Necessary Things

Census With A Twist

Guest Contributor Dr. Rena Selya Cohen explains why the census depicted in Parshat Pinchas is different, with added details and family stories.

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.