2020 Articles

The Sages depict a powerful and graphic scenario in which a willing and submissive Isaac accepts his fate: “This is as one who carries his stake for his own execution on his shoulder.”

A burnt-offering represents the unparalleled devotion of the worshiper, symbolically committing his entire essence, the body (what is seen), the mind (what is unseen), to the service of God.

On two separate occasions, Abraham is commanded by God to set out on a journey. The ascension to Moriah represents the realization of Abraham's initial departure from Haran.

The story of the Binding of Isaac represents the greatest story of mesirut nefesh [self-nullification to the point of death] that points the way to Messiah.

The Akeidah has, for nearly 4,000 years, epitomized the understanding of what it means to serve God no matter how difficult the circumstances.

Like Yeshua, the Sages of Israel alluded to the commandments of Torah in terms of light and heavy - the least and the greatest. Have you ever considered what constitutes a light mitzvah?

Balaam derived his strength from the power of speech. With it, he came against Israel and exchanged his craft with their craft, for Israel triumphs only with the tongue.

It is difficult to imagine how one could be gifted with a Divine revelation, and yet harbor so much distain and envy in his heart. By Balaam’s own words, he was the one that perceived God’s vision.

How is it, that the greatest source of enmity became the remedy to death itself? Although it defies human logic, this phenomena is expressed throughout Parshat Chukat.

Consider how high God is above the world! Yet if one enters the synagogue and stands behind a pillar and prays in a whisper, the Holy One, blessed be He, listens to that prayer.