Not in the Cave: Why Rachel Waits on the Way
I have always been puzzled by a story in this week’s Parasha, Vayishlach. In the Parasha, , we learn of the death of Rachel (Genesis 35:15-19). The text tells […]
God Was in This Place, and I Did Not Know
Genesis 28:16 may be one of the most mysterious verses in the Torah, because in a single startled sentence, Jacob discovers that his ordinary, anonymous campsite has in fact […]
Was Jacob Jealous of Esau?
Jacob’s story can be read as one of deep spiritual purpose, not of jealousy—as someone who stays true to his calling without wishing for Esau’s life or possessions. In […]
Acts of Kindness, Acts of Faith: Reflections on Chayei Sarah
Today’s d’var Torah is dedicated to the memory of my father, Henry Goldwasser, Zicron L’vracha on his fourth Yahrzeit, this Shabbat. This week’s Torah portion is Chayei Sarah (Genesis […]
The Many Faces of Temimut: Innocence, Integrity, and Struggle
The Torah introduces Noach with striking praise: אֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת נֹחַ נֹחַ אִישׁ צַדִּיק תָּמִים הָיָה בְּדֹרֹתָיו אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים הִתְהַלֶּךְ־נֹחַ׃ “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, […]
Parashat Bereshit: Let There Be Light: Creation, Redemption, and the Return Home
Parashat Bereshit begins with darkness. The Torah’s opening words describe the earth as tohu va’vohu—formless and void—with darkness covering everything. It is a haunting image of chaos and confusion. […]
Parshat Eikev: Gratitude and Humility
One of the core spiritual teachings in Parshat Eikev is the intertwining of gratitude and humility, particularly in moments of achievement and abundance. As Moses addresses the Israelites before they […]
Parshat Devarim and Tisha B’av
Parshat Devarim Parshat Devarim opens the final book of the Torah with Moshe recounting the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. Notably, Moshe doesn’t merely retell the story—he interprets it, […]
The Long and Winding Road
In Parashat Masei, the Torah carefully lists the forty-two locations where the Israelites camped during their journey from Egypt to the border of Canaan. At first glance, this list […]
Smicha
On Shavuot, I had the privilege of teaching at my synagogue’s Tikkun Leil Shavuot, the traditional all-night study session. As my ordination ceremony was scheduled for the following week, I […]