Torah From Boca

🦁 They Called Us Monsters — But We Are Lions 🦁
A few months ago, my son asked me if he could read Mein Kampf.
His reason stopped me cold: "Abba, I need to know our enemy. I want to know what they think about us."
This week, we came home from Israel to a New York City mayor calling Jewish organizations "monsters" — the same word Hi**er used for us in his manifesto.
Same curse. Different century. Different costume.
In this week's sermon on Parashat Balak, I wrestle with the oldest mystery in Jewish history — and share what a 3,000-year-old text teaches us about who we really are.
They called us monsters.
But we are lions. 🦁
🎥 Watch the full sermon here
Share this with someone who needs to hear it.

Despite recent conflict, our congregation's Israel trip revealed a resilient land and unified people. We explored ancient sites, witnessed incredible strength, and felt deeply connected to the heart of Israel. Masada will not fall again.

The oldest physical evidence of the Torah? Not the Dead Sea Scrolls! An archaeologist tried to get rid of an annoying kid. The kid found a 2,600-year-old treasure. My sermon from last Shabbat - Naso and the story of the priestly blessing spanning from 7th BCE to the 23rd century, when a Jewish Vulcan named Spock introduced the world to a certain secret handshake that turned out to be a blessing - Want to learn more? Check out https://unpacked.media/jerusalems-hidden-scrolls-the-earliest-evidence-of/

What does Parashat Emor have to say about smartphones, social media, antisemitism, and the pressure of representing the Jewish people in public?
In this episode of Torah From Boca, Rabbi David Baum explores the ancient Jewish concepts of Kiddush Hashem and Hillul Hashem through some of today’s most difficult realities: viral outrage, public scandals, Israel, and the uncomfortable truth that in the digital age, every Jew is seen as a representative of something larger than themselves. Drawing on Torah, the Talmud, and recent events, this sermon asks: Is it fair that the actions of one Jew can affect how the world sees all Jews? And if it isn’t fair… does that change our responsibility? From the butcher shop examples in Tractate Yoma to the endless audience created by social media, this message argues that we are all public figures now.
📍 Torah From Boca with Rabbi David Baum
📖 Parashat Emor
📍 Congregation Shaarei Kodesh | Boca Raton, Florida

We Are All Public Figures Now. Now What?
Kiddush Hashem in the Age of Smartphones
What does Parashat Emor have to say about smartphones, social media, antisemitism, and the pressure of representing the Jewish people in public?
In this episode of Torah From Boca, Rabbi David Baum explores the ancient Jewish concepts of Kiddush Hashem and Hillul Hashem through some of today’s most difficult realities: viral outrage, public scandals, Israel, and the uncomfortable truth that in the digital age, every Jew is seen as a representative of something larger than themselves.
Drawing on Torah, the Talmud, and recent events, this sermon asks:
Is it fair that the actions of one Jew can affect how the world sees all Jews?
And if it isn’t fair… does that change our responsibility?
From the butcher shop examples in Tractate Yoma to the endless audience created by social media, this message argues that we are all public figures now.
📍 Torah From Boca with Rabbi David Baum
📖 Parashat Emor
📍 Congregation Shaarei Kodesh | Boca Raton, Florida

The uncomfortable truth: we are all public figures. Every action is broadcast, seen by many, and shared instantly. What happens anywhere echoes everywhere. As Jews, we are woven together, a family that can't opt out. Our smallness means every action carries more weight. Think before you post, react, or respond—because someone is always watching.

This Shabbat Hagadol message explores how embracing complexity and listening to different perspectives, even amidst disagreements, can strengthen communities and pave the way for deeper connection, just as the Seder encourages us to do.

Torah from Boca with Rabbi David Baum
What makes a synagogue the “largest” in America? Is it the size of the building, the beauty of the architecture, or the number of people who belong to it?
In this episode of Torah from Boca, Rabbi David Baum explores that question through the lens of Parashat Vayakhel and the Torah’s description of the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness.
At a time when synagogues around the world are facing threats and attacks, this teaching reminds us of a deeper truth in Jewish tradition: long before we had buildings, we were already a people.
The Mishkan was not only about gold, silver, and sacred design. It was about a community gathering together to create holy space.
Because in Judaism, the sanctuary truly lives when Jews gather together.
📖 Parashat Vayakhel
🎙 Torah from Boca with Rabbi David Baum
📍 Congregation Shaarei Kodesh – Boca Raton, Florida

Purim's true meaning isn't just joy; it's courage amid fear. Tonight, we celebrate knowing soldiers are mobilized and families await news. Jewish joy acknowledges danger, trusting history is still unfolding. We pray for safety, wisdom, and a future free from sirens, filled with song.