Square Garden brought together thousands of Jews in a powerful expression of unity and spirituality amid recent grief and loss.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024ByDR. MIJAL BITTON/JTA
Israeli musician Ishay Ribo performs at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, Sept. 15, 2024.

The IDF reflects Israeli society: Ethical through and through - opinion

Ancient Torah laws of war resonate in modern Israel, linking ethical society to military strength.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2024ByMOSHE TARAGIN
IDF TROOPS in Cyprus this week simulate a military campaign deep inside Lebanese territory against Hezbollah.

Conquering the mind: Turning fear into faith

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024ByMARK FISH