All Articles

X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Parasha Shoftim (Judges): The Hebrew Link Between Justice and Righteousness

Torah-Western-Wall

The very first word of the Parasha reading is shoftim (judges), which is derived from the word shafat (to judge or to govern). In Hebrew, justice (tzedek) is closely tied to the idea of righteousness and holiness. In fact, the words righteous (tzadik) and charity (tzedakah) are related to justice (tzedek). It only follows, then, that God, who is holy and righteous, is also just.

more
X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Parasha Eikev (Because): Possessing the Promised Land

When we honor our covenant with God by choosing to love Him and to keep His commandments, not only do we receive God’s blessing on our own lives, but so do our children, and our children’s children, to a thousand generations down the line! Because God keeps His covenant "for a thousand generations," it's entirely possible that some of the tremendous benefits and blessings we are reaping today are because of the faithfulness of our ancestors.

more
X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Parasha Devarim (Words): The Power of Words

Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem, by Francesco Hayez

Parasha Devarim opens with the Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. Standing on the banks of the Jordan, Moses knows his life is coming to an end, but before his death, he recounts to Israel their story as a community and as a nation, and rebukes them: "When the Lord heard what you said, He was angry and solemnly swore: Not a man of this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your forefathers." (Deuteronomy 1:34–35)

more
X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Parasha Matot-Masei (Tribes-Journeys): Vows, Oaths, and Victory

yeshiva-students

In this week's Parasha, Moses speaks to the heads of the tribes (matot) about the laws governing vows (neder) and oaths (shevua). The Hebrew word neder, which is often translated vow in English Bibles, though English really does not have an equivalent word, denotes a solemn declaration using the name of God to consecrate something to God and also, to do something in His service or honor.

more
X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Keeping It Holy: The Shabbat in Israel and Around the World

Shabbat_Candles

Life seems to come to a standstill on Friday nights in Israel. As the cool of the evening sweeps in, a calm announces the Shabbat - day of rest. There is nothing that more personifies Judaism and the Jewish People than the Jewish Sabbath. The Shabbat has been kept as the one day of the week devoted to rest ever since it was given as law to the Israelites by Moses.

more
view Related articles

Article Categories