d'Var Torah

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157 results total, viewing 31 - 40

This time of year I am reminded of my dear friend, Gladys Kapstein z”l, who used to serenade her friends at Hillel board meetings with “I love Pesach with a Passion” to the tune … more

d'Var Torah | 4/4/19

Fulfilling the Purim mitzvah

As we approach the raucous holiday celebration of Purim this month, we must ask ourselves a rather sobering question: why are we commanded to observe the holiday by drinking to excess? We know, of … more

d'Var Torah | 2/28/19

The purpose of the Torah

This week’s Torah portion is called Mishpatim, which means “laws,” and, true to its name, it contains more than 50 specific mitzvot (commandments). Many of … more

d'Var Torah | 1/31/19

Tu b’Shevat is more than fruits and nuts

Tu b’Shevat, which begins on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 20, is a small gem of a Jewish holiday, coming as it does in midwinter, when there is not much else to celebrate. Many know it … more

d'Var Torah | 1/10/19

We are Israel when we devote ourselves to God

This week’s Torah portion, Vayechi, brings to a close the literary cycle of Genesis. Jacob/Israel, reunited with his son Joseph, bestows his blessings upon his 12 sons, as well as his … more

d'Var Torah | 12/20/18

Building a mini-Temple for Hanukkah

Hanukkah means “Dedication.” After the Maccabees won back the Holy Temple, they lit the menorah to dedicate the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple). They found one cruse of olive oil that … more

d'Var Torah | 12/6/18

Realizing the power of light in a time of darkness

The days are getting colder, the nights are getting longer. We are approaching the winter solstice. We have begun to forget the feeling of the sun on our skin. Some of us can hardly believe the long … more

d'Var Torah | 11/22/18

Jacob and Esau take a journey with relevance today

In this week’s Torah portion, Toledot, the narrative begins with the origins of Isaac and Rebecca’s twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Isaac pleads with God on behalf of Rebecca who, like … more

d'Var Torah | 11/8/18

Of blind obedience and the lessons of Parashat Vareya

The book of Genesis begins with God deciding to create human beings to rule all the other created things: “Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. They shall rule the … more

d'Var Torah | 10/25/18

It’s divine to be human and human to be divine

“I’m really sorry; I regret having done that. I promise I won’t do it again. I know, however, that I’m apt to forget that promise. I might need a reminder, so I’ll come … more

d'Var Torah | 10/12/18