Parsha Thought

325 articles in Parsha Thought.

Making Sense out of the CensusParshas Ki SisaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1155COUNT THEIR HALF-SHEKELS TO PREVENT A PLAGUE One of the most enigmatic discussions in the Torah ...
Denial of Moshiach Is Tantamount to IdolatryParshas TetzavehRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1154THE TWO GARMENTS AND THE TWO TABLETS Among the priestly garments discussed in this week&rs...
Going in Reverse to the GeulaParshas TerumahRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1153WHAT’S THE CONNECTION? The Midrash connects the opening words of this Parsha, &ld...
Going out of Galus with Body and SoulParshas MishpatimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1152AN ENIGMATIC MIDRASH The very first subject discussed in this week’s parsha (which co...
Respecting BoundariesParshas YisroRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1151CONNECTIONS The Ten Commandments (or more correctly, the Ten Statements) are not just a collect...
Greeting Moshiach with Double WealthRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1150THE CIRCUITOUS ROUTE AND RECLINING One source for the requirement that we recline at the Seder ...
The Ultimate Pidyon Ha’benParshas BoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1149AN UNUSUAL BLESSING The Mitzvah of Pidyon HaBen -Redemption of the First-Born requires a father...
Exile and Redemption: Nebular Opposites?Parshas Va'eiraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1148WHY FOUR CUPS OF WINE AT THE SEDER? During the Passover Seder we drink four cups of wine. The J...
Rising Above PoliticsParshas ShmosRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1147THE DEATH OF PHARAOH The beginning of the Book of Shmos-Exodus describes the enslavement of the...
StarstruckParshas VayechiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1146JACOB’S WILL The last parsha of the Book of B’Reishis-Genesis chronicles Ja...
Why Judah?Parshas VayigashRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1145ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOUSE OF STUDY After Joseph reunites with his brothers and before Jacob is b...
Diminished Dreams and Increased LightParshas MikeitzChanukahRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1144PHARAOH’S TWO DREAMS The Torah reading of Mikeitz always coincides with Chanukah. Acc...
How to Join the ResistanceParshas VayeishevRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1143A WINDING NOTE Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt, eventually to serve Potip...
Donor (Non)metricsParshas VayeitzeiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1141JACOB’S PLEDGE Jacob was fleeing from the wrath of his brother Esau and on his way to...
Abraham’s Success StoryParshas Chayei SaraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1139A CRYPTIC MIDRASH When the Torah discusses the marriage of Yitzchak to Rivka, it prefaces the e...
Don’t Look Back!Parshas VayeiraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1138DOES THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME? G-d sends His angels to destroy the city of S’dom ...
Abraham the [Eved] Ivri and MoshiachParshas Lech LechaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1137ABRAHAM’S COURAGE Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was taken captive by an alliance o...
Feeding Your Animal in the Ark and in the Messianic AgeParshas NoachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1136“…FOR YOU AND FOR THEM TO EAT.” When G-d gave Noach instructions...
Where’s the Table?SukkosHgreenberg · Parsha Thought · #1135THE FRAGILITY OF NATURE The central Mitzvah of the upcoming festival of Sukkos is to dwell in a...
Moshiach’s Visual AcuityParshas NitzavimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1134BEFORE THEIR EYES The last few Torah portions of the Torah discuss Moses’ parting wor...
Forgetting Is the Mitzvah!Parshas Ki SeitzeiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1132EXTRAORDINARY MITZVAH! One of the most unusual Biblical commandments is the one which can only ...
When Does the End Ever Justify the Means!?Parshas ShoftimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1131DOUBLE RIGHTEOUSNESS The Torah exhorts us to pursue justice. Towards that end, the Torah comman...
Bury the Dead and Visit the SickRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1130CLEAVE TO G-D. BUT HOW? In this week’s parsha, Moses continues his soliloquy, admonish...
Geula: A One-Sectioned MenorahParshas EikevRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1129AN ENIGMATIC MIDRASH There is an enigmatic statement in the Midrash about the opening words of ...
Don’t Cease PrayingParshas Va'eschananRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1128WHY DID MOSES STOP? Moses pleads with G-d to be able to cross over the Jordan. Moses’...
Transforming Darkness into Light with LoveRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1127THE SUBTLE REBUKE The Book of D’varim-Deuteronomy begins with Moses’ words ...
Exiting Exile with ExcitementParshas MaseiRabbi Sholom Ber Avtzon · Parsha Thought · #1126THE FOUR EXILES The second of two Torah portions that we will be reading this week entitled Mas...
Inserting the Letter Yud in PinchasParshas PinchasRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1125In last week’s parsha, the Torah records the incident of a Jewish prince named Zimri ...
Riding on Our DonkeyParshas BalakRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1124A TALKING DONKEY! Bilam, the heathen prophet, was on his way to curse the Jewish people at the ...
The Redemptive Power of SpeechParshas ChukasRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1123AARON’S PASSING AND SPEAKING TO A ROCK Two of the main themes of this week’...
Ahead of His TimeParshas KorachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1122WHAT WAS KORACH THINKING?? Korach was the consummate rebel. Even today, if one wishes to start ...
What Is the Measure of Our Days?Parshas ShlachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1121WHAT IS IT? X 4 When Moses sends the spies and gives them his directives he states: &ldq...
Turbocharged LightRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1120REPETITION After the leaders of all the 12 tribes brought sacrifices to dedicate the Mishkan-Po...
Geula and the Number 176Parshas NasoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1119The Longest Parsha, Psalm and Talmudic Tractate The parsha Naso, which follows the Festival of ...
Fire, Water and the DesertParshas BamidbarRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1118THE DESERT AND TORAH The fourth book of the Torah is called BaMidbar-In the Desert. The first p...
Getting Rid of the Inconsistencies, Superficialities and Narcissism of GalusRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1117THE THREE REMEMBRANCES This parsha is known for the tochecha , the harsh words of rebuke G-d de...
Don’t Place Moshiach on a 20-Cubit PedestalParshas EmorRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1116HOLIDAYS ARE CALLED SHABBOS Parshas Emor dedicates many of its verses to the Jewish Festivals. ...
Three Prescriptions for Civilizing the WorldRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1115SANDWICHED! The Jewish nation, during its 40 years in the desert, was sandwiched between two de...
Three Roads to RedemptionRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1114SUPERFLUOUS AND UNUSUAL SYNTAX This week we read a double portion consisting of Tazria and Metz...
No More JealousyParshas ShminiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1113ATONEMENT FOR AARON AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL This week we read of Moses’ instructio...
Chad GadyaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1112ONE KID ONE KID One of the hymns sung by many at the end of the Seder is Chad Gadya. Although i...
