The Apple of Israel’s Eye
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz When composing Psalms, David was a wordsmith, creating images and expressions that have been the focus of devotion for thousands of years. This was clearly seen in Psalm 17. What begins as an appeal to the sense of hearing, “heed my...
What Does the Balfour Declaration Have to do With Genesis 12:3?
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz A wonderful aspect of reading the weekly Torah portion is the synchronicity that happens when the scripture matches up with current or historical events. This week, we read the section of the Torah containing God’s promise to bless those who...
A Land Like No Other
Once, I went out to the forest next to Bat Ayin to pray, or, more accurately, to have a conversation with my Creator. Israel is a beautiful place, especially if you have the eyes to see its inner beauty. As I sat there, I saw how the thorn bushes were struggling (and,...
Did God Really Punish Moses For Hitting the Rock?
A group of thirsty people complain bitterly to Moses, “Why did you bring us to the desert, to die??” God tells Moses and Aaron: You and your brother Aaron take the rod and assemble the community, and before their very eyes order the rock to yield its water. Thus you...
