We can learn a valuable lesson from an obscure law. View this video directly on VIMEO
Read MoreEver feel like you’ve been here before? View this video directly on VIMEO
Read MoreHow can we use our free time wisely? Harry Rothenberg has a suggestion. View this video directly on VIMEO
Read MoreAs it snows again in New Jersey, Rabbi Mordechai Becher discusses how one can look at another foot of snow and be happier than ever before! View this video directly on VIMEO
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I recently cited Thomas Hobbes in an article that I wrote, and I received criticism for bringing a non-Jewish source in a Torah article. I thought it would be of interest to share my response. In citing the philosopher Thomas Hobbes I was actually following an ancient practice which recognizes that there is indeed “wisdom amongst the nations” (Midrash Eicha Rabba 2:17) and following the Rambam’s exhortation to “hear the truth ...
Read MoreHarry Rothenberg reminds us that all of the Torah’s law are important. Plus a special guest appearance from the Rothenberg Twins. View this video directly on VIMEO
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The Ten Commandments were inscribed on two tablets, on the first tablet, were five statements about the relationship between a person and his or her creator (God and parents). The second five focus on the relationship between a person and his or her peers. The design of the tablets teaches us, that in order to be complete, people must cultivate proper relationships with their peers just as much as they ...
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Rabbi Becher's VLOG
Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s VLog – A Not Very Spiritual Parsha – Parshat Mishpatim 5780
How would you follow-up the Revelation at Sinai? Probably not the way that G-d did in the Torah. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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People often accuse Judaism of being too focused on details. This week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, is cited as an example of this focus. It is full of detailed laws regarding torts, damages, theft, contract law, marriage law, property law etc. etc. It is not a very “spiritual” section of the Torah. However, I gained some insight into the Parsha during some recent travels. I witnessed a few cases of theft ...
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I would like to continue the theme that we started on Tu Bishvat and discuss a few more ideas about the Land of Israel. Our Sages tell us that the Divine Presence, the Shechina is found in Israel, more in the city of Jerusalem and even more so at the Western Wall, the Kotel. The Hebrew word Shechinah means “Divine Presence.” Although in reality, G-d permeates all of time and ...
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