Timeless Torah

Here is the goal: A land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills. A land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. When you have eaten and are satisfied, bless the L-rd for the good land he has given you. (Deut. 8:7-11)  read more »

In case you did not catch the title, let me repeat it for clarification. “You will eat and be satisfied.”
I know what you’re thinking. The Rabbi must be running out of material, and he needs to waste some copy space. Wrong!! I figured if it was good enough for the Good Book, it is good enough for Timeless Torah. (By the way, had the title “Good Book” not been chosen, “Timeless Torah” would have been a great substitute.)  read more »

High Holidays and America! Now there’s an oxymoron, if there ever was one. High Holidays are about penitence, prayer, fasting and introspection. America is December 31st revelry, overindulgent parties, football mania, and year-end bonuses. And yet America has been for the most part, good to the Jew. It opened its doors (maybe a little late), it offered religious freedom (though, for some, with a price tag of assimilation) and allowed the Jew to participate in the wonderful American dream. A dream that offers any man or woman, regardless of race, creed, color or gender, the ability to be successful, and perhaps, to make it to the top. All one has to do is provide elbow grease, self-determination, creativity and diligence.  read more »

Was there ever another individual who had to overcome as much as he did? Was there ever a pupil who had advanced so far in his studies? A leader who had lost so much ground - for himself personally or for his people? A faith so tested?  read more »

Undoubtedly, one of the more recognizable paragraphs in this week's Torah reading is the section that forms the second part of our daily Shema prayer. “V'hoyoh eem shomoia - It will be if you listen to My commandments…” is the way it begins, followed by a list of do's. Do serve Him, love Him, put on Tefillin, teach your children Torah, affix a mezuzah - you get the idea.  read more »

The first two paragraphs of the Shema outline a program of Jewish faith. A careful reading of both sections however reveals different visions of what constitutes belief. The first parsha sets forth an operative code of behavior. “You will love G-d with all your heart...all your soul...all your might.” No reasons are given, and no promises of recompense or retribution are made. In philosophical parlance, such a commandment is referred to as categorical.  read more »

Our most recent Fax of Life dealt with Judaism's most famous prayer, the Sh'ma. Not to be outdone, this week's thought will once again focus on the Sh'ma. Viewing this week's Fax as a sequel makes sense since the first paragraph of the Sh'ma is found in last week's Biblical portion and the second paragraph of the prayer is mentioned in this week's portion.  read more »

Beraisa - R. Meir: "Shema Yisrael Hash-m Elokeinu Hash-m Echad" -- intent is required until here.
(Rava): The Halachah follows R. Meir.

RECITATION OF THE FIRST VERSE
Beraisa – Sumchus: One who prolongs the word "Echad," his days and years are lengthened.  read more »