
Israel
Constantly the eyes of God are upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.
The tiniest strip of land creates the world’s largest ripples. It is tiny in size, but humongous in soul. If the land of the world war a body, Israel would be its heart; if the peoples of the earth were on organism, Israel would be its soul. If the nations of the world knew how much they benefited from the Land of Israel, its nucleus, the Holy Temple, and its people, the children of Israel, the nations of the world would protect its holy purity with everything they’ve got. Israel is the bellwether of the world: How Israel goes, so goes the world.
Reeh: Israel Oh Israel
In the face of war, what lessons can be learned from the speech of Iran’s Ahmadinejad delivered last September before the General Assembly of the UN?
Read MoreIsrael and Gaza: A Candid Conversation
The battle in Gaza is being fought not only on the ground, but also in our psyches. It’s hard to even distinguish whether our opinions are based on facts or propaganda.
Read MorePassover: Our Calling
Rabbi Jacobson responds to a challenging letter which poses the question: How do we respond to the ‘clash of civilizations’ in the Middle East today?
Read MoreShemini: When War is Peace
As Israel reels from the Passover massacres and has since declared war against terrorism, there is much we can learn from Passover: The first Jewish victory…
Read MoreChukat-Balak: What Can I Do About the Ongoing Killings in Israel?
This essay responds to the pervasive question: “What can I do about the deteriorating situation in Israel?” and offers an opportunity to sing together…
Read MoreShoftim: Abandonment & Reconciliation
Following the destruction of the Temple and the ‘Three Weeks of Affliction,’ come the ‘Seven Weeks of Comfort,’ in which the people are consoled and comforted for their great losses.
Read MoreThe Rebbe on the Six-Day War
Three times in our generation G-d granted us an opportunity for the beginning of the Redemption but they were missed & it is the Jewish leadership to blame.
Read MoreVayelech: A Year In Perspective
As we enter the new year, this essay reflects on the past year, the lessons learned, challenges encountered and meaning made…
Read MoreMikeitz: Fanning the Flames
The Unplugged version of Samech Vov asks the relevant question: How does one’s fire remain when the inspiration begins to dim?
Read MoreVayigash: 2006
As we conclude the calendar year – my 50th on earth – it’s an appropriate time to examine the past year’s events, and attempt to place them in perspective.
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