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Is Sinai Mountain or Desert?
A wadi in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Photo: Florian Prischl via Wikimedia Commons.
JNS.org – Sinai is a mountain, but it’s also a desert. This week, we begin reading Numbers in synagogues around the world. But in Hebrew, the fourth book of the Torah is better known as Bamidbar, which literally means “in the desert.”
Many commentators expound on the importance of the Torah being given to the Jewish people in a wilderness. They note that a desert is an uninhabited, barren wasteland. This reminds us that to receive the Torah and truly absorb its message requires us to feel a sense of emptiness and nothingness. We must be small and insignificant in our own eyes. Only then can we be fitting receptacles for the infinite wisdom of God. Otherwise, we might question, argue and even reject its divine laws and way of life.
The story is told of a king who built a new palace. To decorate the magnificent dining hall, he commissioned the four greatest artists of his country to paint murals that would adorn its four walls. The best work of art would bring the artist a handsome prize over and above their payment.
Three of these renowned artists got busy immediately. They were seen measuring, sketching, designing and calculating their future mural. But the fourth artist was nowhere to be seen. Where he was and what his mural would look like remained a mystery until the fateful day when the four murals were to be unveiled in the presence of his majesty the king.
One mural after another was revealed to the exultation and admiration of the adoring, inspired assemblage. And then the fourth artist came forward. Instead of unveiling his own original mural, he revealed a giant intricately designed three-dimensional mirror. It reflected all the beautiful artistry on the other three walls. The people were simply awestruck and completely blown away. It was not just stunning; it was breathtaking.
Needless to say, he won the prize.
Sometimes it’s necessary to stand back from one’s own talents and achievements and look around. What are others doing? Have a good, objective look. By internalizing and incorporating the creativity and talents of others we may emerge even more exquisite.
But to do this requires the humility to appreciate that someone else has talent too. I’m not against originality and creativity. I’m not suggesting plagiarism as a way of life. But, from time to time, we should allow ourselves the opportunity to look objectively at the work of others and see how it may influence us for the better.
I don’t remember how many times I’ve read or listened to interviews with successful artists, whether in literature or music, who were asked by the interviewer, “Who was the greatest influence on your work or style?” Every one of these brilliant artists answered honestly and unapologetically, sharing the name or names of artists of the previous generation who had a powerful influence on their own style. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. On the contrary.
As a rabbi, I’m often surprised and taken aback at how everyone and their mother-in-law consider themselves experts in Judaism, and its philosophy and practice. People do, of course, seek out the wisdom and opinion of their rabbis when they experience doubts or dilemmas or have a difficult decision to make. This is as it should be. That’s what we’re here for. But then, I often see how the advice given to them by the rabbi is disregarded and not followed at all.
These same people consult doctors, lawyers and accountants, happily pay for their time and expertise, and follow their advice, swallowing their prescriptions faithfully. Is a rabbi less of a professional expert in his field? Somehow, when it comes to things Jewish, the same client decides that he knows better than the rabbi.
Is it, perhaps, because rabbis usually don’t charge for their services that they are less appreciated by their clientele?
All professionals, including rabbis, studied in their respective fields for several years and qualified for and received a degree. Why do people who don’t presume to be doctors, lawyers or accountants assume that when it comes to Jewish matters they can second-guess the rabbi? Is it ignorance or arrogance? Personally, I find it quite fascinating how every Jew thinks that when it comes to Judaism, he too is an expert authority.
When the sages suggested that the Torah was given in a wilderness to emphasize the need for humility in order for us to absorb its profundity, they clearly knew what they were talking about.
As we approach Shavuot, the Season of the Giving of the Torah, let us rethink our attitude towards respecting the Torah and appreciating its bona fide teachers. Then, not only will the Torah be given by God but it will be well-received by His people.
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Brooklyn Nets Select Israeli Basketball Players Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf in NBA Draft
The opening tip between the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards, at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, New York, Dec. 13, 2020. Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
In a landmark night for Israeli basketball, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf were selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets, marking the first time two Israeli players have been drafted in the same year.
Saraf, a 19-year-old guard known for his explosive athleticism and creative playmaking, was taken with the 26th pick. A standout with Maccabi Rishon LeZion and a rising star on Israel’s youth national teams, Saraf gained international attention with his electrifying scoring and commanding court presence.
With the 27th pick, the Nets selected 7-foot center Danny Wolf out of the University of Michigan. Wolf, who holds dual US-Israeli citizenship and represented Israel at the U-20 level, brings a versatile skill set, including sharp passing, perimeter shooting, and a strong feel for the game. After his name was called, Wolf grew emotional in an on-air interview, crediting his family for helping him reach the moment.
