July 2025

This week we read the parsha of Pinchas as we begin the Three Weeks of mourning over the destruction of the two Temples. “And Hashem… Read More »Kindly Justice

This past week I had the delight and privilege of participating in the bris of our newest grandson, born to my son Eli and Tzivie… Read More »A Double-Edged Sword

This week, Moshe teaches us the laws of inheritance. He actually needs Heavenly guidance to teach the laws, as he forgot them. And even though… Read More »Elevating Actions

Truth and Falsehood Balak, the king of Moav, sent emissaries to Bilam, asking him to curse Yisrael.  Bilam was on such a level that he… Read More »Bilam the Charlatan

Moab became terrified of the people, for they were numerous, and Moab became disgusted because of the children of Israel. (Bamidbar 22:3) Moab became terrified… Read More »It’s OK to Be Afraid

These divrei Torah were adapted from the hashkafa portion of Rabbi Yissocher Frand’s Commuter Chavrusah Tapes on the weekly portion: Tape # 153, Matrilineal vs.… Read More »Was Hashem Bilaam’s Agent? Doing it for ‘The Cause’ vs. for the Money

Yisrael settled in Shittim. The people began sinning with the daughters of Moav…Yisrael became attached to Ba’al Pe’or.[2] Who’s on first? The pesukim shuttle back… Read More »Playing Chicken With the Yetzer Hora[1]

This Shabbos we read the parsha of Balak with the Three Week mourning period leading up to Tisha B’Av (the ninth of Av) beginning on… Read More »The Fourth Patriarch

“his houseful of silver and gold…” (22:18) In this week’s parsha, Balak, the King of Moav sends high-ranking officials to commission Balaam to curse the… Read More »Ultimate Greed

You have to approach something from the right view. At least that’s what Balak, the king of Moab, tried to convince his prime sorcerer who… Read More »Partial View