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The Ritual of Waters

Sep 16, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Sukkot

The festival of Sukkot is known as Z’man Simhateinu, the time of our rejoicing.

The Discipline of Atonement

Sep 11, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Yom Kippur

This coming Shabbat culminates the period of aseret yamei teshuvah, the ten days of repentance, as we commemorate Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Finding God and Ourselves Anew

During the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we devote ourselves to the process of repentance, attempting to tip the balance in our favor as we approach the Day of Atonement.

Moving Forward Meaningfully

The parashiyot of Nitzavim–Vayeilekh are intimately woven into the rhythm of the liturgical year as they are typically read either immediately preceding Rosh Hashanah or during the intervening Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

“Which You, O Lord, Have Given Me”

Aug 21, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Ki Tavo

Having underscored the role of memory at the conclusion of last week’s parashah (remembering the cruelty of Amalek), Torah now accentuates the importance of appreciation in Parashat Ki Tavo.

Ethics of War

Aug 14, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Ki Tetzei

Parashat Ki Tetzei opens by teaching one of the biblical ordinances related to ethical conduct in war.

Leave Egypt Behind

Aug 7, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Shofetim

The Cairo Genizah—a treasure trove of Jewish history rediscovered by Solomon Schechter toward the end of the 19th century (43,000 fragments of which are housed in The Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary)—attests to the rich Jewish life that flourished in Egypt and beyond.

Balancing Peshat and Sensitivity

Jul 31, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Re'eh

Parashat Re’eh contains a categorical pronouncement against idolatry in the Land of Israel.

Gratitude for the Land

Jul 24, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Eikev

Parashat Eikev is centered on the Land of Israel.

Humility Toward God, Even in Victory

Jul 17, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Va'et-hannan

Parashat Va’et-hannan, the second Torah reading of the book of Deuteronomy, places much of its emphasis on the loyal observance of mitzvot, God’s commandments.

Taking Two to Tango

Jul 9, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Devarim

This coming Shabbat, we begin the fifth and final book of Torah as we read Parashat Devarim, the opening of the book of Deuteronomy.

To Listen and to Discern

Jul 3, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Masei | Mattot

Parashat Mattot,the first of the two parashiyot this week, opens and closes with the idea of meaningful and thoughtful communication.

Zealotry, Good and Bad

Jun 25, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Pinehas

At the end of Parashat Balak, we are introduced to the extreme character of Pinehas.

The Strength of the Jewish People

Jun 19, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Balak

The opening of this week’s parashah centers around the desire of Balak, the king of Moav, to curse the Israelites as they make their way toward the Land of Israel.

No Single Solution

Jun 12, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Hukkat

At its essence, Parashat Hukkat brims with questions and mystery.

Thoughtfulness and Lovingkindness in the Face of Violence

Jun 5, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Korah

This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Korah, is notorious for the infamous uprising against Moses.

The Depth of Sight

May 29, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Shelah Lekha

The Torah reading of Shelah Lekha is literally and figuratively an “eye opening” parashah.

The Importance of Being Humble

May 24, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Beha'alotekha

An unfortunate incident mars the otherwise solid familial bond between Moses and his siblings in Parashat Beha’alotekha.

The Importance of What We Give

May 14, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Naso

At the heart of Parashat Naso is a repetitive description of the offerings brought by the leaders of each of the tribes in honor of the anointing of the altar.