Unbelief is a powerful thing. But its power is not always obvious. It does not usually announce itself as rebellion.

Life in the wilderness! In some ways it was glorious and in other ways it was disappointing and difficult. The children of Israel were redeemed out of Egypt, miraculously crossed the Red Sea, and sang a great song of praise as seen in Exodus 12–15.

This week we begin the Book of Numbers. The Hebrew name of it is Bamidbar which translates in English to “In the Wilderness.” The Book of Numbers describes the journey of Israel from Sinai to the Plains of Moab just before entering the land.

One of the names that describes Passover in the Haggadah is z’man cheruteinu, the “season of our freedom.” We gather around the Seder table remembering how God brought our ancestors out of Egyptian slavery to freedom in the wilderness.

This week's Torah portion brings us to the end of Bamidbar, the Book of Numbers. The children of Israel are preparing to enter the land as Moses recounts the history of the wilderness wanderings and the distribution of land. In chapter 32, the tribes of Reuben and Gad ask Moses if they could settle on the east side of the Jordan without entering the land.

This Shabbat is unique because it takes place during Sukkot. The special Torah portion comes from Exodus 33–34, reminding us of the...

This week our Torah portion is the beginning of the end of the Book of Deuteronomy. It describes covenant renewal procedures for the...

This week our Torah portion begins the Book of Numbers. The Hebrew name is Bamidbar which means "In the Wilderness". It is the story of...