Yaakov Paley

Slowly and deliberately, the blue sky gives way to the most breathtaking artwork. As if with giant strokes of an invisible brush, G‑d sets the sky as His canvas. He begins softly, gently tinting some distant clouds, but He does not stop for a moment . . .

What prompted the priests to burst forth from the Temple gates and lock horns with legions of seasoned soldiers? And why their obsession with spirituality when battling the mightiest legions of the ancients?

It is easy to repeat the faith we have been fed from a position of comfort, amid the like-minded and surrounded by smiling blooms. A more demanding task is to construct a fortress from that seminal faith in the great outdoors of our own lives, and not ...

Do I evoke a hopelessly expired body whose soul has departed for a better existence, or am I the delighted image of a soaring spirit unencumbered by the burden of corporeal casing? Have I been wrapped in shrouds, or did I don a garment of light?

On this miserable morning, I stand before G‑d hungry and unwashed, undignified and unadorned, overwhelmed with the memory of countless holocausts unique to the people of His covenant . . .

This is quality time spent honing my emotions, refocusing my mind, reinvigorating my trust, and readjusting the compass of my life. By the time I’m through, I can feel spirituality pulsating throughout my being...

When introducing Himself to the Jewish people in the great event at Sinai, why did G‑d choose to understate His own achievements?

Do these people deserve my money? Since when does cash drift gently from leafy poplars? Even my pastry was a momentary weakness. As these uncharitable thoughts flash through my system, I suddenly recall my mallards . . .

My son was scared. This time, however, he was scared of me. And he had no one else to turn to. How did he react, where did he turn for reassurance? He clung to me, his father, the object of his present fear!

"The master of the land spoke with us harshly!" Joseph's brothers wailed to Jacob. Severe famine engulfed the Middle East, and nations streamed to Egypt, the sole supplier of grain. Among millions of visitors, how many individuals were favored with a ...