CLEAR VISION One of the most powerful moments in the Song of the Sea, which we sing this Shabbat, is the phrase, “This is my G-d, and I will exalt Him…” (Shemot 15:2). This declaration, sung by the Israelites after their miraculous deliverance, holds a key insight into the nature of divine revelation. Rashi, citing...
OUR CHILDREN, OUR FUTURE The threat of a plague of locusts, which would completely obliterate the vegetation in Egypt, finally brought Pharaoh to his senses—at least temporarily. In desperation, he summons Moses and Aaron. “You may go and worship in the desert—but who is going?” Moses replies, “With our young and with our old, with...
TWO KINDS OF STRENGTH This week, two extraordinarily significant events unfolded, each in its own way reflecting the contrasting nature of power and authority. On one hand, we saw the inauguration of Donald Trump, as he assumed the presidency with pomp and flamboyance. On the other hand, was the emotional cliffhanger of the release of...
A DEAL If ever we needed a reminder that the messages of the Torah are timeless, we have it today. As I write, we have just heard the hopeful news that 33 of the most vulnerable hostages will soon be released from Gaza, beginning this Sunday as part of the first phase of a three-phase...
JOSEPH AND TIKTOK In the Talmud (Berachot 20a), we find the fascinating statement: “The descendants of Joseph are not subject to the Evil Eye.” This is quoted by Rashi in explaining the blessing given to Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Menashe in this week’s parasha. Is the concept Ayin HaRa, or the Evil Eye still relevant...
