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David Harbater

David Harbater

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

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A Yom HaAtzmaut Parody—and a Much-Needed Conversation

For those who have not yet seen the video by Eli Lebowicz and Dovi Neuberger parodying two conflicting views on the nature and significance of Yom...

21.04.2026 40

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

What Is the Connection Between Tazria–Metzora, Yom HaShoah, and Yom HaAtzmaut?

What Is the Connection Between Tazria–Metzora, Yom HaShoah, and Yom HaAtzmaut?

This week, as we read Parshiot Tazria–Metzora, we find ourselves situated between two of the most powerful markers of modern Jewish history: Yom...

16.04.2026 40

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

Is Pesach 2026 the Most Authentic?

This year, many Israelis find themselves in an unfamiliar and unsettling reality. Travel is restricted. Flights are limited or unavailable. The option...

01.04.2026 60

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

What Is the Haggadah—and What Is Its Purpose?

For an abridged video version of these thoughts on the Haggadah: https://youtu.be/U0iy8rIjs34 In Judaism, we generally recognize two primary...

01.04.2026 60

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

Tzav: The Thanksgiving Offering and Dayenu in a Time of War

Parashat Tzav introduces us to the korban todah—the thanksgiving offering. Unlike other sacrifices, the todah is not brought for sin or atonement,...

26.03.2026 50

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

Vayikra: From Sirens to Silence

In Israel today, there are sounds we have come to know all too well—the sharp, jarring alerts, followed by the rising and falling wail of sirens...

19.03.2026 60

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

A Message for Our Time from Parshiyot Vayakhel–Pekudei and HaChodesh

This Shabbat we read the double portion of Vayakhel–Pekudei as part of the weekly Torah cycle. Because it is also the eve of the month of Nisan, we...

12.03.2026 60

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

A Friday Evening Adventure in ‘Secular’ Tel Aviv

A month ago, my wife and I spent Shabbat in a charming hotel in Yafo. Searching for an inspiring place to daven (pray) on Friday night, we were...

23.02.2026 60

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

The Mishkan and Its Lessons for Today

The second book of the Torah is known by its Greek title, Exodus—a word that evokes movement, drama, and liberation. The name reflects the...

18.02.2026 30

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

Yitro: God’s Revelation, the Ten Commandments and Yitro?

05.02.2026 40

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

The Song at the Sea and the Song of Our Day

30.01.2026 30

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

Vayechi and Accountability: Jacob’s Final Lesson for Our Time

02.01.2026 80

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

Vayetzei: The Past and the Future of the Jewish Diaspora

27.11.2025 100

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

The Ten Days of Repentance: Before Whom Do We Repent?

26.09.2025 40

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

Behar-Bechukotai: A Blessing amid the Curse

22.05.2025 50

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater

Yitro: Is Shabbat about God, Others or Ourselves?

14.02.2025 40

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

David Harbater