Parsha D’varim: Words Versus Actions in Torah

This shabbat we will read the fifth book of the Torah. It is called D’varim (Deuteronomy) which can either mean, “Things,” or “Speakings.” Our parsha (weekly Torah portion), is also called D’varim and begins by stating that, “These are the things/speakings that Moshe (Moses) spoke to all of Yisrael at the crossing of the Yardayn (Jordan) …” So, what did he say? We don’t know yet, because the Torah goes on describing the location and telling us that we are … Continue reading

Parsha Shlach: Beware of Spies

This week’s parsha (Torah portion)  is a strange one.  Moshe (Moses) sends 12 men into the land to spy on it and its inhabitants.  They come out and their report causes a national hysteria which leads to a 40 year sojourn in the desert until all the men die off.  The Torah then goes into a discussion about sacrifices, and we finish with a man getting stoned to death for breaking shabbat and a law regarding the wearing of tzitzit … Continue reading