In his commentary on this week’s portion, Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22), Nachmanides states: “It is a repetition of the Torah, in…
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This week in Torah we find ourselves at the very end of the book of Numbers. These endings are momentous,…
This week in Torah we find ourselves at the very end of the book of Numbers. These endings are momentous,…
As I reflect on my recent trip to Germany at the invitation of the German Foreign Ministry (detailed daily at…
As I reflect on my recent trip to Germany at the invitation of the German Foreign Ministry (detailed daily at…
While much of the Mishnah is a dense discussion of Torah and early Jewish legalism, one tractate stands out for…
While much of the Mishnah is a dense discussion of Torah and early Jewish legalism, one tractate stands out for…
“Who is wise?” our sages ask in Pirkei Avot. “One who learns from everyone.” This quote forms part of the summer theme campers at URJ Camp Kalsman are studying and is particularly poignant in the context of this week’s Torah portion. Balaam, a prophet sent to curse the Israelites, is enlightened by one so humble as his donkey.
“Who is wise?” our sages ask in Pirkei Avot. “One who learns from everyone.” This quote forms part of the summer theme campers at URJ Camp Kalsman are studying and is particularly poignant in the context of this week’s Torah portion. Balaam, a prophet sent to curse the Israelites, is enlightened by one so humble as his donkey.
This week’s Torah portion, Chukat (Numbers 19:1-22:1), describes a most curious incident. When commanded to “speak to the rock” in order to produce water for the Israelites to drink, Moses instead hit the rock with his staff. Though this was exactly the recipe for producing water Moses had used previously (in Exodus 17:6), this time it is seen as an act of defiance. God took offense, claiming “Because you did not trust Me enough to affirm My sanctity in the sight of the Israelite people, therefore you shall not lead this congregation into the land that I have given them.”