blessing
Be Blessed, Holy Brother
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, known as the “Singing Rabbi”, was a rabbi and composer. Most of the popular tunes sung in synagogues today were composed by him. He also revitalized the study of Hassidut. Active in the...
When a Blessing is Truly a Blessing
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz I’ve been having a rough week; my job has been making extra demands, the refrigerator is making strange noises, and each of my teens has come to me with a new and expensive gadget they cannot live without. The...
What did Balaam see that changed his mind?
Have you ever gone into a camping goods store and been overwhelmed by the beauty of the tents? Of course not. Clearly, Balaam was not commenting on the handiwork of the Hebrew tentmakers when he complimented the beauty of the desert...
How the Rewards of Sin Bring Us Closer to God
Sin is horrible. It drives us away from God, pushing us into a reality that seems devoid of life, love, and hope. This state of despair envelopes the most precious aspects of our lives. Marriage, the source of our greatest joy, can become...
Why do we bless our children to be like Ephraim and Manasseh?
The Torah portion of Vayechi (Genesis 47:28–50:26) tells of the end of Jacob’s life. He lives the last 17 years of his life in Egypt. When he is about to leave the world, Joseph brings his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to his father to...
From the North to the South to the East to the West
Once Abraham arrives in the Land of Israel, there are many descriptions about the geography of the land, as if God has to familiarize and orient our Patriarch to his new surroundings. In ancient times, one was oriented by the rising sun -...
The Portion of Vayechi
In this, the final portion of the book of Genesis, we read of Jacob’s blessings to his sons and grandsons on his deathbed, and his final passing and burial. The book concludes with Joseph’s final days, as well, and his death and enbalming...
The Portion of Ki Tavo
This week’s portion contains the extended blessings and curses which the Children of Israel will earn, depending on whether they keep or violate God’s covenant. It also details the ceremony of the first fruits which must be brought to the...
The Portion of Eikev
Our portion carries a promise of Godly assistance in conquering the Land of Israel and blessings for following His commands. Moses warns the people that they will be punished for disregarding God’s word and reminds them of several...
The Portion of Balak
This week’s portion demonstrates the scope of the Israelites’ reputation during their desert travels. Balak, the king of Moab, hears what befell the Amorites when they stood up to God’s people and decides he does not want to meet a...
