Messages from June 2016

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Behalotcha (Numbers 8-12) 5776-2016 Finding Happiness

June 24, 2016
Numbers
Beha'alotcha

This week the Torah tells us that the Children of Israel once again complained; they wanted meat in the desert. They recalled what they considered a better time in a better place–Egypt! Like many of us who are discontented with the world we live in, they spoke about the good old days. The rabble that […]

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha and Prayer: Nasso (Numbers 4:217:89) From Tension to Trust

June 17, 2016
Numbers
Nasso

(There is a new feature at the end of this dvar Torah. It is a short prayer and meditation suggestion on based on the dvar Torah.) One of the most controversial topics in the Torah is the Sotah, the suspected adulteress. Adultery is an equal opportunity misdeed; both men and women are commanded not to […]

Rabbi O’s /weekly Parsha: Bamidbar/Shavuos 5776-2016 You Count!

June 10, 2016
Leviticus
Bamidbar

When the cycle for the weekly Torah readings was established centuries ago, this week’s Parsha was designated specifically to be read this Shabbos. The reading is from the first few chapters of the Torah’s forth book, Numbers and always proceeds the holiday of Shavuos. What connection is there between this week’s Parsha and Shavuos, the […]

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Bechukotai (Leviticus 26:3-27:34) Happiness 101: Understand that You are a Subject, not an Object

June 3, 2016
Leviticus
Bechukotai

The 26th chapter of Leviticus sets out with stunning clarity the terms of Jewish life under the covenant. On the one hand, there is an idyllic picture of the blessing of Divine favor. If Israel follows G-d’s decrees and keeps His commands, there will be rain, the earth will yield its fruit, there will be […]