Guest Columnists

On the final day of his life, Moses rejoiced when the people worried that the Levites would keep the Torah to themselves. This provides us with a lesson on how to approach our own Judaism.

Aside from the commandment to act with compassion and kindness, there is a commandment to do so with the appropriate motivation.

How can the Torah expect everyone to be giddy about their chance to serve G-d? What if I’m not?

Do we look at G‑d’s commandments as responsibilities and chores? Or do we see a mitzvah as another opportunity to become closer to Him?

The first approach reflects the depth of one’s faith, but is likely to be a very abstract and amorphous response. The second, steeped in intellect, may lack the spontaneity and power of the first, but truly penetrates the entire personality of the individual

While it is true that actions speak louder than words, there is an element of appreciation that is expressed more by our words than our deeds...

Couldn’t G‑d have given the poor farmer who traveled all the way to Jerusalem a simpler way of saying “thank you”?

How many people craftily put forth a clean and honest image while every night they sweep their dirt under the proverbial carpet?

Why does the Torah cite only the curses and not use the positive language of the blessings?

Even important personages, such as the king of Israel, placed baskets on their shoulders and proceeded until the Temple Courtyard.

The same way our inboxes get flooded with spam, our brains are spammed throughout the day with a bombardment of random thoughts, impulses and desires.