Bring Your Olah and Get out of GalusParshas TzavRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1111WHY COMMAND AARON AND HIS SONS? In most years, Parshas Tzav is read in close proximity to Pesac...
Future Gifts to the PoorParshas VayikraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1110A POOR PERSON’S SACRIFICE The parsha that begins the book of Vayikra-Leviticus starts...
No More Red Lights or Stop Signs in Our Journey to the GeulaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1109WHY THE REPETITION? The book of Shmos-Exodus concludes with a description of the journey of the...
G-d Says: Give Me NachasParshas Ki SisaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1108FIVE QUESTIONS In his absence, the Jewish nation feared that Moses was no longer going to retur...
Elijah and Daniel Light Our MenorahParshas TetzavehRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1107A PUZZLING MIDRASH The opening words of our parsha this week discuss G-d’s command to...
We Are Ready!Parshas TerumahRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1106A PUZZLING MIDRASH The opening verse of this week’s parsha contains a key phrase, &am...
Hiskashrus Is a Two-Way StreetParshas YisroRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1104THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT By any measure, Parshas Yisro stands out. It contains history’...
Sing but Don’t Pray!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1103BE SILENT! Pharaoh has told the children of Israel to leave. The fledgling Jewish nation leaves...
We Are ReadyParshas BoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1102PHARAOH’S HEART HARDENED At the end of last week’s parsha, the Torah relate...
Liberating Four Layers of Our PersonalityParshas Va'eiraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1101FOUR EXPRESSIONS OF LIBERATION When G-d told Moses to speak to Pharaoh to liberate the Jewis...
Who’s Who in Exile?Parshas ShmosRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1100MOSES CHOSEN AT THE BURNING BUSH This week’s parsha introduces us to Moses, the &...
Jacob Never DiedParshas VayechiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1099AN ANOMALOUS NAME The Book of B’Reishis ends with the parsha VaYechi. Our Sages te...
A Unified PathParshas VayigashRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1098“DON’T ARGUE ON THE WAY!” After Joseph revealed himself to his br...
Unconditional RedemptionParshas MikeitzRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1097PHARAOH’S “I” AND G-D’S “I” When Ph...
When the Outside Is InsideChanukahRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1096TWO CUSTOMS The Talmud says that one should light the Menorah in the exterior doorway of a dwel...
Our Eyes on the GoalParshas VayishlachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1095JACOB’S FEAR When Jacob returned home, after a hiatus of 22 years, he travelled with ...
Ultimate Gratitude and Joy!Parshas VayeitzeiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1094WHY DID LEAH WAIT TO THANK G-D? When Leah, Jacob’s first wife, gives birth to her fou...
The Proof Is in the Eating and DrinkingParshas VayeitzeiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1093LENTILS FOR BIRTHRIGHT Esau and Jacob’s rivalry began even before they were born. The...
Geula & WomenParshas Chayei SaraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1092LAST GENERATION OF GALUS The connection of Geula-Redemption to women is firmly rooted in the te...
Communication 101Parshas VayeiraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1091GENUINE HOSPITALITY Where did Jewish people get their kindness? The Talmud states that one t...
Freedom of Expression in the Era of RedemptionParshas Lech LechaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1090WHAT’S OUR NAME? The Jewish people have been known by many names. Among them we can f...
Maimonides’ Tower of BabelParshas NoachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1089DOUBLED-EDGED SWORD The Tower of Babel narrative underscores the double-edged sword nature of u...
The Three-Plied BlessingRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1088MOSHE’S UNIQUE BLESSING The very last Torah portion begins with Moshe’s fina...
In Your Face!Parshas Ha'azinuRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1086TORAH IS NOT EMPTY! Moshe continues with his admonition of the Jewish people in his last days o...
The Seven Steps of ClosenessRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1085MOSHIACH A MITZVAH? One of the most frequently cited verses in the Torah is: “For thi...
The Seven Blessed IllnessesParshas Ki SavoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1084CURSES OR HIDDEN BLESSINGS This week’s parsha contains the harshest threats of pain a...
The Three Roads to GeulaParshas ShoftimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1082THE THREE TACHINS One of the institutions in the Land of Israel mentioned in the Torah several ...
Moshiach Is in the FieldElulRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1081TITHING The commandant to tithe ten percent of our produce in the Land of Israel is taken from ...
The Power of WhatParshas EikevRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1080OLD PEOPLE IN BABYLONIA? The Talmud (Brachos 8a) relates that the Israeli Sage, Rabbi Yochanan,...
Double RecognitionRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1078From Menasheh to Mishneh [Torah] to ha ’ shemen to neshama .
Why Declare “Yechi”?Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1077NO WAR AGAINST MOAV G-d instructed Moshe to wage war against Midian for causing the Jewish peop...
7 for 70Parshas PinchasRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1076SUKKOS IN THE SUMMER! Jewish Holidays come in their prescribed times; Passover in the spring, S...
Removing the Bilam Curse of GalusParshas BalakRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1075THE THREE FESTIVALS Bilam, the heathen prophet hired by the Moabite king Balak to curse the Jew...
Moshe’s Obsession with the Complete GeulaParshas ChukasRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1074MOST ENIGMATIC MITZVAH; EXCEPT FOR MOSHE The most enigmatic commandment in the Torah concerns t...
The Korach Story Teaches US What Is a RebbeParshas KorachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1073WHAT DID THEY ACCUSE MOSHE OF? Korach’s rebellion began with his gathering of 250 lead...
Is Imprisonment Antithetical to Torah Values?Parshas ShlachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1072A PUZZLING MIDRASH The Torah records the story of a certain, nameless, individual who violated S...
Transcending EmotionsRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1071AHARON DISMAYED In last week’s parsha, Naso, we learned about the gift offerings the l...
The Interface of Torah and NatureParshas NasoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1070THE PRIESTLY BLESSING One of the central sections in this week’s parsha, which we read...
Modern-Day LevitesParshas BamidbarRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1069COUNTING THE LEVITES SEPARATELY BaMidbar, the book of Numbers, begins with the census of the Jew...
The Messianic TriumvirateRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1068THE UNUSUAL SPELLING OF YAAKOV? At the end of the harsh words of rebuke in this week’s...
The Significance of the Insignificant OmerParshas EmorRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1067ANIMAL FOOD We are now in the midst of the period known as S’fira. It is based on the ...
Don’t Let the Sodomite Salt Blind Our Open EyesRabbi Sholom Ber Avtzon · Parsha Thought · #1066FIRST AND LAST WATERS The Torah portion K’doshim-Holy not surprisingly emphasizes the ...
