Category: Parsha
Moshe, the people & spiritual evolution (VaEra)
Shabbat shalom, Chodesh Tov, and thank you so much for having me. Today I’d like to speak about an important topic that gets to the roots of the Torah: EVOLUTION. Now before you start thinking that I am planning to talk about Darwin’s evolution of the species I should explain that I have no intention…
DetailsThe dangers of deconstruction (Bemidbar)
Parshat Bemidbar contains a detailed census of Bnei Yisrael, as well as instructions about how the Mishkan (Tabernacle) should be transported as Bnei Yisrael journey through the desert. However, even though the tribe of the Kehati family was responsible for transporting each part of the Mishkan, we are told that they were prohibited from observing…
DetailsErrors in Emunah (Tazria)
While Parshat Tazria begins with the laws of childbirth, the major focus of this and the following parsha are the laws of Tzora’at. But while many commentaries highlight the association between Tzora’at and Lashon Hara, others offer a slightly different approach regarding the significance of this condition. The Torah distinguishes between Tzora’at on the body…
DetailsEducating awe of God (Shemini)
For the past two months, the weekly Torah reading has almost entirely discussed details about the Mishkan. However, it is only in Parshat Shemini when the Mishkan completes its transformation from blueprint to building and when it becomes a fully functioning centre for religious life. Like all great institutions, the official opening of the Mishkan…
DetailsHasbara for Torah observance (Vayikra)
Parshat Vayikra concludes with the laws concerning guilt offerings for theft, and it is here where we learn that if someone has stolen an object then they are required by Torah law to return that specific object. But – ask our Rabbis – what if the object has since been sold or destroyed? In such…
DetailsCelebrating spiritual growth (Pekudei)
Upon the completion of the Mishkan, we are told: ‘Moshe saw the entire work and lo! they had done it (וְהִנֵּה עָשׂוּ אֹתָהּ); as God had commanded, so had they done (כֵּן עָשׂוּ); and Moshe blessed them’ (Shemot 39:43). This verse is obviously puzzling since we are twice told that the people did what was…
DetailsLiving in His shadow (Vayakhel)
In Parshat Vayakhel, we read how the construction of the Mishkan was overseen by its chief architect Betzalel, and according to numerous sources, it was this role as architect of the Mishkan which explains why he was given the name Betzalel. Our Rabbis explain that the name Betzalel is a construct of the words ב-צל-אל…
DetailsStanding up for God and Torah (Ki Tissa)
In Parshat Ki Tissa we read about the episode of the Egel Hazahav (golden calf) that Bnei Yisrael built in Moshe’s absence. On his return, Moshe broke the luchot (tablets), destroyed the Egel, challenged Aharon concerning his involvement in this episode and then gave an ultimatum to the remaining people: מִי לַה’ אֵלָי – who…
DetailsA Torah diet and an olive tree (Tetzaveh)
Around six months ago we were blessed to purchase a house in Israel, and among the trees that the previous owner had planted in the garden is a pomelo, pomegranate & olive tree. When we moved in, all of these trees looked stunning with their green leaves and bountiful produce. But then autumn & winter…
DetailsMake your shul a true Mishkan (Terumah)
Parshat Terumah begins with the instruction to construct a Mishkan (a tabernacle), and then proceeds to record the detailed measurements and necessary materials in order to do so. Among the various elements listed in the parsha are the קרשים – the vertical beams that were the basis of the walls of the Mishkan. However, rather…
DetailsAnswers that are both true and correct (Mishpatim)
Last Shabbat we read Parshat Yitro whose final verse informs us that the Kohanim were forbidden to ascend the altar on steps – which is why there was a ramp beside the altar. The following verse, which is the first verse of Parshat Mishpatim, begins with the words: ‘and these are the ordinances that you shall place…
DetailsThink before you sing (Beshalach)
Parshat Beshalach is best known for the Az Yashir song that was sung by Bnei Yisrael upon crossing the Yam Suf. ‘On that day, Hashem saved Israel from the hand of Egypt, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great hand that Hashem inflicted upon Egypt, and the people revered…
DetailsThe secret of Jewish continuity (Bo)
Parshat Bo describes the final three plagues that were meted out to the Egyptians, it details the laws of the Korban Pesach, and it instructs us to observe the laws of Pesach. But in addition to all of this, Parshat Bo reveals the secret of Jewish continuity and teaches us how to maintain our identity…
DetailsYou cannot measure success just by numbers (VaEra)
Parshat Vaera begins with a series of verses that describe the five stages of redemption from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Land of Israel, the last of which being that God promises to ‘bring you into the land… and I will give it to you as an inheritance’ (Shemot 6:8). Yet despite this…
DetailsThe power of the midwives (Shemot)
Early on in Parshat Shemot we are introduced to a new king of Egypt who is either unaware of the positive impact that Bnei Yisrael have had on Egypt, or chooses to ignore this fact. This new Pharoh began his reign by initiating the very first set of anti-Jewish laws, but to the frustration of…
DetailsLive your life uniquely (Vayechi)
