Michael Barclay
Shoftim - Pursuing True Justice
Have you ever wondered how it can be true that “two Jews equals three opinions, four rabbis, and five synagogues”?
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Michael Barclay
- May 19
Behar: Resting for Success
This week’s Torah portion of Behar (Lev. 25:1-26:2) focuses almost entirely on the importance of the Sabbath.
Michael Barclay
- May 12
Emor: Ethical Leadership Through Service
This week’s commentary is dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai...
Michael Barclay
- Mar 3
Pekudei: Eternal Change Through Physical Shifts
In 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 Barclay
- Feb 25
Vayakhel: 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 Barclay
- Feb 4
Terumah: How To Give a Gift
The 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 Barclay
- Jan 28
Mishpatim: Surrendering to Our True Selves
In the “Ahavat Olam” prayer chanted before the recitation of the Shema, we thank God for “laws and statutes” (chukim u’mishpatim).
Michael Barclay
- Jan 20
Yitro: 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 Barclay
- Jan 6
Bo: Divine Partnership
The 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 Barclay
- Oct 22, 2021
Vayera: The Blessings of Hospitality
This 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 Barclay
- Oct 14, 2021
Lech L’cha: The Power and Importance of Circumcision
This week’s reading of Parsha Lech L’cha (Gen. 12:1-17:27) relates the beginning of God’s dialogue with Avraham ....
Michael Barclay
- Sep 10, 2021
Vayelech - Strength & Courage in the Face of Loss
This 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 Barclay
- Jul 8, 2021
Matot/Masei - Our Word is Our Bond
Although there are 54 Torah portions, there are only 50 or 51 Shabbats per year, and that doesn’t count those Shabbats that have special...