The Importance of the Seemingly InconsequentialRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1065REMOVING THE EARTHENWARE VESSELS One of the most enigmatic laws found in the Torah is &ldqu...
Messianic Maturity and Childlike InnocenceParshas TzavRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1064TWO VERSIONS OF THE SEVEN DAYS OF INITIATION At the end of this week’s parsha, after ...
Seeing the Light in a World of DarknessParshas VayikraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1063A PUZZLING MIDRASH A significant portion of the third book of the Torah—Leviticus&...
Facebook: A Pre-Messianic PhenomenonRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1062MOSHE GIVES AN ACCOUNTING The parsha of P’kudei concludes the book of Shmos -Exodus. ...
Diagnosis of Half-Day Syndrome and Its TherapyParshas Ki SisaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1061HALF-SHEKEL FOR ATONEMENT One of the most troubling events in all of Jewish history is recorded ...
Just One Drop of OilParshas TetzavehRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1060BRING THE OIL TO MOSHE One of the most important functions carried out in the Mishkan (the port...
Our Collective Bar MitzvahParshas TerumahRabbi Sholom Ber Avtzon · Parsha Thought · #1059NO COINCIDENCES In the construction of the Mishkan— the portable Sanctuary—...
Judgment: Prelude to MoshiachParshas MishpatimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1058THE FIRST PARSHA AFTER SINAI The first parsha that follows the giving of the Torah at Mount Sin...
The Convert: The Consummate InsiderParshas YisroRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1057MOSHE AND YISROEL This week’s parsha opens with some enigmatic statements: It be...
It’s a New BattleRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1056MOSHE’S COERCION “And Moshe led Israel onward from the Red Sea…&am...
Ten Plague TherapyParshas BoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1055TEN PLAGUES DIVIDED The Ten Plagues are divided in the Torah over two segments. Seven of them w...
4 to the Fourth PowerParshas Va'eiraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1054THE PARADIGM OF REDEMPTION The Exodus from Egypt is the paradigm for the future Redemption. The...
Wait, but ActParshas ShmosRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1053“HIS SISTER STOOD FROM AFAR” Moshe, the liberator of the Jewish nation from...
Did You Bring a Gift for Moshiach?Parshas VayechiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1052BRINGING GIFTS TO MOSHIACH Yaakov summoned all his sons to give them his final blessings b...
When Glass Won’t BreakParshas VayigashRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1051“NO MAN STOOD” The most powerful Biblical drama is arguably the poignant mo...
The Unintended Consequences of InsensitivityParshas VayeishevRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1050THE REPENTANCE OF YOSEF’S BROTHERS When Yoseph, viceroy of Egypt, accuses his brother...
Don’t Lose Your Staff!Parshas VayishlachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1048YAAKOV’S NEW CHALLENGE Yaakov has been away from home for 20 years, living and contend...
Nineteen: The Incorruptible CoreParshas VayeitzeiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1047YAAKOV’S CELESTIAL DREAM The beginning of our parsha relates how Yaakov fled the wrath...
Reversing the ReversalRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1046EISAV’S CRIME SPREE It is axiomatic that every detail of the Torah, including its nar...
The Power TrifectaParshas Chayei SaraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1045THE LIFE OF SARAH? There are just a few Torah portions named after individuals. The first is th...
Total TransparencyParshas VayeiraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1044TAKING CREDIT FOR G-D’S WORK When G-d sends angels to destroy the city of Sodom and s...
Staying in One PlaceParshas Lech LechaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1043IT’S ALL ABOUT TRAVELING The name of this parsha, Lech Lecha, describes, in a nutshel...
Noach and Menachem: Easing and ComfortingParshas NoachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1042EVEN THE EARTH WAS UNFAITHFUL! When the Torah describes the impending flood that will destroy t...
Why a Fourth Wall?Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1041THREE MODELS OF THE SUKKA The Festival of Sukkos is so called because of its central Mitzv...
Our Mandate Defines USRosh HashanahRabbi Sholom Ber Avtzon · Parsha Thought · #1041Dear Reader sh’yichyeh, As we finished the year of Hakhel 5776 and entered 5777, I wo...
Digging for the Roots with the ShofarParshas NitzavimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1040CONNECTION! The Parsha Nitzavim is always read on the Shabbos before Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi...
Be Your Own Baker!Parshas Ki SavoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1039HIDDEN BLESSINGS! “Your life will hang in the balance, and you will be frightened...
Send US Moshiach and the Mother Bird!Rabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1038“If a bird’s nest happens to be before you on the road, on any tree or on the ground, young birds or eggs, and the mother is roosting on the young birds or the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young.
Don’t Change the Subject!Parshas ShoftimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1037WHAT IS THE SUBJECT? A story is told of a hapless bank robber who approaches the cashier a...
Open Your Hands and SeeRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1036REPETITION One of the Torah sources of the Mitzvah of tz’daka is in this week&rsq...
Unconventional Relationship AdviceParshas EikevRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1035BEGINNING OR END? Judaism is about our relationship with G-d. All relationships involve our emo...
Two and Two = T’fillinParshas Va'eschananRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1034FOUR SECTIONS; FOUR COMPARTMENTS The Mitzvah of wearing T’fillin is mentioned in the ...
Don’t Devalue Your GoldRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1033LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION? The book of Deuteronomy begins with an introductory verse: ...
The Kosher ZealotParshas PinchasRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1031POLITICALLY INCORRECT! Zimri, the prince of the tribe of Shimon, consorted with the Midianite p...
The Best Therapy for JealousyParshas BalakRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1030COVETING WEALTH Balak, the Moabite king, hired Bilam, the Heathen prophet, to curse the Jewish ...
Making Sense of the Supra-LogicalParshas ChukasRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1029THE MOTHER OF ALL ENIGMAS! The Torah is replete with enigmas, paradoxes and mysteries. But the ...
Geula Is the Fusion of Dual TruthsParshas KorachRabbi Sholom Ber Avtzon · Parsha Thought · #1028BRIBING G-D? Moshe’s confrontation with Korach, who revolted against Moshe’...
Forget the Yankees: You Are a GiantParshas ShlachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1027THE SLANDER Much has been said about the spies Moshe sent to scout the Land of Israel at the re...
Keep on Complaining!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1026THE ENTIRE PEOPLE? If one had to find a common theme in this parsha, it is that the Jewish peop...
Topsy-Turvy PrioritiesParshas NasoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1025WHAT’S THE CONNECTION? The parsha that we read immediately after the Holiday of Shavu...
The Cover UpParshas BamidbarRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1024DO NOT LOOK The end of this week’s parsha describes the manner in which the Levites t...
