Collection
This is a collection of Dvrei Torah from members of Rabbis for Human Rights from 2024-2025 on the Parashot of Bamidbar. The Torah written here is part of our commitment to educating the public about human rights through a Jewish ethical lens, fostering a culture of awareness and action. Rabbis for Human Rights (RHR), founded in 1988, is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Comprising rabbis and rabbinical students from diverse Jewish traditions—including Reform, Orthodox, Conservative, and Reconstructionist—RHR is driven by the profound Jewish values of justice, dignity, and equality.
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Covenant of Peace: Thoughts on Prashat Pinchas - Rabbi Rodrigo BaumworcelParashat Pinchas challenges us to confront religious zealotry and violence. Rabbi Baumworcel urges us to interpret Torah through the lens of justice, empathy, and peace—not vengeance. A true “Covenant of Peace” must affirm life, dialogue, and moral responsibility.
How Fair Are Your Tents: Thoughts on Parashat Balak - Rabbi Reuven Greenvald (Director of the Year-In-Israel, Hebrew Union College - Jerusalem)Rabbi Reuven Greenvald recounts a homophobic encounter during an AC installation, linking it to Parashat Balak and Balaam’s blessing, “Mah Tovu.” He argues for the right to privacy—rooted in both Torah and civil law—as a foundation for LGBTQ dignity and inclusion.
Return But Different : Thoughts on Parashat Chukat - Rabbi Osnat Eldar (Translation: Rabbi Dana Sharon)In a time of “war within a war,” Rabbi Osnat Eldar reflects on Miriam’s death and the Israelite's plea for water in Parashat Chukat. Like the well that rose through music, not force, hope emerges when we resist despair and act with compassion.
Reality Bites: Thoughts on Parashat Korach - Rabbi Shira LevineAfter a week of sorrow and conflict, Parashat Korach reminds us how the earth itself can feel like an adversary. Yet through Torah, we seek life. Rabbi Shira Levine urges a shift from ego-based to participatory leadership—and invites us to fall, humbly, in solidarity with others.
“One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourns with you”: Thoughts on Parashat Shlach - Ofra Leibowitz, Rabbinic Student, Tmura InstituteOfra Leibowitz explores the dual naming of the land in Shlach—Canaan vs. “your habitation”—and the Torah’s command to treat strangers equally. She calls for moral reckoning in Israel today: if we ignore the dignity of the stranger, we risk forfeiting our right to dwell here.
Crime and Punishment: Thoughts on Parashat B'halotcha - Rabbi Naamah KelmanRabbi Naamah Kelman makes the case for Miriam as a feminist hero, even in Parashat B’halotcha, where she falters. Punished alone for speaking out, Miriam embodies moral complexity, accountability, and lasting leadership. Her voice still matters when others silence truth.
Taking Disagreement into Account: Thoughts on Parashat Nasso - Rabbi Dotan ArieliRabbi Dotan Arieli reflects on Parashat Nasso's repetition of identical offerings to highlight unity amid future division. In covenantal life—between tribes or spouses—we must anticipate disagreement. True partnership requires space for conflict, not just shared ideals.
To Mourn the Firstborn of Egypt: Thoughts on Parashat BaMidbar - Rabbi Ruti BaidachRabbi Ruti Baidach reflects on Parashat BaMidbar and the consecration of the firstborn urging us to mourning Israel the Egyptian firstborns equally. In today’s war-torn reality, she calls for the Levites to healers and rebuild a camp centered on human dignity.
