Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom

The Greatest Good

Published on June 19, 2003

The most exciting weeknight in our house is Thursday; our family eats a hasty dinner and I rush off, two or three children in tow, to Tomchei Shabbos.

On Account of This

Published on January 9, 2003

"I have a dream." With those magical words, the great leader of a generation began a speech that still quickens hearts today.

Burden of Leadership

Published on August 8, 2002

After 22 years of separation, believing his beloved son dead, Jacob was startled to hear that Joseph was not only alive but that he ruled the land of Egypt.

Individuality and Togetherness

Published on May 23, 2002

As I stood among the mourning nation on that clear, warm morning, I looked around and wept my own salty tears, but they were not entirely bitter and not all ephemeral as the emotions of the moment often are.

Facing Each Other

Published on February 14, 2002

I am sitting in my old seat in the study hall of Yeshivat Har Etzion, tucked away in the Judean hills, having completed a week of solidarity visits, catching up with old friends and attending inspiring and enlightening lectures. As a Bible teacher, I could not resist the opportunity to take a siyur tanakhi (Bible outing) with my old friend "Jabo," an experienced tour guide .

A Tough Match

Published on November 8, 2001

Our parasha includes a description of possibly the first shidduch (arranged marriage) in history. With the death of his beloved Sarah, Abraham turns his attention to the future and sends his servant back to "the old country" Haran to find a wife for Isaac. The mission with which he charges the servant is clear:

This Is the Torah

Published on August 2, 2001

In most of our synagogues, upon conclusion of the public reading of the Torah, the scroll is lifted for all to see, and the congregation recites: "And this is the Torah that Moses placed before the Children of Israel. "