A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Ki Tavo) begins with the law of the first fruits. The law refers to the times when the Jewish people entered the Land of Israel—“Ki Tavo” means, “when you enter.” At that time, they were instructed to bring the first of whatever fruits they were growing (the predominant profession at… Read More

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY I know I’ve discussed this before but it’s a lesson worth repeating. This week’s Parsha, Ki Teitzei, contains 74 commandments—huge number! There are many and they span a vast number of topics but I will mention one that contains a profound life lesson. There is a commandment that if you build a house… Read More

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha continues Moses’s parting message to the Jewish people. Shoftim means “judges,” referring to, as Moses reiterates, those appointed to carry out the principle of “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Moses then continues to reiterate various laws, including one at the end of the Parsha called the “Eglah Arufa.” It refers… Read More

Choices. Good or bad, right or wrong, so many choices. Why? Why can’t it be easier for us to make decisions just by looking at the facts and determining what’s right? Why is it that often those choices seem unclear? A bit of clarity that we’re doing the right thing shouldn’t be too much to ask! The Torah portion of… Read More

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s a Parsha (Eikev) continues Moses’s recounting of his leadership of the Jewish People. Moses recalls some of the difficult times, as well as the good ones. One new item mentioned in this week’s portion is the second paragraph of the Shema.(The first part of the prayer was taught last week.) Interestingly,… Read More