Our Pupils – Our Children As we advance through the book of Devarim, we are actually learning how our greatest leader, Moshe Rabbenu, summarised the Torah. In this parashah he recalls the episode of our receiving the Ten Commandments at Sinai. Further on, he writes the first of the three paragraphs of the Shema – […]

Parasha Insights What are the most fundamental words in the Torah? Can we ask such a question? The entire Torah is holy and we should not single out any words. Yet, we know that throughout our long exile certain words have stuck to us with vigour. Perhaps the Ten Commandments, perhaps Kriat Shema, Both of […]

DISPARAGEMENT MANAGEMENT As a leader, Moshe Rabbenu did not have it easy. Veritably, Klal Yisrael were not the easiest nation to lead. Apparently, they needed to be trained in the ways and means of peoplehood – with the first requisite lesson being ‘Respect for Leadership 101’. Rashi identifies Moshe’s three complaints, by analysing the verse […]

Where’s My Reward? The Midrash Tehillim says that the Giants Og and Sichon were more formidable adversaries than Pharaoh and his army. Moshe had battled Sichon and won. Now he faced a war against the mighty Og. Yet before this war, Moshe seems to be worried. Hashem has to reassure him – Al Tirah Otoh […]