Person in the Parsha: Chayei Sarah

November 18, 2022

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“ABRAHAM THE NEGOTIATOR, SARAH THE QUEEN“

Before I entered the classroom that evening, I already knew that Zalman would come prepared with some dazzling piece of scholarship. The regular reader of this column...

Off the Pulpit: An angel teaches politics

November 11, 2022

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

It may be that the most important biblical passage for our time is found in the book of Joshua:

“…he looked up and saw a man standing before him, drawn sword in hand. Joshua went up...

Person in the Parsha: Vayera

November 04, 2022

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“AN INN AND AN ORCHARD“

I read the story quite some time ago. It was told by a young woman who boarded an airplane early one winter Friday morning. She was on her...

Off the Pulpit: Become Yourself

November 04, 2022

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

Have we grown into the person we were meant to be? Have we realized our potential or betrayed it?

The story is told of the renowned scholar, Rabbi Hayim of Volozhin, that when young, he was...

Person in the Parsha: Lech Lecha

October 28, 2022

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“THE BOOK OF THE UPRIGHT”

Regular readers of this column are familiar with my dear grandfathers, both of whom passed away more than fifty years ago, may their memories...

Off the Pulpit: Naked

October 28, 2022

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

When God calls in the garden, Adam explains, “I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” The midrash comments: “naked of mitzvot.”

The theme of being stripped bare is common in modern art. The...

Person in the Parsha: Noach

October 28, 2022

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“JUDGING NOAH FAIRLY“

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the early origins of my basic beliefs. One of those beliefs, which has thankfully persisted to this day, has been the belief in fairness. I...

Person in the Parsha: Bereshit

October 21, 2022

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“UNDESERVED FAVORITISM?”

With this week’s Torah portion, Bereshit (Genesis 1:1-6:8), we begin a new cycle of Torah readings. No wonder that we somehow feel that the new year has finally really begun. It...

Off the Pulpit: Ladders

October 21, 2022

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

In Jacob’s dream, why do the angels who ascend and descend need ladders? Aren’t angels supposed to be able to fly?

The angels teach us that realizing dreams requires a step-by-step approach. While they take a moment to...

Off the Pulpit: The Writer, the Dog and the Lesson

October 14, 2022

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

In his essay on Sir Walter Scott, C.S. Lewis paints a remarkable picture of a man in distress. Scott was in poor health. His wife had died three weeks before. He was under great financial pressure...