From Confession to Unmitigated GratitudeRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1023PUNISHMENT FOR REPENTANCE? Two sections of the Torah are extremely difficult to read with their ha...
What Is the Question?Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1022THE ENIGMATIC QUESTION The Torah generally does not raise questions about its own dictates. The...
The End of Cosmic DeceptionRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1020STEALING A MIND One of the many commandments in this week’s parsha, which is replete ...
What Does It Mean to Be Truly Alive?Parshas AchareiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1019THE INTRODUCTION Before the Torah introduces the admonition against emulating the abominable be...
The Dynamics of FreedomRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1018This is the bread of affliction that our fathers ate in the land of Egypt. Whoever is hungry, let ...
Eyes on the GoalRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1017GET THE EARTHENWARE VESSELS OUT! One of the most bizarre phenomena recorded in the Torah is &am...
Do Not Fear: We’ve Already Clinched the DealRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1016FOR THE NATIONS The laws of tzaraas (skin lesions, also referred to as nega’im ) are ...
ParityParshas ShminiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1015CONFLUENCE OF EVENTS One of the most important days of the year is Rosh Chodesh (the first day ...
Hakhel Does Not DiscriminateRabbi Sholom Ber Avtzon · Parsha Thought · #1015Dear Reader sh’yichyeh, This Shabbos, Shabbos Parshas Shmini, we read Parshas Para, a...
Illuminating GarmentsParshas TzavRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1014TWO STAGES OF ASH REMOVAL Among the services in the Sanctuary entrusted to the Kohanim-Priests ...
The Galus Complex ParadoxParshas VayikraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1013DOUBTFUL TRANSGRESSIONS The Torah, in this week’s parsha, speaks of one who must aton...
The Power of SoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1012JOB WELL DONE : “All the work of the Tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting was complet...
A Virtual Reality Bais HamikdashParshas VayakhelRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1011THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY In the earlier parsha of Truma, G-d gave Moshe instructions concerning the...
Pleasure from T’shuvaParshas Ki SisaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1010THE GOLDEN CALF ENIGMA One of the most troubling and enigmatic episodes recorded in the Torah i...
Transcending TranscendenceParshas TetzavehRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1009THE TZITZ AND T’FILLIN The Kohen Gadol was required to wear eight priestly garments. ...
Whose Gift Will Moshiach Reject?Parshas TerumahRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1008GOLD, SILVER AND COPPER BUT NOT IRON The Mishkan, the portable Sanctuary the Jewish people cons...
From Whom Should We Demand the Ultimate Redemption?Parshas MishpatimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1007LOANS Many Jewish communities have dedicated this week to the Mitzvah of Gemilus Chassadim , ac...
Responsible LeadershipRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1005THE ENEMY: DOUBTS! The Jewish nation emerged from Egypt where they experienced great miracles, ...
The ExplosionParshas BoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1004COULDN’T SEE THE EARTH The eighth plague, the locusts, was arguably the most devastati...
Galus: A Sisyphean PunishmentParshas Va'eiraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1003SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND HARD LABOR At the end of last week’s parsha, the intolerab...
Give Credit Where Credit Is DueParshas ShmosRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1002IDENTIFYING THE MYSTERY EGYPTIAN Moshe killed an Egyptian taskmaster, fled the wrath of Pharaoh...
Messianic Beauty and HarmonyParshas VayechiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1001LAST WILL AND CRITICISM? As Yaakov lay “dying,” he gathered all of his sons...
What Makes US Human? It’s Not What You ThinkParshas VayigashRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #1000YOSEF’S REVELATION In one of the most poignant events recorded in the Torah, Yosef...
Love Your Fellow as You Do a Stranger!Parshas MikeitzRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #999ACTED LIKE A STRANGER Yoseph was sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt. When accused of tr...
Every One of US Is Integral to the Master PlanParshas VayeishevRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #998REUVEN’S HEROIC ACT The rivalry between Yoseph and his brothers parallels the rivalri...
The World of OthernessParshas VayishlachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #997YAAKOV’S DISTRESS Yaakov returned from a 22 year sojourn with his uncle Lavan with a ...
Lavan’s Instruction to USParshas VayeitzeiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #996LAVAN’S ACCUSATION Yaakov had been working for his father-in-law Lavan for 22 years. ...
The Future Is NowRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #995JACOB’S DOUBLE “DECEPTION” Esau comes home from the field, weary ...
The Psychology of OverpromisingParshas Chayei SaraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #994THE DISCREPANCY Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, was sent by his master to find a suitable...
Laughing Our Way to RedemptionParshas Chayei SaraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #993SARAH’S LAUGHTER One of the enigmas of the Torah is the way in which Sarah receiv...
A Pure MitzvahRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #992The first Mitzvah given to Avraham, the very first Jew, was that of circumcision.
Global Warming of the FutureRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #990DON’T KICK YOUR SUKKA The Talmud ( Avoda Zara 3a) discusses an intriguing dialogue th...
The Year of SalvationParshas NitzavimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #989THE UNIQUE YEAR This week’s parsha begins with the words “You are standing ...
Syncing the Body with the SoulParshas Ki SavoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #988REVEALED AND HIDDEN BLESSINGS The harshest words of rebuke in the Torah can be found in this we...
Joyful Judaism Is Not OptionalParshas ShoftimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #987THE REBELLIOUS SON AND DAUGHTER One of the most troubling features of modern times is the pheno...
Symmetrical JusticeParshas ShoftimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #986EUPHEMISMS The Jewish people were governed by four sources of authority: The monarchy, judiciar...
Anatomy of JoyRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #985“ONE MAY NOT MIX JOY WITH JOY” Joy is central to Judaism. We are comma...
A Tale of Two ScenariosParshas EikevRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #984THE TWO PORTIONS OF THE SHMA: SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES A Jew’s most important p...
No More JealousyParshas Va'eschananRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #983THE LAST COMMANDMENT One of the most significant sections of this week’s parsha is Mo...
Nine Step Program Towards PerfectionRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #982TEMPERED CRITICISM The Book of D’varim begins with Moshe’s rebuking the J...
A Manual to Living in the Twilight ZoneRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #981“THE LICENSE FOR ANNULMENT HOVERS IN THE AIR” The opening of this week&...
The Leadership TrifectaRabbi Boruch Merkur · Parsha Thought · #980REPETITION? In response to being told by G-d that he will be “gathered to his people,” Moshe asks G-d to appoint a successor.
Substance, Profit and HopeRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #979CHARMS IN THEIR HANDS Balak, the king of the Moabite nation, saw the approaching Jewish nation on its way to conquer the land of Canaan.
Positive ReinforcementRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #978TALK TO THE ROCK! One of the three major miracles the Jewish nation experienced in the desert had come to an end.
