Tag Archives: sin
Tazria-Metzora: Time Out
Tzara’at, the skin discoloration mistranslated for millennia as “leprosy,” is a curious disease. It is not contagious—it was only acquired by virtue of speaking badly of other people. It was a physical skin discoloration caused by a spiritual defect. The … Continue reading
Day Zero
That fall, Pastor S. from a church in another county came to our church to share in a morning service how they felt led to the mission field and were going to go to another country. S. shared his testimony … Continue reading
When Judgment is an Opportunity
Shortly, it will be Rosh Chodesh Elul (August 18th and 19th), the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul. This means that there is one month and counting to Rosh Hashanah (Sunday evening, September 16th). Many people might ask, “So, … Continue reading
The Sacrifice at Golgotha
I am hoping you will be able to resolve a very important issue confronting the very foundation of Christianity. God’s way of testing Abraham by calling for the sacrifice of Isaac…and then the abrupt staying of the knife…was intended to … Continue reading
Underlying Reality
At the core of all our thoughts and beliefs lies the conviction that the underlying reality is wholly good. That evil lies only at the surface, a thin film of distortion soon to be washed away by the waves. -Rabbi … Continue reading
Laughing with God
Deeper than the wisdom to create is the wisdom to repair. And so, G-d built failure into His world, so that He could give Man His deepest wisdom. To repair. -Rabbi Tzvi Freeman “Repair” Based on letters and talks of the … Continue reading
Waiting for Hope in the Abyss
Rav Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, zt”l, taught great inspiration from a statement on today’s daf. “A person who has sinned and fallen to the lowest place, banished from God’s presence, should also never despair. A sacrifice that was fitting but … Continue reading
Another Chance
The Ishbitzer Rebbe, zt”l, explains the deeper meaning of yovel and why houses within cities walled since the time of Yehoshua bin Nun do not return during yovel. “Yovel teaches that everything has a time. God doesn’t remain angry at … Continue reading
Cloaked in Light
Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, zt”l, offered a parable to understand why we do not say hallel on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. “This can be compared to a king who loves his children very much. Since they are close … Continue reading
Va’eira: Peace in the Valley of Landru
When the Torah names a place, the name describes not only a geographic location, but also a state of mind, and a spiritual set of circumstances. In this context, Mitzrayim, the Hebrew name for Egypt, serves as a paradigm, teaching … Continue reading
