In modern terms our DNA is Yehadut (Judaism) – Divine National Attributes; without the Torah we drift apart until assimilation. HaShem often intervenes in Jewish history by bringing forth miracles beyond the laws of nature and physics. On erev Shabbat of this week we will be celebrating the 56th year of the most shocking and unexpected miracle that HaShem has bestowed on His beloved nation in Eretz Yisrael.

Our efforts as a society need to be committed not merely to survival but to “flourishing” in every way. We here are preparing the way for the physical exodus from foreign lands, and spiritual exodus from foreign cultures and beliefs.

In Yeshayahu 66:12-13, the prophet cites the word comfort three times in one verse. If each comfort relates to restoring our presence in the holy land and in its spiritual center of Yerushalayim on three different occasions, what are the differences between these three historical episodes of redemption and comfort?

Just as HaShem destroys the “Angel of Death” in the song, father jumps up and gathers the family in a circle and they break out in a frenzy of song — L’shana ha’ba’a Be’Yerushalayim — “Next year in Jerusalem”, mama collapses!

We are alarmed at the threats of some veteran pilots to refuse to volunteer for duty as necessary reserve pilots because of their opposition to the right-wing religious government. They have the right to choose to serve or not to serve as reserve pilots, but…

We are experiencing a period of social challenge that’s a replay of the frenzied dance around the Golden Calf, while the Levites fought to protect the Torah we had just received from the Creator Himself!

In the end, HaShem’s method of social-political centrifugation will separate the deniers from the believers – the Pendulum ride will end.

During the many years when I had the unique zechut to serve as the rav of the Chazon Yechezkel bet knesset in the Old City, I had the opportunity to meet and help people who were being challenged in their personal lives. I would like to bring two incidents from which all of us can gleam a bit of understanding.

People rarely have time for a good heart-to-heart talk with themselves. The time for deep introspection is now. You can begin with 3 important questions…

Just as the advent of the (Hebrew) month of Av ushers in a period of diminishing joy, so too the advent of the month of Adar ushers in a period of increasing joy.

What is really going on in the dispute over judicial reform in Israel?

What was the significance of Mount Sinai for the Created World?
Who wants a life raft?
Is Judaism a Success Story?

In the days before emancipation, the Egyptians presented the Jews with gifts of gold and silver and clothing: the Jews treasured the clothing most. Why?