Corporate Torah

Shabbat Parshat Shoftim Dvar Torah – Carrying the Torah and a vision for the Nation Shoftim  teaches several special obligations and limitations incumbent upon Jewish kings, including the requirement to constantly carry a Torah scroll with them, so as “to observe faithfully  every word  of this Torah” ( Deu. 17:19 ) At first glance, this mitzvah seems purely technical. But  Rav Hirsch  uncovers a deeper demand, noting that the emphasis on “every word” implies that beyond the laws of the Torah, kings are obligated to internalize the Torah’s historical story and its message regarding the destiny of the Jewish people. Whether it is the faith of Abraham, the collective experience of slavery in Egypt, or our connection with the Land of Israel, adequate Jewish leadership does not merely ensure mechanical observance of the Torah. Rather, it builds upon the foundations of our forefathers and internalizes the ethos of our nation to shape our dreams for the future. ...

Parshat Re’eh Dvar Torah “You are children to Hashem your G-d, you shall not gash yourselves or shave the front of your heads because of the dead” (Deu. 14:1). Out of all the examples to illustrate the kinship between G-d and his people, it’s interesting that the Torah uses the commandment not to inflict self-harm in mourning (unlike the practice in pagan cults) and not more celebratory Mitzvahs like the Festivals or intimate ones like prayer. Perhaps though, the whirlwind of loss is the perfect example. In the words of King David (Psalms 30:10), “Though my father and mother have left me, Hashem will take me in”. G-d is always there for us like a father, even when one’s parents have passed. A child of G-d is never truly alone, and even in the depths of mourning self-harm is not justified. Furthermore, the implication of being children of Hashem, is that we are all brothers and sisters to each other. Like Hashem is always there for us, we must always there for each other. Indeed, a...

Shabbat Parshat Eikev Dvar Torah Eikev includes the famous passage describing the merits of Eretz Yisrael including the seven species of the land and the abundance of springs for irrigation. Interestingly, Moshe preaches that Eretz Yisrael is a “land where you will eat bread without poverty, where you will lack nothing” (Deu. 8:9). The experience of living in the promise land is not one of over-abundance, but of having a happy dose of “enoughness”. Indeed, the Torah warns in many places (including the very next passage) of the dangers of excessive wealth, including self-aggrandization leading to religious regression. Eretz Yisrael on the other hand, has enough of everything but not too much of anything. It is a place which naturally lends itself for leading a comfortable and meaningful life with everything material we need but not too much so as to distract us from what is truly important in our lives. Trivia Apropos springs, Israel has a whole outdoorsy culture around water hole...

Shabbat Parshat Va’etchanan / Nachamu Dvar Torah There is a Mitzvah to designate and operate “Sanctuary Cities” in Israel which shelter (and rehabilitate) perpetrators of negligent manslaughter (discussed extensively in Tractate Makkot). In this week’s parsha, Moshe, barred from the promised land, consecrates three of these cities on the eastern side of the Jordan. Rashi (referencing Makkot 10b) explains that even though he would never be able to complete the work and consecrate the remaining three cities required on the west bank of the Jordan, and even though from a Halachic point of view the entire sanctuary city system would be invalid until then, Moshe still insisted on doing what he could - teaching us that if there is a mitzva to be done and we can take part in it it, there is intrinsic value in its pursuit even if we need help from others completing it and we should relish every opportunity to involve ourselves in Mitzvot. Tu B’Av Tonight (Shabbat) commences the joyous fe...

Shabbat Parshat Devarim – Chazon Dvar Torah This week we commence Deuteronomy – the final book of the Pentateuch – consisting of Moses’ final speech to the people. A recurring theme throughout is Moses’ admiration for the Land of Israel which he himself was famously not allowed to enter. One example in Parshat Devarim is the citation (Deu. 3:8-9) of three names for Mount Hermon in three different languages – which the Talmud (Chulin 60b) explains as a reflection of the nations of the world naming their own towns and villages after places in Israel in recognition of its beauty. Indeed, today it is not unusual in to happen upon streets named after Jerusalem and towns of Bethel and Bethlehem in the US and Europe. Approaching Tisha B’Av we are reminded unfortunately how this beauty is not to be taken for granted. We have all witnessed the destruction of parts of Israel over these last two years and unfortunately have new things to mourn for this Tisha B’Av. Our Sages teach however that...