Torah Commentary 5770

Rabbi Andrew Shugerman, Rabbinic Fellow, Development department, JTS, discusses Balaam's journey from mercenary to advocate for the state of Israel in his commentary on Parashat Balak.

Dr. Barry Holtz, dean of the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education and the Theodore and Florence Baumritter Professor of Jewish Education at The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the connection and importance of ritual in his commentary.

Rabbi David Hoffman, lecturer in the Department of Talmud and Rabbinics and scholar-in-residence, JTS, discusses the nature of Korah's great rebellion in his commentary on Parashat Korah.

Professor Arnold M. Eisen, Chancellor of The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the nature and importance of Convenant in his compelling commentary on Parashat Sh'lah L'kha.

Rabbi Abigail Treu, Director, Donor Relations, JTS discusses the issues surrounding the Israelis' frustration during their exodus from Egypt in her commentary on Parashat B'haalot'kha.

Rabbi Robbie Harris, associate professor of Bible, JTS, discusses the themes of Parashat B'midbar in a commentary entitled "Teach Us to Number, O God!"

Dr. Alan Cooper, Elaine Ravich Professor of Jewish Studies and provost, JTS, discusses the distinction between descendents of the priestly castes (kohen, levi) and ordinary Jews (yisra'el) in his commentary on Parashat Emor.

Rabbi David Hoffman, Scholar-in-Residence, Development Department, JTS, discusses identity building in his commentary on Parashat Aharei Mot-K'doshim.

Arnold M. Eisen, chancellor of The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the meaning of skin diseases in his commentary on Parashat Tazria/Metzora.

Rabbi Eliezer Diamond, Rabbi Judah Nadich Associate Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at The Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the meaning of silence in his compelling commentary on Parashat Sh'mini.