Posts by David Ackerman

“You shall not plant for yourself an idolatrous tree – any tree – near the Lord your God’s altar, that you shall make yourself.” (Deuteronomy 16:21) Parashat Shoftim expounds with … Continued

“You shall not eat anything abhorrent.”  (Deuteronomy 14:3) Parashat Re’eh opens with a dramatic proclamation, “R’eih, see, I present before you today a blessing and a curse.” (Deut. 11:26)  It … Continued

“Do not fear them! You shall remember what Adonai, your God, did to Pharaoh and to all of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 7:18) In the Torah, the land is the mediator of … Continued

“Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them serve as a symbol on your forehead.” (Deuteronomy 6:8) Were Pixar to make a movie of the Torah with … Continued

“I said to you at that time, saying, ‘I cannot carry you alone.’” (Deuteronomy 1:9) Parashat D’varim opens the Torah’s fifth and final book. Moses no longer speaks with a … Continued

“Moses, Elazar the Priest, and all the leaders of the assembly went out to meet them outside the camp.” (Numbers 31:13) July 9, 2018 is the 150th anniversary of the … Continued

“These are the ones counted by Moses and Elazar the Priest, who counted the Children of Israel in the plains of Moab, by the Jordan, near Jericho.” (Numbers 26:63) God … Continued

“Bilam raised his eyes and saw Israel dwelling according to its tribes, and the spirit of God was upon him.” (Numbers 24:2) Parashat Balak is one of only six parashot, … Continued

“And Moses did as the Lord had commanded; and they went up to Mount Hor before the eyes of all the congregation.” (Numbers 20:27) Parashat Chukat contains the fateful episode … Continued

“Moses then brought out all the staffs from before the Lord to all the Israelites; each identified and recovered his staff.” (Numbers 17:24) Parashat Korach opens with Korach, a Levite, … Continued