by Rabbi Joshua Maroof | Nov 9, 2006 | Uncategorized
Parashat Vayera offers us two examples of hospitality to strangers. One is provided by Avraham and the other by his nephew, Lot. A comparison and contrast of their “styles” highlights what I believe is a fundamental aspect of Avraham’s personality...
by Rabbi Joshua Maroof | Nov 2, 2006 | Uncategorized
No, this is not the beginning of a bad joke…It is a reference, of course, to a key incident in this week’s Parasha:And the King of Sedom came out to greet him [Avram], after he [Avram] returned from smiting Kedorlaomer and the kings who were with him; and...
by Rabbi Joshua Maroof | Nov 1, 2006 | Uncategorized
Avram is certainly regarded as a spiritual giant – someone who was willing to sacrifice everything in order to properly serve God. It seems justified to assume that he was not particularly interested in material gain. Yet, when Hashem commanded Avram to set out...
by Rabbi Joshua Maroof | Oct 31, 2006 | Uncategorized
This week’s Parasha begins the story of the travels, trials and tribulations of our forefather Avram (later Avraham). One of the most remarkable things about Avram is his attitude toward the Divine promises conveyed to him. Hashem tells him that he will be...
by Rabbi Joshua Maroof | Oct 30, 2006 | Uncategorized
(Please excuse the reference to a terrible song from the early eighties.)With Halloween just around the corner, I thought it would be appropriate to consider how our tradition addresses “the occult”. Of course, practicing magic, conjuring up spirits and...
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