The first two words of theparsha— Vayikach Korach [and Korach took] — are problematic. There is no indication whatsoever throughout the entireparshaof what exactly Korach took. It is a strange way to begin a story with an ambiguous action...
Towards the end of the year, it is customary to express gratitude to the Rabbis and teachers who have devoted themselves tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the success of our children’s learning. This tradition involves giving them a...
In the eighth bracha of the Shemone Esrei we say, “Refa’einu Hashem v’neirafei – Cure us Hashem and we will be cured.” This phrasing contrasts Hashem’s medicine and human medicine. Often times, the human healer will succeed at taking away...
Throughout the ages, there have been different practices regarding keeping tzitzis tucked into pants or out. In addition, Chassidim wear their tzitzis garment over their shirt, while Ashkenazim wear it under the shirt. Sefardim do not keep their tzitzis out, while many...
We read in Parshas Shelach about the episode of the meraglim, the scouts exploring Eretz Yisroel. A most difficult chapter in our nation’s history to comprehend. From the moment the Jewish nation left Egypt, their...
This week the Torah recounts the mission of the spies. The verse lists the names of the various spies. We all know that one of the spies was Yehoshua. The verse makes a point of telling us...
I. Sefaria Controversy A minor controversy brewed recently when some people noticed that Sefaria provides readers a non-Orthodox Bible translation. This offers us an opportunity to have a long overdue discussion about what Sefaria is and is not, and how...
Parashat Shelah tells one of the most tragic stories in the entire Torah – the story of the spies. Beneh Yisrael were about to enter the Land of Israel. Moshe sent a team of spies to take...
The Torah in Parashat Shelah tells the story of the Mekoshesh Esim – a man who publicly desecrated Shabbat while Beneh Yisrael were in the wilderness. The people who found him committing the act of Shabbat desecration brought him...
INGREIDENTS: A couple of cloves of fresh garlic, minced Sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped Olive oil Himalayan sea salt Freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS: Here’s another easy no fail recipe. The key is to start with an excellent piece...