Ari Fuld on the Parsha

Why did Avraham pay full price for Ma'arat HaMachpela if God had already promised him the Land of Israel? Why did Yishmael return to bury his father alongside Yitzchak? And what do the destruction of Avraham's wells, King Solomon's judgment, and the arson attacks across Israel teach us about hatred, ownership, and the true road to peace?

Why did Avraham fear for his life in Avimelech's kingdom, despite its apparent morality? Why did he challenge an offer of peace that seemed too good to refuse? Why did Avraham, whose defining trait was chesed, send away Yishmael without arguing, and then agree to sacrifice Yitzchak? And what does the Akeidah have to do with Israel's ability to defeat its enemies and achieve genuine peace? Ari Fuld connects these seemingly unrelated events to reveal the foundation of true morality, the limits of kindness, and why peace is about much more than land.

Why does God tell Avraham to leave his homeland without telling him where he's going? If God promises him tremendous blessings, what's the test? And why does the Torah emphasize everything Avraham must leave behind? Ari Fuld explores what Lech Lecha teaches us about returning to our Jewish homeland, leaving behind the mindset of exile, and why Israel's survival must never depend on America or any other nation, but only on God.

What's more important, morality or unity? Why were the generations of Noach and the Tower of Bavel punished before mankind received the Torah? And how can we stand up for what's right, even when it's unpopular, without disconnecting ourselves from society? Ari Fuld explores what it means to be a hero, the power of mutual respect, and how to sanctify the everyday world.

Why does the Torah spend so much time describing a Creation we cannot fully understand? Why did Moshe Rabbeinu break the luchot—and why did God approve? Ari Fuld connects the opening and closing of the Torah to one underlying idea: there is objective truth in the world, and everything else depends on recognizing it.

What protects the Jewish people—the army we build, or the source of strength behind it? In Ha’azinu, Ari Fuld turns Moshe Rabbeinu’s final words into a powerful lesson about God’s protection, the meaning of Jewish morality, the dishonesty of denying Israel’s connection to its land, and why the Torah remains the life source of the Jewish people.

Why does Moshe tell Yehoshua to “be strong and courageous” when Jewish faith teaches us not to rely on our own strength? And when does humility stop being a virtue and become an excuse for failing to lead?

How can the Torah declare, “You are standing here today,” immediately after warning of exile, curses and national disaster? Why does punishment in Judaism lead not to rejection, but to return — and are we watching that promised return unfold in our own generation?

What do Bikkurim teach us about the Jewish people’s connection to the Land of Israel, and why does the Torah require us to recount our history when we bring its fruits? Ari explains that being indigenous to the Land is not only about rights—it carries a covenant, responsibilities, and the recognition that ultimately, the Ba’al HaBayit is God.

Why does a parsha that begins with war suddenly turn to lost property, marriage, compassion for animals, paying workers on time, and other seemingly unrelated commandments? Ari Fuld explains that Ki Teitzei is not really teaching us only how to fight a war—it is teaching us what makes us worthy of victory.

Is Judaism a democracy, a monarchy, or a theocracy—and what happens when those systems come into conflict? Ari Fuld argues that the Torah’s answer is all three, but only when judges, leaders, and even kings remain subordinate to an objective morality defined by Torah.

Why does the Torah tell us to “see” the blessing and the curse rather than simply listen? Why are the blessing and curse presented as the choice itself rather than as later rewards and punishments? Can morality be defined by each person and society according to what seems right in their own eyes, and if not, what makes the Torah’s moral standard objective and binding?

How much of Israel’s success comes from our own courage and effort, and how much comes from God? Parashat Eikev teaches that faith does not replace action—God gives us the strength, but it is up to us to use it.

On Tisha B'Av, Ari Fuld challenges us to look beyond mourning the tragedies of the past and recognize the extraordinary moment in Jewish history in which we are living. The question is no longer only what God will do for us, but whether we have the clarity and courage to take the next step toward redemption.

Those of us living in Israel are constantly asking ourselves: How do we succeed here? How do we gain the world’s respect? How do we achieve peace? How do we stop the killing of Jews and others in this country? This week’s parsha gives us the answers.

When is unity a source of strength, and when can it become destructive? Why must Yehoshua be strong and courageous if God has already promised to fight for him—and how can human strength and faith in God work together?