Connecting to MosheParshas KorachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #977KORACH’S TRICK QUESTIONS Korach started a rebellion against his cousin Moshe.
How to Develop Unshakable Self-ConfidenceParshas ShlachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #976SPIRITUAL REBELLION One of the most difficult stories in the Torah to comprehend concerns the spies handpicked by Moshe to scout the land of Canaan.
The Uncompromised LeaderRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #975TURMOIL FOR YEHUDAH In our Parsha this week, the Torah describes the orderly journeying of the Jewish people in the desert organized by tribe and regiment.
AngelologyParshas BamidbarRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #974ALL OF YOUR HEART’S DESIRES Every detail of the Jewish people’s sojourn in the desert was choreographed by G-d.
Iron: A Messianic MetalRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #973CURSES OR BLESSINGS?
You Can Only Keep What You Give Away!Parshas EmorRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #972WHOSE BARLEY IS IT? This week’s parsha describes a ritual performed in the Bais HaMikdash in conjunction with an agricultural event.
The Areivus TrifectaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #971REBUKE! A major principle of Judaism is the degree to which we are responsible for one another. This principle is expressed by the Torah in several different ways.
Which Is Superior – The Human or the Animal?Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #970ORDER COUNTS Sequence in the Torah is not only important but it assists us in gleaning the Torah’s message and instruction with greater integrity.
The Idle Is an IdolRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #969SASSOCIATIONS No sooner than the Mishkan, the temporary Sanctuary in the desert, is dedicated, the Torah proceeds to discuss the laws of Kashrus: which animals, fish and fowl are permissible for consumption.
The Four AnswersRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #968HOW MANY QUESTIONS? One of the significant aspects of the Seder is the emphasis we place on questions, and specifically, the Four Questions.
How Can We Bring the Sacrifices Today?Parshas VayikraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #967THE FIVE OFFERINGS The Biblical book of Leviticus ( VaYikra ) is devoted to the laws of the various offerings in the Bais HaMikdash.
The Power to TestifyParshas VayikraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #966A LOVE AFFAIR Many of the commandments recorded in the book of VaYikra, and more specifically, in this week’s parsha, revolve around the offerings the Jews were required to bring to the Bais HaMikdash.
The State of Our Union Is Strong!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #965One of the principles of Jewish law is: “we ascend in matters of holiness and not descend.” This principle conveys a dual message: First we must always look for ways to enhance…
The Cure for InsanityParshas Ki SisaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #964One of Jewish history’s most significant and tragic events was the creation and worshipping of a Golden Calf, just 40 short days after we received the Torah at Sinai.
The Great OffensiveParshas TetzavehRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #963Garments play an important role in the life of a Jew. But in no area of Torah learning is the significance of clothing more pronounced than in reference to the Bais HaMikdash.
The Temple “Substitutes”Parshas TerumahRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #962The Torah is, first and foremost, a Book that directs our lives. The Torah contains a total of 613 commandments.
Vive La Difference!Parshas MishpatimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #961While last week’s parsha recounted the story of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, some additional details are discussed at the end of this week’s parsha, Mishpatim.
The Ten Commandments of the FutureParshas YisroRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #960In his classic work Tanya, the Alter Rebbe expounds on the revelation at Mount Sinai.
Two Models of Anti-SemitismRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #959THE POWER OF HATE When Pharaoh had a change of heart and decided to pursue the newly liberated Jewish people, the Torah relates how he prepared himself for that pursuit: He…
The Secret to Effective CommunicationParshas BoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #958“Speech is simultaneously the poorest and richest of all of our faculties. On one hand, Malchus or speech is represented by the metaphor of the moon, which has no light of its own.
Seventh Generation SensitivityParshas BoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #957The Ten Plagues have traditionally been understood as G-d’s way of punishing Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their enslavement of the Jews.
Seeds of LiberationRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #956LIBERATING NAMES! The book of Shmos-Exodus begins with the story of our Egyptian bondage, followed by the description of our Exodus.
The Ultimate BlessingParshas VayechiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #955A BLESSING TO ALL JEWISH CHILDREN Before departing from this world, Jacob blessed Joseph and his two sons, Ephraim and Menasheh.
Double PowerRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #954A NIGHT VISION Jacob has learned that his son Joseph is alive and well. In fact, Joseph is thriving as the Viceroy of Egypt.
Drive CarefullyParshas MikeitzRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #953RELUCTANCE TO SEND BENJAMIN Joseph, though sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt, has risen to the position of Viceroy.
Signet Ring, Cloak, and StaffRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #952YEHUDAH’S DESCENT After the sale of Joseph into captivity by his brothers, Yehudah, who suggested selling Joseph rather than killing him, “descended” from his brothers and got married.
Preparations for MoshiachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #951THE THREE PREPARATIONS OF OUR PATRIARCH The confrontation between Jacob and Esau—one of the most poignant confrontations recorded in the Torah – portended all of history’s conflicts between the Jews and other nations.
Unconventional Prayers for Unconventional ResultsRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #950RACHEL’S PLEA The Matriarch Leah bears four children for which she expresses profound gratitude. Her sister and co-wife Rachel is chagrined because she is childless.
A Clean SlateRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #949THE PERENNIAL STRUGGLE The perennial struggle of the Jewish nation originated with the struggle our forefather Jacob had with his brother Esau even before they were born.
The Discovery of MarriageRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #948MARRIAGE AND PRAYER The first marriage recorded in the Torah, that between the Patriarch Yitzchak and the Matriarch Rivka, takes place in this week ’ s parsha.
Sealing off the Two Open Sides of the AlleyParshas VayeiraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #947Abraham was the epitome of kindness. Abraham was suffused with love for G-d and other people. Abraham was extroverted. He was an open person, who wore his emotions on his sleeve.
Concluding Exile with AbrahamRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #946“In effect, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are not just our ancient Biblical ancestors; they are alive within each and every one of us.
Noah’s Ark and Haman’s GallowsParshas NoachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #945One of history’s most famous construction projects was the building of Noah’s Ark, through which he and civilization itself were saved from the flood that destroyed every other living creature in the world.
Bracha – B’reishisSimchas TorahRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #944On Simchas Torah we read the concluding parsha of the Torah, which describes the passing of Moses and the eulogy G-d delivered for him.
Ultimate Life and GoodnessRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #943In this, the last parsha we will read before reaching the New Year, 5775, Moses exhorts the Jewish people: “See, I have set before you this day, life and good, and death and evil.”
The Preeminence of IronRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #942BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE The most striking feature of this week’s parsha is the tochacha.
