On the other hand

Without a doubt, one of the most evocative highlights of Sukkot (Tabernacles) is the massed blessing of the Kohanim at the Kotel. Read more

Shabbat Ki Tavo: Rewards and punishment

The Torah this week contains blessings and warnings. Read more

Shabbat Devarim: Optimism despite it all

The Book of Devarim, the last book of the Torah, is dominated by the personality of Moses even more than the previous three books. Read more

Shabbat Shelach Lecha: Grasshoppers

Moses was instructed by God to send men to go on a tour of the Land of Canaan. Read more

Shabbat Kedoshim: About sex

The part of the Torah we read this week, Kedoshim,  contains more moral and ethical laws than any other part of the Torah, that you will be familiar with. Read more

Shabbat Acharei Mot: Arrogance

Previously in Leviticus Chapter 9, the two sons of Aaron, Nadav, and Avihu had watched and participated in the dedication of the priests and the tabernacle. Read more

Failed priests and prophets

There seems to me to be a permanent state of conflict in all religions between religious authority and individual spirituality or mysticism. Read more

Shabbat Tazria: Rosh Hodesh Nisan – Purity

Having dealt with the sacrificial system and its ceremonials, the Torah now turns to human beings and how they should take steps to care for their physical as well as spiritual lives. Read more

Shabbat Pikudei: The Messiah

The term Mashiach is usually associated with the apocalyptical idea of a Messiah who will change the world to make it a more peaceful and honest place. Read more

Shabbat Vayakhel & Shekalim: Amazons and the Oral Law

There are many ways of looking at the Bible, as history, theology, literature, and archeology. Read more

Shabbat Ki Tisah: Idolatry

The focal point this week is the Golden Calf, and the betrayal of  God at the very moment God is trying to impose standards on the Israelites through a constitution from Sinai. Read more

Shabbat Tetzaveh: Who needs Priests?

The Torah goes into intricate detail in the Books of Exodus and Leviticus about the priests, their role in the Tabernacle ceremonials, their benefits and tithes, and their special rules of behaviour. This week, the Torah talks about the Priests’ clothes and oracles. Read more

Shabbat Mishpatim: What happpened at Sinai?

One of the challenges to traditional Judaism comes from academic analysis of the Torah as if it were either a Book of History or literature that one can decipher from a rational, point of view. Read more

Time

We have just celebrated another New Year. I was not specifically thinking of 2022, although that too. Or of Tu BiShvat, the Fifteenth Day of the Month of Shevat. The New Year for Trees. One of four different New Years as recorded in the Talmud ( Rosh Hashana ). Read more

Shabbat Vayehi: Predictions

The twelve tribes have now come to live in Egypt under Josef’s protection. Read more

Why do I have to wash my already clean hands before eating bread?

Asks the rabbi. Read more

Shabbat Vayigash: Failed priests

When Pharaoh accepted Yosef’s interpretation of his dreams and his advice to Pharaoh on how to prepare for it, he was given the opportunity to prepare for the approaching catastrophe. Read more

Why is the Shema so important?

Ask the rabbi… Read more

Does Judaism agree with female sterilisation?

Ask the rabbi… Read more

Decision to allow silent prayer on Temple Mount overturned

The Jerusalem District Court accepted on Friday the State’s appeal on the decision by the Magistrate’s Court to allow “silent prayers” for Jews on the Temple Mount. Read more

Minister of Religious Affairs meets with women Torah scholars including women rabbis

Israel’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Matan Kahana and MK Nir Orbach met over the weekend with the directors and heads of halachic (Jewish law) programs for women. Read more

Dreams, hopes & fears

Rabbi Raymond writes about Rosh HaShanah. Read more

Shabbat Ki Tavo

Why do we do things in life? Is it to get some kind of reward? Read more

Weekly Torah. Shabbat Shoftim Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Who is Responsible? Read more

The budget of Israel Ministry of Religious Affairs increased by 100 million shekels

An additional 100 million Shekels (A$42 million) have been allocated to the budget for Israel’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. Read more

Why to Jewish men cover their heads?

Ak the rabbi! Read more

A chosen people

I dislike the expression “The Chosen People”.  Read more

Why some Jews leave a bare section on a wall on purpose?

Ask the rabbi…. Read more

Torah for Shabbat: Shabbat Nachamu, The Shabbat of Comfort after the Ninth of Av.

As Moses continues his speech to the children of Israel, he repeats two core texts that underpin the whole of the Jewish way of life. Read more

Is God dead?

Ask the rabbi. Read more

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