Midian
War or Peace: Why Does the Torah Command Us to Wage War?
A young man sought spiritual perfection so he set out to find a guru. After traveling to Tibet, he spent weeks climbing a lonely mountain, finally arriving at the peak where a wizened old man sat on the rough stone, his legs crossed, his...
Was Midian the Cradle of the Exodus or the Enemy of Israel?
After killing an Egyptian taskmaster, Moses fled Egypt and ran to Midian where, according to the sages, he lived in exile for 40 years. While in Midian, he married Zipporah, the daughter of Midianite priest Jethro, also known as Reuel....
Who were the Midianites?
After the ten brothers put Joseph in a pit, a group of Midianite traders happened along and took Joseph to Egypt where he was sold to Potiphar. That ill-intentioned act was the first link in a series of events that saved all of Egypt from...
The Portion of Matot
In this portion, we are taught about vows which can be annulled, about God’s revenge on the Midianites and about two tribes who wish to hand-pick their land lot.
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...