In Praise of MiriamRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #941REMEMBER MIRIAM, BUT FOR WHAT?
Justice of the FutureRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #940… Messianic justice and righteousness is one of the hallmarks of the Messianic Age and, indeed, describes the very identity and qualifications of Moshiach.
Avraham or Moshiach: Who Is Superior?Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #939“ Who is greater and whose ideal is superior – Avraham or Moshiach? Is it Avraham, whose kindness and tz’daka are the catalysts that bring about the Messianic Age?
Now! Wow!Parshas Ki SisaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #938“We want Moshiach now!” is a declaration, originally part of a song sung by children at summer camps, and endorsed and popularized by the Rebbe.
Three Prayers in OneRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #937“…the word “stand” in Hebrew ( amad ) is that it is an acronym for a ni -poor, M oses and D avid, alluding to three archetypical prayers to which the Zohar refers, all of which…
How to Influence a Jew Who Has Gone off the DerechRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #936THE BOOK AND PARSHA OF REBUKE The first parsha of the fifth book of the Torah, D’varim, contains Moshe’s final words of rebuke and inspiration to the first generation to enter Eretz Yisroel.
Disillusionment with Moshiach’s Delay: Don’t Give Up!Parshas MaseiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #935MULTIPLE JOURNEYS If there is one word that describes all of existence it is “journeys,” the subject and title of this week’s parsha— Massei.
Annul Your VowsRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #934The Torah places great emphasis on the words of our mouths. This manifests itself in many ways.
The Ultimate Tz’dakaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #933G-d is always counting the Jewish people. One example is a census ordered by G-d as recorded in this week’s parsha, Pinchas.
Writing a Tzaddik’s Biography: A GuideParshas ChukasRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #931At the end of the Jewish people’s journey in the desert we read that Moses and Aaron were not destined to take the Jewish nation into the Promised Land with their people.
Diagnosis of the Korach SyndromeRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #930“In this week’s parsha we learn of… the rebellion against Moses and Aaron launched by their distinguished cousin Korach.
Sincerely Wanting MoshiachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #929“To get out of exile we have to get the exile out of us.”
The Jewish Theory of RelativityParshas NasoShavuosRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #928This year, we read Parshas Naso before the Festival of Shavuos, which marks the day that G-d revealed Himself to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai and gave them the Torah.
The Power of Self-AbnegationParshas BamidbarRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #927…the desert is the state of total self-abnegation, the Hebrew word for which is bittul. Bittul allows us to combine assertiveness and humility.
Trees of the FutureRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #926“If you will go in the way of My statutes and guard My commandments and you will observe them; then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield her…
The Double Return of the LandRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #925This parsha opens with the laws concerning the Sabbatical year known as Shmita .
How Old Are You?Rabbi Boruch Merkur · Parsha Thought · #924…according to a Talmudic analysis, the average Jew whose life-span is 70 years actually spends only about 18 years in service of G-d.
ReciprocityRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #922The Torah commences this week’s parsha with the following description of the purification process for the person who has contracted tzaraas, an enigmatic skin disease (commonly…
Envy, Desire and HonorRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #921The Torah details three forms of the skin disease known as nega’im or tzaraas which render a person tamei- ritually unclean.
Fix and DecorateRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #920The Aramaic word k’shot has several translations that bring depth of meaning to this weeks parsha…
Empty Your PericardiumHgreenberg · Parsha Thought · #919This week’s parsha begins with G-d telling Moses to “command Aaron and his sons, saying: This is the Torah-law of the burnt offering…”
Open the Doors of Your Sanctuary!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #918Why does the Temple Sanctuary door have to be open before one brings the Peace Offering? Why does Rashi maintain that it only applies to the Peace Offering?
The Second MishkanRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #917Parshas P’kudei presents an accounting of all the materials that went into the construction of the Mishkan, the portable Sanctuary in the desert.
Shabbos and the Mishkan: Patent ProtectedRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #916“Moses gathered the whole community of the children of Israel and he said to them, ‘ These are the things that G-d commanded to be done.’” The Torah then enumerates two things…
Half-Day, Six Hours and Ten CommandmentsRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #915The Jerusalem Talmud discusses the reason why atonement was procured through giving a half-shekel.
The Remedy to Spiritual Decompression SicknessParshas TetzavehRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #914Simply immersing oneself in the spiritual ocean of Torah and then abruptly leaving it to go onto “dry land” can be hazardous to one’s health… If we fail to make the gradual and…
South or NorthRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #913DO BEAMS HAVE RULES? The most significant components of the Mishkan were arguably the gold plate...
A Two-Way StreetRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #912What does theft have to do with the coming of Moshiach?
From Accessory to IntegrationParshas YisroRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #911We’ve already established that Yisro connotes to not rest on our laurels. What is the difference between the Yeser stage of his life and the Yisro stage?
Dry Land Becoming SeaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #910We must now try to understand the deeper underlying connection between Moses’ splitting of the sea and Maimonides’ writing of his magnum opus.
No More BarkingParshas BoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #909Why it was necessary for the miracle of the non-barking dogs to prove this point? Wouldn’t it have sufficed for the dogs simply not to attack the Jews?
The Bird of KnowledgeParshas Va'eiraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #908THE LONE FROG The second of the 10 plagues was “frogs.” Frogs spread th...
Left, Right and CenterParshas ShmosRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #907It is the center because it comprises both the right ( chesed -kindness) and the left ( g’vura -judgment) and synthesizes them.
Where’s the Blessing?Parshas VayechiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #906If the Torah only had emphasized that Z’vulun will be a supporter of Torah it would not have conveyed and captured the essence of this blessing.
Learning Torah Should Not Make You Apathetic to GalusParshas VayigashRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #905In simple terms, the admonition not to engage in protracted discussion of complex Halachic matters was intended to protect them from the kind of mishap that can occur on the road when travelers are distracted.
Ten to Discover the OneParshas MikeitzRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #904The institution of the Minyan is a crucial factor in facilitating our spiritual experience of prayer.
What Were Yosef’s Brothers Thinking?Parshas VayeishevRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #903There was a kernel of truth in equating Joseph with Eisav.
Moshiach for Dummies and BeyondParshas VayishlachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #902One of the questions the soul is asked in the next world, the Talmud states, is: “ Have you eagerly awaited salvation?
The Joy of the Baal T’shuvaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #901Leah and Rachel, Jacob’s two wives possessed different personalities, which they expressed in many divergent ways throughout their lives.
You Are a Firstborn!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #900When G-d sent Moses to Pharaoh to demand liberation for the Jewish people, Moses stated: This is what G-d said, “Israel is My son, My firstborn.”
