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…
G-d said don’t steal in last week’s parsha. In this week, G-d expands on this idea, and gives details on what this means, so that Jews can live in any time and place with these laws. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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…
On the eve of the Super Bowl, Rabbi Becher details his own experience at an “American Football” game, and gives a possible explanation about why so many people enjoy watching it live at the stadium. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Rabbi Mordechai Becher explains that the basic interpersonal laws of society which are mentioned in this week’s parsha are the ultimate basis of Judaism. It isn’t the putting on tefillin, keeping Shabbos or keeping Kosher, but instead having honest, fair and just interactions with others. View this video directly on Vimeo.
This week’s parsha, Mishpatim, follows the description of the revelation at Mt. Sinai, the giving of the Torah, and the listing of the famous, Ten Statements (or, colloquially, Commandments). In our Torah reading there is an extensive focus on civil law, interpersonal relationships, finances, torts and damages. The Ten Commandments were inscribed on two tablets….
This week we will be marking the beginning of the month of Adar One, which is the additional month added to a Jewish leap year, making it 13 months. Measuring and marking the passage of time is a universal human preoccupation. At least forty different calendars are in use around the world today. The most…
A Jewish slave goes free after 6 years, unless he unwisely chooses to stay. If he does, his master bores a hole in his ear. Why, and what lesson can we learn? View this video directly on VIMEO
Rabbi Becher explains the connection between a socio-path ox and the oneness of G-d. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Last Shabbat we read the Ten Commandments in synagogue, and this coming week we will be reading the Parsha of Mishpatim, judgments, detailing many of the laws that govern commerce, society, business and human interactions. I believe that that there are some important lessons in this juxtaposition. The Ten Commandments were inscribed on two tablets….