“I have the two greatest brothers in the world; I have an unbelievable sister who I love,” Wolf said. “They all helped me get to where I am today, and they’re going to help me get to where I am going to go in this league.”
The historic double-pick adds to the growing wave of Israeli presence on the NBA stage, led by Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija, who just completed a breakout 2024–25 season. After being traded to Portland last summer, Avdija thrived as a starter, averaging 16.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. In March alone, he posted 23.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, including two triple-doubles.
“I don’t think I’ve played like this before … I knew I had it in me. But I’m not really thinking about it. I’m just playing. I’m just free,” Avdija told reporters in March
With Saraf and Wolf joining Avdija, Israel’s basketball pipeline has reached unprecedented visibility. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the moment “a national celebration for sports and youth,” and Israeli sports commentators widely hailed the night as “historic.”
Both Saraf and Wolf are expected to suit up for the Nets’ Summer League team in July. As the two rookies begin their NBA journey, they join a growing generation of Israeli athletes proving that their game belongs on basketball’s biggest stage.
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Iran Denies Any Meeting With US Next Week, Foreign Minister Says
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi attends a press conference following a meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, April 18, 2025. Photo: Tatyana Makeyeva/Pool via REUTERS
Iran currently has no plan to meet with the United States, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday in an interview on state TV, contradicting US President Donald Trump’s statement that Washington planned to have talks with Iran next week.
The Iranian foreign minister said Tehran was assessing whether talks with the US were in its interest, following five previous rounds of negotiations that were cut short by Israel and the US attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The US and Israel said the strikes were meant to curb Iran’s ability to create nuclear weapons, while Iran says its nuclear program is solely geared toward civilian use.
Araqchi said the damages to nuclear sites “were not little” and that relevant authorities were figuring out the new realities of Iran’s nuclear program, which he said would inform Iran’s future diplomatic stance.
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Ireland Becomes First European Nation to Advance Ban on Trade With Israeli Settlements
A pro-Hamas demonstration in Ireland led by nationalist party Sinn Fein. Photo: Reuters/Clodagh Kilcoyne
Ireland has become the first European nation to push forward legislation banning trade with Israeli communities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem — an effort officials say is meant “to address the horrifying situation” in the Gaza Strip.
On Wednesday, Irish Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Simon Harris announced that the legislation has already been approved by the government and will now move to the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade for pre-legislative scrutiny.
“Ireland is speaking up and speaking out against the genocidal activity in Gaza,” Harris said during a press conference.
The Irish diplomat also told reporters he hopes the “real benefit” of the legislation will be to encourage other countries to follow suit, “because it is important that every country uses every lever at its disposal.”
Today Ireland becomes the first country in Europe to bring forward legislation to ban trade with the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Ireland is speaking up and speaking out against the genocidal activity in Gaza.
Every country must pull every lever at its disposal. pic.twitter.com/Z4RTjqntEY— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 24, 2025
Joining a growing number of EU member states aiming to curb Israel’s defensive campaign against the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, Ireland’s decision comes after a 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel’s presence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal.
The ICJ ruled that third countries must avoid trade or investment that supports “the illegal situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
Once implemented, the law will criminalize the importation of goods from Israeli settlements into Ireland, empowering customs officials to inspect, seize, and confiscate any such shipments.
“The situation in Palestine remains a matter of deep public concern,” Harris said. “I have made it consistently clear that this government will use all levers at its disposal to address the horrifying situation on the ground and to contribute to long-term efforts to achieve a sustainable peace on the basis of the two-state solution.”
“Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory are illegal and threaten the viability of the two-state solution,” the Irish diplomat continued. “This is the longstanding position of the European Union and our international partners. Furthermore, this is the clear position under international law.”
Harris also urged the EU to comply with the ICJ’s ruling by taking a more decisive and “adequate response” regarding imports from Israeli settlements.
“This is an issue that I will continue to press at EU level, and I reiterated my call for concrete proposals from the European Commission at the Foreign Affairs Council this week,” he said.
Last week, Ireland and eight other EU member states — Finland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden — called on the European Commission to draft proposals for how EU countries can halt trade and imports with Israeli settlements, in line with obligations set out by the ICJ.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the latest move by European countries, calling it “shameful” and a misguided attempt to undermine Israel while it faces “existential” threats from Iran and its proxies, including Hamas.
“It is regrettable that even when Israel is fighting an existential threat which is in Europe’s vital interest — there are those who can’t resist their anti-Israeli obsession,” the top Israeli diplomat said in a post on X.
It is regrettable that even when Israel fighting an existential threat which is in Europe vital interest – there are those who can’t resist their anti-Israeli obsession.
Shameful! https://t.co/lxm9qm8sM1— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) June 19, 2025
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