The Cosmic MarriageRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #899When Yitzchak married Rivka… seen as the prototype of all subsequent marriages, including the cosmic marriage between G-d and the Jewish people that occurred at Sinai, he did so by way of a proxy.
30/36 Tzaddikim to Bring MoshiachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #898The Jerusalem Talmud ( Avoda Zara 2:1) states: “The world cannot have fewer than 30 tzaddikim- righteous people like our father Abraham.” The Babylonian Talmud (Tractate Sukka…
Bridging the Generation GapRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #897Abraham’s influence caused his old father and his errant son to return to the path of righteousness.
The Elusive Fourth SonRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #896…Cham did not want his father (Noah) to have another child.
Have You Shattered Your Tablets Yet?Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #895…the very last verse of the Torah which is G-d’s eulogy for Moses who has just passed away… describes his “strong hand” and the “great awe that Moses performed before the eyes of…
Healthy InsanityParshas Ki SavoRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #893The Torah thus tells us in its coded blessing: “You will go meshuga- insane from the things your eyes will see.” A time will come when you will transform the negative form of…
Stoned to Death with LoveParshas Ki SeitzeiRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #892The Talmud also states that G-d uprooted Mount Sinai and placed it over their heads and threatened to crush them (“stone” them) with the mountain unless they accepted the Torah!
The Two-Tiered CrownParshas ShoftimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #891“Moses received the Torah from Sinai and handed it over to Joshua, Joshua to the elders and the elders to the prophets.” The Rebbe asks, why does it refer to them as prophets?
The Brother of a Poor ManRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #890Tz’daka is one of Judaism’s very important Mitzvos. In some ways, it is the most important of them all. The Talmud states that Tz’daka alone is equal to all the other Mitzvos.
The Non-Blessing BlessingParshas EikevRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #889To underscore the role of gratitude as an identifying sign of Moshiach, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 94a) relates that G-d initially wanted to proclaim King Chizkiyahu as Moshiach.
Hold on to Both “Heads” of the RopeParshas Va'eschananRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #888“You are holding on to both heads [ends] of the rope.” The rope is a metaphor for a connection.
Years of RoyaltyRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #887The king epitomized the role of each and every individual Jew. Every Jew is regarded as a king or queen because of the G-dly soul he or she possesses.
Government Intrusion into Our Private Lives Is a Sign of MoshiachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #886A s we stand on the very threshold of the Final Redemption, the Rebbe exhorted us to engage the mind in subjects that relate to Moshiach and Redemption.
A Tale of Two TalmudsParshas BalakRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #884In times of darkness, which is the state of exile, it is difficult for a person to appreciate this unity.
The Dusty Foot PhilosophyParshas ChukasRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #883If Abraham had shown his visitors how distasteful their presumed idolatry was to him and how he would personally exert himself to cleanse them of it, it might have had a powerful impact on them.
Inferiority/superiority ComplexParshas KorachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #882The Jew is a conduit to bring G-d’s presence to the world through his or her performance of the Mitzvos. Sinai also revolutionized how we view the role of Jewish leaders.
Sing a New SongRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #880It is important to recognize that the degree to which music can assist us in liberating ourselves from dark places and especially the extent of music’s ability to energize our…
No ExchangesParshas BamidbarShavuosRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #879What is the connection between the end of VaYikra and the beginning of BaMidbar?
Let Freedom Ring!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #878A person must recognize an obligation to treat his or her “underling” not only as an equal but as his or her master.
Double TalkParshas EmorRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #877When a Jew tries to hide his or her Jewishness, the non-Jew senses that there is something amiss. A Jew who is a product of exile conditions is a walking contradiction.
Choose Life!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #875The answer lies in the deeper meaning of the word Metzora.
The Ultimate SymphonyParshas TzavRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #874AARON DID NOT CHANGE There is something intriguing about the way the Torah refers to Aaron&...
Prime Suspect!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #872In many ways, the challenge today is greater than any time previously.
Repairing the Shattered TabletsParshas Ki SisaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #871It is precisely in that “location” where the Jew finds himself in the lowest of places, at the very nadir of his or her life, that G-d says: “this is precisely the place in which I would like to dwell!”
Messianic JusticeParshas TetzavehRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #870THE CHOSHEN: BREASTPLATE OF JUSTICE This week’s parsha highlights the making of the p...
The Elusive Pursuit of TruthRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #867QUALIFICATION FOR JUDGES Yisro, Moshe’s father-in-law, admonished Moshe for the way h...
Two Right HandsRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #866THE MOTHER OF ALL MIRACLES The miracle that stands out among all miracles is arguably the split...
The Five Expressions of RedemptionParshas Va'eiraRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #864Why should the fact that the same Exodus is described with four expressions necessitate drinking four cups?
Names, Language, Slander and ChastityParshas ShmosRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #863When we become slaves to our passions and our morals are loose, we lose our status as inherently free people. * Moshiach gains mastery over his material interest.
Swords and BowsRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #862UNKELUS’S FIGURATIVE TRANSLATION Before Jacob passed away, he blessed his son Joseph....
The Royal YeshivaRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #861The question is even more pronounced when we consider the role of Yehudah as the progenitor of royalty.
The Ray of HopeParshas MikeitzRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #860If the exile is likened to a dream, and that G-d appears to us to be in a “sleep state,” then we are now witnessing the transition described in the Biblical verse, from: “Awaken,…
Having Your Sublime Light and Eating It TooParshas VayeishevRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #859How could Jacob’s sons, who are all referred to Biblically as “G-dly tribes,” consider committing such a dastardly deed as murdering their own flesh and blood, especially…
The Three Instruments of PerfectionParshas VayishlachRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #858Although Jacob certainly preferred to work things out with his brother, as he eventually did by way of his elaborate gift, Jacob had to be fully prepared at the outset to fight.
Going Up or Down?Parshas VayeitzeiRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #857When a righteous person leaves Eretz Yisroel, he takes that holiness of Israel with him. The Tzaddik is a personification of the holiness that exists in the Land of Israel.
RedundancyParshas ToldosRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #856For the unsophisticated and unlettered amongst us, the cynics come along and mock our sincere faith in the imminent coming of Moshiach.
Purim in Cheshvan?PurimRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #855Moses is the very engine of the future Redemption just as he was the engine of the first Exodus from Egypt.
Three-Tiered TarryingParshas VayeiraRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #854Sodom is the lowest point to which exile conditions can take us.
The Inexorable JourneyRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #853A problem arises when we give up on continuing on the journey to finally reach our destination.
Save the World! Be Fruitful and MultiplyParshas NoachRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #852Why would Noach feel that the original charge given to Adam would no longer be in effect now that he had to start all over again?
