Rabbi’s Torah Commentary

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.” As Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet struggle over the war between their families; one that forces them to keep their love secret, they espouse a truth of Messianic proportion. As we throw labels onto people, traditions, things — […]

I once dated someone in school. A friend of mine took me aside one day. He told me that dating this woman was like playing with fire. At first, I was alarmed at his thought. I asked him to explain. “She is really strong willed! You won’t win.” I looked back and nodded, but thought […]

The early sage Reish Lakish (3rd century C.E.) wrote, “The days of the righteous die, but they do not die. . . . It does not say “Israel drew near to die,” but “the days of Israel drew near to die.” (Midrash Rabbah) When Jacob’s physical days on earth conclude, Torah’s language is, at best, […]

Omar Khayyam said, “The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.” What we do continues to write and impact the world long after the words vanish from any audibility. […]

The Joseph story is in full swing. He is the second in command of all Egypt. His brothers have come bowing to him, fulfilling the prophecies of his younger dreams. His opportunity for revenge is at hand. The drama is as high as it gets! Then Joseph proves that he is truly a Talmid Chacham – a […]

The legal definition of slander is different that the spiritual one. At law, slander is telling a lie about someone else. The court assesses liability and damages commensurate with the loss that the victim experienced. Truth is an absolute defense to the charge. In the faith world, “evil speech” (lashon ha-rah) refers to sharing information, […]

Today is Black Friday! You are getting this commentary at 50% off its retail price. I do not like this day. Yesterday, we in America gave thanks for all of the blessings in our lives. We are, or should be thankful for where we live, with whom we live, and for all that we have. […]

I spent the first part of this week with a crew from Monmouth Reform Temple in South Carolina helping a church and some families recover from Hurricane Florence. The devastation was horrific. The areas in which we worked are forgotten areas. Over the course of several hurricanes that caused torrential river flooding, people lost everything. […]

The world exists on the foundation of dualities. Even while most of the time we live somewhere in between the extremes, we know that for every yin there is a yang. Granted, the yin and yang are themselves fluid, but as opposing concepts, humanity accepts them and works from there. Many will argue that we […]

Before embarking on a Torah conversation, I want to thank MRT for sponsoring the amazing vigil on Monday night. Between those seated, standing (in and outside of the sanctuary/social hall) and live streamed, I am told that we touched over 1000 lives that night. The evening was awe inspiring and we are truly blessed to […]