Featured Posts

Mattot-Massei (Numbers 33:1-36:13)

The details of the cities of refuge are spread out over three sections of the Torah: Exodus 12, Numbers 35, and Deuteronomy 19. In our current Torah portion, we learn that a manslayer must undergo investigation in order to determine whether or not he qualifies for protection within a city of refuge. He is to appear before a court in order to determine his qualification. If he is not at fault, then he is free and does not have to enter the city of refuge. If he is guilty of ill-intent, then he is to be executed. However, if he is basically guilty of some type of negligent homicide, then he is to flee to the city of refuge where he will be protected from the go’el (גאל), the redeemer of the one slain (Numbers 35:9–12).

Parashat Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1)

In last week’s portion we learned about the prophet Balaam and how he was not able to curse Israel in a direct manner. Every time he opened his mouth to curse Israel, it would be filled with blessings instead. Nevertheless, at the end of last week’s Torah portion we learned that Moab was somehow able to have a destructive impact on the Children of Israel:

While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab. These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. (Numbers 25:1–3)

Parashat Chukat-Balak (Numbers 22:2 - 25:9)

Parashat Balak introduces us to one of the most enigmatic figures of the entire Bible—the prophet Balaam. What can we learn from him? Let’s revisit his story and then draw some practical application from it.

Parashat Korach (Numbers 16:1-18:32)

“Korach took.” These are the opening words of our parashah. With these words, the lid to Pandora’s Box was lifted and the seeds of Korach’s uprising sprouted forth to begin bearing their twisted fruit. Korach took something that didn’t belong to him. But what did Korach actually take? 

Parashat Shelach (Numbers 13:1-15:41)

Humans are unique among all of the animals on earth in that we are the only living creatures that have a soul—the godly part of us that can be enticed through our senses, yet have the will to walk away if we perceive there is something better for us than what our flesh craves. We are a product of both heaven and earth, and each moment of each day we choose which voice we listen to. In this week’s Torah portion, ten out of twelve men chose to listen to fear rather than to the promise given to them by their Creator. How can we avoid the same mistakes they made? To find out, let’s take a look into this week’s 5 Minute Torah.

Parashat Beha'alotcha (Numbers 8:1-12:16)

It’s difficult to be around negative people, especially in the middle of difficult circumstances. In this week’s Torah portion, Moses deals with many difficult situations but comes through them with a positive attitude and unyielding faith in God. How did he do it, and what can we learn from this great leader? Let’s explore these concepts together in this week’s 5 Minute Torah.

This commentary comes from my book, 5 Minute Torah Volume 3.

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