Moshiach: A Simchas Torah PersonalityRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #851In the Messianic Age, Moshiach will experience the unprecedented opening of all dimensions of his soul. Moshiach’s personality is a Simchas Torah personality throughout the year.
Hearing the Sounds of SinaiParshas NitzavimRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #850REDUNDANCY Parshas Nitzavim always precedes Rosh Hashanah. This implies that there is an organi...
Totality PersonifiedRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #849King David’s response serves as a precedent for all of the apparent irreverent behavior, the “wild” gestures and gesticulations that accompany special holiday celebrations.
Elul and MitzvosElulRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #848To be sure, the King is in the field.
The Value of True WealthRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #846All the money or other earthly possessions—and even intellectual, cultural and even spiritual possessions—do not really make you rich.
Thanking Before and AfterParshas EikevRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #845An egg is larger than an olive. If indeed it is praiseworthy to thank G-d for smaller amounts, the Torah should have reversed the order.
Kosher ChutzpahRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #844We cannot, therefore, afford to be like the poor man who begs for salvation.
It Depends to Whom You Are TalkingRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #843As we approach the Messianic Age, the Torah exhorts us to cease struggling with evil in the conventional way of trying to contain it. Stop circling the enemy.
Make Israel Here!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #842DOUBLE STIPULATION The Jewish nation is poised to enter the Promised Land after so many obstacl...
Selfless SelfishnessRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #841There are selfish reasons why we pray for Moshiach.
Honey or a Sting?Parshas BalakRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #840The phenomenon of identifying with our enemies when we receive some measure of good from them is a well-known psychological phenomenon known as the “Stockholm Syndrome.” When a…
The Mother of All ExistenceParshas ChukasRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #839Why is the mitzva of the Red Heifer characterized as the ultimate enigma when it conveys a very reasonable symbolic message?
Moses, King David and MoshiachParshas KorachRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #838The lesson for our time is that Moshiach, just like Moses and David, is not just a facilitator or a coordinator.
Healthy Milk and HoneyParshas ShlachRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #837What the spies were lacking was the combination of truth with peace. They had the truth but not the peace. Therefore, their truth could not endure.
Loss LeaderRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #836The question still remains: Of all the remaining tribes and camps, why was the Camp of Dan selected for the important role of restoring the losses of the Jewish people?
The Census TriumvirateParshas BamidbarRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #835Moshiach must be steeped in the Torah and indeed possesses the soul of Moses.
Hidden BlessingsRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #834Many Chassidic masters have attempted to interpret the “curses” as blessings.
The Ultimate SynthesisParshas EmorRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #833What is considered perfection for the animal on the day of its birth, simply by dint of its creation rather than by its own effort, will become the reality for humans on the day…
Exile Is Not a Curse?!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #832As we stand now on the very threshold of the final Redemption, the message has been “updated.” Whereas in the past we had to recognize that our disabilities were challenges, today that does not suffice.
Money TalksParshas TzavPesachRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #829Exile conditions generate negative and pessimistic thoughts. We cannot allow such thoughts to remain unchecked; otherwise, they can harm us in three ways…
When Is “Now”?Parshas VayikraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #828We cannot lull ourselves into thinking that the Redemption is far off and that it is an elusive goal.
The Feminine MystiqueParshas VayakhelRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #827FIRST RESPONDERS When the Torah relates in this week’s parsha the way the Jewish peop...
From Rosh Yeshiva to RebbeParshas Ki SisaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #826MOSES’ RADIANT FACE Moses’ return from his forty day stay on Mount Sinai to...
The Mystery of the Missing JewelParshas TetzavehRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #825THE TWELVE JEWELS This week’s parsha, Tetzaveh, discusses the special garments the Ko...
ImpetuousRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #824A PUZZLING MIDRASH The opening verse of this week’s parsha contains the key phrase, &am...
Aaron the BridegroomParshas TzavRabbi H. Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #781We are living presently in the transitional period—on the bridge—between galut/exile and geula/redemption. We are about to enter into a new relationship with the world.
Bring a Korban, Not a Sacrifice!Parshas VayikraRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #780VAYIKRA: THE BOOK OF AFFECTION The third and central book of the Torah, VaYikra, is named after...
The End!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #779THREE AXIOMS The conclusion of the Book of Exodus is this week’s parsha entitled Piku...
Put out the Fires!Parshas VayakhelRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #778This week’s parsha of VaYakhel begins with Moses gathering the entire Jewish nation in o...
Our Defense StrategyParshas Ki SisaRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #777When Moses pleads with G-d to spare the Jewish people for having worshipped the golden calf, he pr...
Chanukah in the Month of AdarRabbi Greenberg · Parsha Thought · #776This week’s parsha of Tetzaveh begins with the words: “And you shall command t...
Have You Brought a Korban Lately?Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha ThoughtThe title accorded to Moshiach is Melech – King. The word Melech is said to be an acronym for mo’ach (brain), lev (heart) and kaved (liver).
Tentative Truth and Categorical LiesParshas ShlachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha ThoughtWHAT WERE THE GIANTS THINKING? The spies sent by Moses returned from their scouting miss...
The Three WellsRabbi Greenberg · Parsha ThoughtTHREE WELLS, THREE HOLY TEMPLES Yitzchak, arguably the most enigmatic of the Patriarchs, had a ...
One DayParshas AchareiYom KippurRabbi Greenberg · Parsha ThoughtThe “mere” desire to be there places us there in consonance with what the Baal Shem Tov taught: “A person is where his will is.” If we truly want to be with Moshiach—and express…
Keep the Chanukah Lights in Your Line of SightParshas VayeishevRabbi Greenberg · Parsha ThoughtNO WATER BUT PLENTY OF SNAKES AND SCORPIONS Yoseph’s brothers conspired to kill him ou...
Take Your MitvzosParshas Va'eschananRabbi Greenberg · Parsha ThoughtMOSHE’S GREATEST WISH Moshe’s greatest wish and desire was to be allowed to...
Kohanim: The Ultimate Pro-LifersParshas EmorRabbi Greenberg · Parsha ThoughtPRIESTLY OBLIGATIONS The Book of VaYikra (Leviticus) is directed primarily to the Kohanim -the ...
The Noach Paradigm Is a Prototype for Our TimesParshas NoachRabbi Greenberg · Parsha ThoughtPERSONIFICATION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS Noach was the symbol of righteousness. No other person is desc...
The Essential, Rebellious JewRabbi Greenberg · Parsha ThoughtThe rebellious Jew may also go so far as to deny his or her identity as a Jew.
L’chaim!Rabbi Greenberg · Parsha ThoughtOne of Judaism’s major contributions to the world has been its emphasis on life.