Person in the Parsha: Ki Tavo

August 21, 2026

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“TRANSLATING ‘KI TAVO’“

How would you translate the opening verse in this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)?

Here are two Jewish translations:

Person in the Parsha: Ki Tetzei

August 14, 2026

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“A GENTLER MESSAGE”

For the past several weeks, in anticipation of the upcoming Days of Awe, I have devoted this column to the topic of teshuva, repentance.

Person in the Parsha: Shoftim

August 07, 2026

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“THE MERITS OF A GUILTY CONSCIENCE”

Earlier this week, I looked at my calendar. This calendar is sent to me every year. I cherish its colorful illustrations. They make...

Person in the Parsha: Re’eh

July 31, 2026

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“SUMMER , THE SEASON FOR SELF-CONTROL”

Summer was the season we looked forward to when we were young children. My parents decided that the hot streets of Boro Park, Brooklyn were not where...

Person in the Parsha: Ekev

July 24, 2026

By TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR”

Ah, the benefits of Google and, more recently, of AI. For, you see, I have long had a special interest in the saying, “Be...

Person in the Parsha: Va’etchanan

July 17, 2026

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB 

“WHAT, ME? WORRY?!“

I am a worrier. My friends and family tease me about it.

I sometimes worry about personal matters, and sometimes about professional concerns. More...

Person in the Parsha: Devarim

July 10, 2026

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“A TIME AND A PLACE“

“He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” We have all heard this phrase, and many of us have used it. It...

Person in the Parsha: Matot- Masei

July 10, 2026

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“THE KISS OF HOPE”

Would you ever imagine that our holy Sages had a lot to say about a kiss? Would we not assume that kisses would be judged...

Person in the Parsha: Pinchas

June 26, 2026

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“I ACT, THEREFORE, I AM”

Are you feeling depressed? Then dance!

Feeling lazy? Work!

Angry? Smile!

Hostile? Act friendly!

These are not merely glib bits of advice when there is nothing...

Person in the Parsha: Chukat

June 19, 2026

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“THE MANY SONGS OF LEADERSHIP“

Everyone has his or her own voice. Some express it loudly and clearly; some just mumble or whisper. There are those who let their...