In this week’s Torah portion, Korach, the Torah relates the story of the rebellion of Korach against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. I think this is a good opportunity to present the seventh of Maimonides’ thirteen principles of faith, which is the belief in the superiority and authority of the prophecy of Moses. [...]
Rabbi Mordchai Becher explains how this parsha is the source for the concept of "agency" in Jewish law. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Rabbi Mordchai Becher gives us a brief history of Jewish espionage from the Torah to the Mossad. View this video directly on Vimeo.
With the recent withdrawal of the USA from the Paris Climate Change Accords, people have been asking me what is the Jewish attitude towards global warming? I think that the question of human caused climate change is an empirical question and therefore Judaism doesn’t really have an opinion about it. In addition, I can’t give [...]
Rabbi Mordchai Becher wonders why the Menorah is such an enduring symbol of Judaism. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Now that Memorial Day has passed and it is officially “summer” I feel obligated to mow the lawn so that my grandson can actually play there without stumbling over abandoned vehicles. As I was mowing I was thinking about the fact that we feel the need to cut the grass. By association, I also thought [...]
Rabbi Mordchai Becher notes that during Shavuot we read Megillat Rut, which tells the story of the convert Rut. Perhaps even people born Jewish should approach Judaism with the same will and desire as Rut the Convert? View this video directly on Vimeo.
The revelation and giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai was an overwhelming experience for the Jewish people. The Torah describes in great detail how every man, woman and child experienced the word of God with all of their senses. The uniqueness of this account cannot be emphasized enough. God did not whisper to a [...]
Rabbi Mordchai Becher wonder what did the Jews do in the desert for 40 years?. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Wednesday, June 24th, is the Hebrew date of the 28th of the month of Iyar. This day is a significant day for the Jewish people and I think, for the whole world as well. It is the day that we celebrate what is called "Yom Yerushalayim", Jerusalem Day. We celebrate the anniversary of the day [...]
