To All of Israel
Focal Point
These are the words that Moses addressed to all Israel on the other side of the Jordan. (Deuteronomy 1:1)
D'var Torah
It Is Not Up to Us to Complete the Task
In the first portion of the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses begins a series of farewell addresses to the Israelites.
Imagining the Scroll of Caleb
In our Torah portion, Moses begins his grand oration, recounting the journey of his people as they stand poised to enter the land of promise.
Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazeik
Here in the week of the Fourth of July, we come to the end of this year's reading of B'midbar with a double portion, Matot/Mas-ei.
Learning to Hear Balaam's Ass
From a thoughtful reading of the story of Balaam's ass (Num. 22:27-32), we recognize that the question posed is not "How can an ass speak?" but "How can we become like Balaam, able to hear what the world has to say to us?"
Drinking from the River of Holiness
In this week's Torah portion we read the unusual story of Balaam, the mysterious and renowned sorcerer-for-hire commissioned by a fearful Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Children of Israel during their trek through the desert.
No Rest(s) for the Wicked
According to the Rabbis, Balaam was one of seven non-Israelite prophets. (One list also includes Balaam's father, as well as Job and the four friends who came to "comfort" him.