Things, Words & Actions: D’varim

either we are told or we come to our senses, it is time to act. enough! life is full of game changing moments. major moves must happen. the torah captures abraham at the beginning of his grand venture. he and sarah are told to get up and go. in lech lecha, the two’s move, however,Continue reading “Things, Words & Actions: D’varim”

The Psychic Cat Meets Sun Tzu

it is wise to know in advance a fight’s outcome. when victory is uncertain, it is brave to battle. this makes to most interesting of a cat fight. meow, baby! a nordic fahrenheit 613- a torah burning-was green lit by swedish authorities and scheduled for last saturday. the psychic cat purrrfectly opined concerning the shareholdersContinue reading “The Psychic Cat Meets Sun Tzu”

Magna Carta Or Matot-Massei? Who Deserves Due (Process) Credit?

the 1215 english magna carta is credited for the notion of “due process”. “due process”, per black’s law dictionary, fifth edition, is “law in its regular course of administration through courts of justice. the magna carta’s “due process” legacy extended across the pond to be embraced by the rebellious colonies which formed the united statesContinue reading “Magna Carta Or Matot-Massei? Who Deserves Due (Process) Credit?”

Every Generation Must Make The Case

sweden is embroiled with religious controversy. an unholy book burning tour is ongoing and started with an outrageous koran burning. the lighting up of both a torah and christian bible, before the israeli embassy, are in the works. jns.org it is reported that “the head of the swedish jewish community has come out against anContinue reading “Every Generation Must Make The Case”

How To Make A Winning Argument, Pinchas

if you are ever sued by the law firm mahlah, noah, hoglah, milcah, and tirzah, watch out! in the pinchas torah portion, this firm won an eternal landmark case before the highest of authorities. the portion pinchas notes that ” the daughters of zelophehad the son of hepher, the son of gilead, the son ofContinue reading “How To Make A Winning Argument, Pinchas”

Why Do We Compare? Chukat-Balak

apples to oranges? are two seminal events within torah portion chukat-balak connected? we are often told that moses was barred from entering the promised land as as result of him defiantly striking a rock to deliver water to the children of israel. is this a message from chukak-balak? in this same portion, we are toldContinue reading “Why Do We Compare? Chukat-Balak”

The Big Kahuna Or Kehuna (כְּהֻנָּֽה)?

the torah portion korach- beginning at numbers 16- utilizes the word, כְּהֻנָּֽה, kehuna. hawaiian contains a similar word- kahuna. beyond sounding alike, their meanings bare similarity; in hebrew, kehuna refers to priesthood while the kahuna in hawaiian refers to a wise man or shaman. for some, being a kahuna is not enough. thus, we haveContinue reading “The Big Kahuna Or Kehuna (כְּהֻנָּֽה)?”

Of Context in Isolation; Monday Morning Portion Quarterback

why are events blown out of proportion? context matters. in the shlach torah portion, the unthinkable happens- an “unnamed” individual is stoned to death for picking up wood on the sabbath. wild? nothing could be more “out of control” than the events happening in the portion shlach. the children of israel drama included (1) theContinue reading “Of Context in Isolation; Monday Morning Portion Quarterback”

The Unmentioned Revolution?

author yuval noah hareri’s sapiens details humanity’s many revolutions including cognitive, agricultural and scientific. one significant development, however, was not afforded a revolutionary label. this development is referenced in the torah portion bo. with the exodus emancipation, the children of israel’s initial commandment from the master of the universe is perhaps shocking. it was aContinue reading “The Unmentioned Revolution?”

The Most Important Word; Shlach

one word in the english language terrifies most individuals- accountability. acceptance of failure, fret over more labor to be done, and the feeling of being trapped are among the emotions that cause us to wake up in a pool of sweat. these emotions come with accountability. the shlach torah portion takes us to an existentialContinue reading “The Most Important Word; Shlach”