Corporate Torah

Shabbat Korach Dvar Torah – Inspiring the spiritual through the material I once visited Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guards. The pomp, circumstance, and trumpets perfectly captured the grandeur of the British monarchy. On another occasion, while taking a nighttime stroll in a much smaller European country, I passed by the formal royal residence. There were no horses or guards in sight—just a simple “Please do not disturb” sign. It was, to say the least, underwhelming. There is a natural human need to associate importance with beauty and ceremony. In this week’s Torah portion, there is a commandment to post guards around the perimeter of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem at night. Maimonides famously points out (Beit Habechira 8:1) that this was not a security measure to keep out thieves or enemies; rather, it was strictly a guard of honor. A majestic building with guards is substantially different than one without. Even in the darkest hours of the night, the torche...

Shabbat Shelach Dvar Torah This week we recount the story of the spies, where after a blasphemous report of the Promised Land the Israelites regret their journey there and rebel. Consequently, G-d tells them that that the current generation will not live to enter the Promised Land but instead will wander the desert for 40 years. Immediately following this devastating news, the text suddenly pivots and begins detailing a series of  mitzvot  (commandments) that can only be performed once the people enter the Land of Israel. This juxtaposition sends a clear message of hope: the story isn't over, and the Jewish people will inherit the Promised Land. The Ohr Hachaim – one of the classic commentators - offers a deeper insight. He suggests that because their descendants were absolutely guaranteed to come to the land, the certainty of that future event transcended time. It was as if the wandering generation, despite passing away in the wilderness, inherited the land themselves....