Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s Vlog on Tazria 5774
Rabbi Becher has some good news for the Jews – for a change – as he discusses the recent “semicha” ceremony at Yeshiva University in New York City. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Talking the Talk – Tazria 5774
In Jewish tradition, an entire set of laws governs how we speak about, and to, other people. These are known as the laws of Lashon Hara, “Evil Speech (literally – tongue).” They include prohibitions against any speech that may damage another person or cause emotional distress. Insults, lies and breaches of confidence are all forbidden….
Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s Vlog on Purim 5774
Rabbi Becher speaks about the day after Purim. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Purim: Under the Affluence of Incahol, Love and Fear
One of the most peculiar laws of Purim is the obligation to drink wine, and even become intoxicated. As the Talmud states, “A person is obligated to become inebriated on Purim, until he does not know the difference between ‘Blessed is Mordechai and cursed is Haman.’” Excessive drinking is frowned upon by Jewish law, yet…
Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s Vlog on Purim 5774
Drinking, dress up and lotteries. What is Purim about? View this video directly on Vimeo
Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s Vlog on Parshat Tzav 5774
Standing Tall in the Sun Judaism is a “daytime”religion. How does that effect our outlook on ourselves? View this video directly on Vimeo
Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s Vlog on Parshat Vayikra 5774
Answering My Call: A new book of the Torah in which G-d calls to each one of us. View the video directly on Vimeo
The Scroll of Esther – Purim 5774
Although it became part of the Bible, known in English as the Book of Esther, the account never mentions the name of God, though there are veiled allusions. This surprising omission actually reflects a central theme of this holiday. On Purim we celebrate the fact that the hand of God guides us, even at times…
Purim’s Historical Background – 5774
We are a little less than three weeks from Purim, so I will give a bit of the historical background to the festival and in the upcoming weeks, I will present some of the more philosophical ideas behind the festival. The Purim story begins about 900 years after the Exodus from Egypt. The Jews had…
Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s Vlog on Parshat Pekudei 5774
The tabernacle was known as the tabernacle of testimony – to what did it testify? View this video directly on Vimeo