Michael BarclayMay 20Behar: Resting for SuccessThis week’s Torah portion of Behar (Lev. 25:1-26:2) focuses almost entirely on the importance of the Sabbath.
Michael BarclayMay 13Emor: Ethical Leadership Through ServiceThis week’s commentary is dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai...
Michael BarclayMar 4Pekudei: Eternal Change Through Physical ShiftsIn this final reading in the Book of Exodus, there are two important biblical concepts that are as important today as they were over 3000...
Michael BarclayFeb 25Vayakhel: Building a Holy Community on Individual Effort“Do not regard anyone with contempt, and do not reject anything, for there is no man who does not have his hour and nothing which does...
Michael BarclayFeb 4Terumah: How To Give a GiftThe first two lines of this Torah reading teach a valuable lesson we all need to remember in personal relationships: how to give a gift.
Michael BarclayJan 28Mishpatim: Surrendering to Our True SelvesIn the “Ahavat Olam” prayer chanted before the recitation of the Shema, we thank God for “laws and statutes” (chukim u’mishpatim).
Michael BarclayJan 21Yitro: The Ultimate Wedding“I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine” ---Song of Songs 6:3 For months and sometimes even years we prepare for our wedding day.
Michael BarclayJan 7Bo: Divine PartnershipThe story in this week’s portion is as recognizable as any in the entire Torah. Discussed at the Passover seder, it begins with Moses....
Michael BarclayOct 22, 2021Vayera: The Blessings of HospitalityThis week’s Torah portion of Vayera (Gen. 18:1-22:24) has one of the most important teachings found in Judaism, or any authentic faith .....
Michael BarclayOct 14, 2021Lech L’cha: The Power and Importance of CircumcisionThis week’s reading of Parsha Lech L’cha (Gen. 12:1-17:27) relates the beginning of God’s dialogue with Avraham ....
Michael BarclaySep 10, 2021Vayelech - Strength & Courage in the Face of LossThis commentary is written in memory of those who died twenty years ago on 9/11/2001, and in faith for a time of peace for us and those ....
Michael BarclayJul 9, 2021Matot/Masei - Our Word is Our BondAlthough there are 54 Torah portions, there are only 50 or 51 Shabbats per year, and that doesn’t count those Shabbats that have special...