PREPARING TO CONQUER THE LAND The Book of BeMidbar – also known as Sefer HaPekudim (Numbers) – opens with the census taken by Moshe and Aharon of all the Tribes of Israel. The Torah dedicates over fifty verses to what seems to be trivial statistical data. Why is it important for future generations to know…
THE CLEAREST SIGN In the middle of the Tochachah (Admonition) in Parashat BeChukotai, the Torah states, – I will make the Land desolate; and your enemies who dwell in it will be desolate upon it (26:32). Seemingly, this is a continuation of the long list of misfortunes that will befall the Jewish people if they…
THE OMER AND ERETZ YISRAEL Many of Emor’s 63 mitzvot apply only in Eretz Yisrael. Let us focus on three of these mitzvot which are very relevant to this time of year. Of course, I am referring to the mitzvot connected to the Omer. The Torah states: (1)…When you enter the Land that I give…
THE SECRET OF THE LAND On numerous occasions, we have cited the words of Rabbeinu Moshe ben Nachman, better known as the Ramban. In fact, his outlook on the Land of Israel is largely the basis for our positive attitude towards the Holy Land. Of all of his comments on the Chumash, however, this week’s…