November 6, 2023
Published by Rabbi Yosef A. Cohen, MD at November 6, 2023
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Avraham Woke Up Early: a model of compassion

Jews have always responded to tragedy and triumph in similar ways, namely, understanding the events through a halachic prism. The recent war has resulted in the reproduction of halachic literature not seen in some time either condemning or praising the Israeli army’s careful consideration of the targets it picks in […]
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October 3, 2023
Published by Rabbi Yosef A. Cohen, MD at October 3, 2023
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The Prayer of Rosh Hashana

Tfilat Hannah: A Model of Thanksgiving I’ve always been struck by the profound impact of a particular prayer on Rosh Hashanah, one that we don’t actually recite ourselves but rather find in the haftarah portion – the prayer of Hannah, תפלת חנה. Hannah’s story is a testament to unwavering faith […]
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May 9, 2023
Published by Rabbi Yosef A. Cohen, MD at May 9, 2023
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Metzora: Ralbag, Tzarat and Medicine

In today’s פרשיות, we encounter intricate instructions regarding the procedure for identifying a מצורע. Various verses elaborate on the specific criteria, such as changes in color, size, and hair, that must be met to diagnose someone as a מצורע. However, the practical applications of these regulations are not explicitly mentioned. […]
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May 9, 2023
Published by Rabbi Yosef A. Cohen, MD at May 9, 2023
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Kedoshim: The Ibn Ezra and Kelaim

קדושים תהיו, you should be holy, is understood by many ראשונים to highlight the value of a life not engaged in inappropriate relationships. It follows the prohibitions at the end of פרשת אחרי מות which list forbidden relationships and so it is logical that קדושים תהיו is a continuation of […]
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April 25, 2023
Published by Rabbi Yosef A. Cohen, MD at April 25, 2023
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Vayakel Pekudi

Few times throughout the Jews’ journeys in the desert does Moshe Rabbenu gather the people to speak with them. We must therefore consider the purpose of such events each time they occur. Rav Aharon Lichtenstein proposes that each time such a gathering occurred it a momentous occasion where Moshe gathered […]
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April 25, 2023
Published by Rabbi Yosef A. Cohen, MD at April 25, 2023
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Parshat Zachor

Three prominent enemies of the Jewish people appear throughout the Torah but only one bears the title of eternal enemy of the Jewish people. The מצרים enslaved us for hundreds of years. They drowned our babies and tormented our people. And yet, of them the Torah tells us לא תתעב […]
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