Lessons From Levi

The Zealot

Guest Contributor David Nimmer examines the "cliffhanger" of Parshat Balak, followed by the opening of Parshat Pinchas, and explores the Talmudic dispute over whether Pinchas's act of zealotry was justified.

Far And Near

Rabbi Stein shows how the events of Parshat Balak offer two opposite views of the Jewish people, and how both are necessary for a complete picture.

Three Weeks

Rabbi Stein looks at the view of Rabbi Soloveitchik comparing the different levels of mourning to the days and weeks leading up to Tisha B'Av.

The Lesson Of Edom

Rabbi Stein looks at Edom's refusal to allow the Jewish people to pass through its territory, and how it may be an important lesson for the Jewish nation going forward.

30 Days

Rabbi Stein begins a discussion of the laws of Shloshim - the 30-day mourning period following burial, and how it is fundamentally different than Shiva - the first seven days.