BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN OTHERS In this week’s parasha we read of the mission to spy out the land of Israel. From the outset, Moses is concerned. G-d had promised that He would take His people to a ‘land flowing with milk and honey,’but the spies might be overwhelmed at the challenges they would see in the land and bring back a negative report. But Moses knows that amongst the spies there are two men he can rely on: Joshua and Calev. Joshua is already known as the main disciple of Moses. He was the one asked to lead...

CAN OUR CHILDREN HEAR THIS? This week’s sidra, parashat Naso, is the longest in the book. Why? Because for twelve days, the Princes of the tribes brought their gifts to dedicate the Tabernacle. Each gift was exactly the same but the Torah spells out each one, in full detail, twelve times. With the Tabernacle dedicated, now was the time for Moses to enter to hear the voice of G-d. In the final verse of the sidra, this is indeed what happens. How did Moses hear that voice? Where did the voice come from? Did Moses hear it from heaven? Did...

CAN OUR CHILDREN HEAR THIS? This week’s sidra, parashat Naso, is the longest in the book. Why? Because for twelve days, the Princes of the tribes brought their gifts to dedicate the Tabernacle. Each gift was exactly the same but the Torah spells out each one, in full detail, twelve times. With the Tabernacle dedicated, now was the time for Moses to enter to hear the voice of G-d. In the final verse of the sidra, this is indeed what happens. How did Moses hear that voice? Where did the voice come from? Did Moses hear it from heaven? Did...

STARS, SOIL AND SAND Shalom friends At the time I am writing this message, Israel is being bombarded with rockets. Our hearts go out to the families who have been bereaved; to the many who have been wounded and lost their homes; and the even more who are being traumatised by the events. May G-d bless them and protect them and send a refua shlema speedily. When we learn of casualties, it strikes us with deep shock. A precious soul has been struck down; A precious soul has been injured. Every person is special. Every person is unique. The particular...