Torah

Once again, air raid sirens have become part of our life. In the past week, there have been at least six or seven missiles from Yemen, and sirens sound throughout much of Israel. As well as a few from Gaza, which set of sirens in the Gaza area and the Tel-Aviv area. B’chasdei Shamayim, there has been little to no damage or injuries! Still, it’s not fun. Some were early in the morning, 2 a.m.

As we encounter Purim, let us delve more deeply into the unique spiritual and existential battle that the Jewish People must continue to wage against the philosophy of Amalek. Amalek first appeared on the scene when they attacked klal Yisrael in the midbar, on their journey to Har Sinai. The most striking aspect of this attack was its timing.

In our previous article, we began exploring the unique nature of the mouth in Torah thought. On the most basic level, the mouth has three functions:

Before I begin this article, I would like to wish a refuah shleima to one of my dear rebbeim, Rephael Yerachmiel ben Hadasa, who has suddenly become very ill (Rephael was just added to his name). May we merit to have a turn-around, and he has a complete recovery! 

I hope everyone had an uplifting Purim. It is an appropriate time to point out that many the mitzvos of Purim which involved giving, tie beautifully into our parshios. 

After an overwhelming week at work, Daniel decides to go on a nature hike to recharge. Without letting anyone know of his plans, he heads off into the mountains. As he is enjoying the view and the peaceful quiet around him, he suddenly slips and tumbles off the edge of a cliff. He plunges downwards, but somehow manages to grasp onto a branch jutting out of the cliff face. He clings to the branch for dear life, trying not to look down at the ravine below.