Off the Pulpit: Why We Have the Megillah

February 26, 2021

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

Among the Dead Sea Scrolls every book of the Hebrew bible is represented except the book of Esther. Allusions are made to phrases from Esther so the book was known in Qumran, but not considered sacred...

Person in the Parsha: Tetzaveh

February 19, 2021

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“THE STIGMA OF FAME“

People are motivated by many things. The search for pleasure is certainly one of the great motivators of human beings. So are the search for...

Off the Pulpit: Animal Rights and Wrongs

February 19, 2021

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

Can you spot the difference in these two injunctions?

Ex 23:4. “When you encounter your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering you must take it back to him.” 

Ex. 23:5. “When you see the donkey of...

Person in the Parsha: Terumah

February 12, 2021

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“HAPPY AND PROUD OF ITS MANY COLORS“

It is an animal. But then again, some say it is a colored dye. Many translate it as a dolphin, whereas some...

Off the Pulpit: Hard Hearts

February 12, 2021

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

The Torah tells us ‘Do not harden your heart (Deut. 15:7).’ The verse is speaking particularly about the poor, who turn to you for help.

Hard-heartedness is a general affliction as kindness is a general attribute.  Every...

Person in the Parsha: Mishpatim

February 05, 2021

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“DEEDS DONE IN DOUBT”  

My wife and I moved to the Jewish community of Baltimore almost fifty years ago. The fond memories we have of the time...

Off the Pulpit: Judaism works!

February 05, 2021

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

The world of work is changing and especially given the pandemic, many people face an uncertain future. Judaism seems a cerebral tradition, and the knowledge economy well suited to a bookish people. Yet the Talmudic Rabbis had jobs...

Person in the Parsha: Yitro

January 29, 2021

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

 “THE MATERNAL INFLUENCE“

 When I was young, I was an avid reader of novels. As I’ve grown older, I have found myself more interested in good biographies....

Off the Pulpit: Of Hearts and Homes

January 29, 2021

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE

There is a poignant story on kindness and status told about R. Levi Yitzchak of Bereditchev. He was passing through a town and asked of a well-known and respected member of the community if he could...

Person in the Parsha: Beshalach

January 22, 2021

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“THE REDEMPTIVE EXPERIIENCE“

For several weeks now, we have attempted to define the nature of redemption, geulah, in this column. We have struggled with the challenge posed by the...