Beha'alotecha

There is nothing more energizing and hopeful than walking with hundreds of others in a Pride parade and seeing the myriads of flags held high, a brilliantly hued tribute to the resilience and courage of those who continue to fight for their right to exist.

What if the Torah is saying that if ever there was a time for us to act like members of a nation of priests, that moment is NOW?!

Community knowledge is the strongest tool we have, and we must learn how to both respect and harness it. When we seek to make change in the world, we must ask ourselves: Who might know what needs to happen even better than I do?

The lights of the menorah in the Mishkan, and in the Temple, led to the ner tamid (eternal light) in our sanctuaries, and to our understanding that each one of us is a light too.

Even if we vehemently disagree with the complaints of others, though, perhaps we have to listen and discern the genuine concerns underlying such dissatisfaction — much as we strive to listen more closely to the Israelites’ culinary complaints. 

Just as the Menorah is juxtaposed to the appointment of the Levi’im, so too do we have a responsibility – not just to our veterans, but to those who died defending this country.

A d’var Torah for Parshat Beha’alotecha by Matt Nosanchuk.  Leadership lies at the center of our Jewish communal discourse, and rightfully so. Through tough times biblical, historical, and present, Jews have relied on a wide range of leaders, including patriarchs and matriarchs, kings and queens, prophets and prime ministers, soldiers and scholars, and, of course,...

Rabbi Micah Liben calls us to resist complacency and to remain vigilant when our rights are in danger.

We all crave food – but equally, we crave the dignity of being able to choose what, how and where we eat.

I am starting to write this from a cramped seat on an El Al flight to join the Center for Jewish NonViolence action from May 14-23 in the West Bank. I’ve been asked to drash Beha’alotecha in light of this trip, but, full disclosure, I have to write now because there won’t be enough time after...