By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz Without a doubt, the sweetest part of the Sabbath is blessing my children. My children are older and no longer live at home. But when we do gather together at the end of a busy week, placing my hands on their...
Is There Biblical Precedent for Expanding the Borders of the Land of Israel?
“Can I get you something to drink?” “No, thank you. I don’t want to bother you.” “Maybe a cup of water?” “Well, okay. If it is not a bother, a small cup of water would be nice. And if you are already pouring, maybe you can heat it up. And...
How Passionate Love for the Land Set a Tribe Apart
I had it all planned out. I told my parents I was going to hang out with friends. The story was that we were having a barbecue but the real plan was quite a bit wilder than that. I was shocked when my parents gave me their permission. I...
Jacob’s Redeeming Angel
More than any other character in the Bible, Jacob encounters angels. In his nighttime vision after fleeing Esau, Jacob sees angels ascending and descending a ladder to heaven. Upon returning, he has a far more direct encounter with an...
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...