This Shabbat we read how Yaakov blesses each of his children before he dies, and what is particularly fascinating about these verses is that they highlight what Yaakov considered to be the individual destinies of each of his children. As Sforno explains, ‘to each of them he gave a blessing that was particularly suited for…
DetailsBringing our family together in peace (Vayigash)
Following the dramatic moment when Yosef reveals himself to his brothers, he sends his brothers to collect Yaakov in order to bring him down to Egypt. During this journey, ‘God spoke to Yisrael in visions of the night, and said: Yaakov! Yaakov! [And] he replied: Here I am’ (Bereishit 46:2). A sensitive reader will notice…
DetailsPharoh and Al HaNissim (Miketz)
Parshat Mikeitz begins with a description of Pharoh’s two dreams, the first of which describes how seven lean cows ate seven fat cows, while the second describes how seven thin ears of grain swallowed up seven fat, full ears of grain. We are then told that Pharoh woke up the next morning feeling agitated by…
DetailsHow we live and how we advocate (Vayishlach)
One of the saddest moments throughout Tanach is found in Parshat Vayishlach when read about the death of Rachel who died while giving birth to her son Binyamin: ‘…as she breathed her last, she named the child Ben-Oni (My Sorrow’s Son). His father called him Benjamin. Rachel died and was buried on the road to…
DetailsIt’s never too early to pray (Vayetze)
Following his famous dream when en route to the house of Lavan, Yaakov makes a vow that ‘if God will be with me, if He will protect me on the journey that I am taking, if He gives me bread to eat and clothing to wear, if I return in peace to my father’s house,…
DetailsWe must constantly dig (Toldot)
In this week’s parsha we read how Yitzchak redug the wells of water which his father, Avraham, had previously dug and that the Philistines had spitefully filled up with dirt. While we could interpret this story as merely shedding light on the history of Israelite-Philistine tensions of the past, Rabbi Steinsaltz (in ‘Talks on the…
DetailsAll for the good (Chayei Sarah)
Our Parsha begins by informing us that Sarah died at the age of 127, and in response to the fact that the opening verse repeats that these were ‘the years of Sarah’s life’, Rashi remarks that כלן שוין לטובה – which is generally understood to mean that ‘every year in her life was equally good’.…
DetailsSeeing the Shechina in one another (Vayera)
Parshat Vayera begins with Avraham sitting outside his tent having recently undergone his brit milah. As Avraham lifted his eyes, he saw three strangers passing by and he exclaimed “My Lord, if now I have found favour in Your eyes, please do not pass from Your servant” (Bereishit 18:3). While it would appear that Avraham…
DetailsOutreach by ideas, not just personality (Lech Lecha)
Parshat Lech Lecha begins by telling us how Avraham and Sarah heard the call of God to journey to the Land of Israel, and while the Torah informs us that Avraham and Sarah were accompanied by Lot, the nephew of Avraham, it also indicates that others also joined Avraham and Sarah on this journey. According…
DetailsSpeak up! (Noach)
Parshat Noach begins by telling us that “Noach was a righteous man, perfect in his generations” (Bereishit 6:9), and though many take these words on face value, Rav Yochanan understands that the words ‘in his generations’ teach us that while Noach was considered righteous in his generation, he would not have been regarded as a…
DetailsThe sin of Adam (Bereishit)
Two of the most famous episodes in Parshat Bereishit are the sin of Adam & Chava (Bereishit Ch. 3) and the murder of Hevel by Kayin (Bereishit 4), and inspired by an insights in Thomas Furst’s Torah Mysteries Illuminated I would like to explain how these two episodes are connected. We know that Chava was tricked by the…
DetailsSukkot and Affluenza (Ha’azinu)
Then Yeshurun became fat and kicked (Devarim 32:15). This verse in Parshat Ha’azinu is the first occasion in Tanach where we encounter the name Yeshurun, and as is evident, its initial appearance is not a positive one. Yet the name Yeshurun is, in fact, a very positive one. Yeshurun, whose root yashar means ‘straight’, refers to the way…
DetailsWhat children teach us (Vayelech)
Parshat Vayelech teaches us about the mitzvah of Hakhel, which requires all men, women and children to gather and hear the king read from the Torah once every seven years (see Devarim 31:12). Yet, while it is clear why both men and women were required to attend this event, what is less obvious is the…
DetailsShowing and Sharing Torah (Ki Tavo)
The last of the curses listed in Parshat Ki Tavo is “Cursed is he who does not uphold and keep this entire Torah” (Devarim 27:26), thereby emphasizing the general message of Sefer Devarim that adherence to Torah law is good, and failing to adhere to those laws is bad. However, many commentaries believe that this…
DetailsWhat a judge should remember (Shoftim)
One of the most fascinating topics discussed in Parshat Shoftim is the hierarchy of the Jewish legal system. There we read that “if you are unable to reach a decision in cases that demand examination of different types of דם/blood (ie. capital cases), different types of דין/litigation, or different types of נגע/marks (ie. cases involving…
DetailsGive what they need (Re’eh)
Among the many laws found in Parshat Re’eh is the instruction to provide the poor with whatever they need (see Devarim 15:7). Understood literally, it means that we must ensure that the poor are provided with basic food & housing. However, the Rabbis (Talmud Bavli, Ketuvot 67a) derived an additional rule from this verse, which is that we must…
DetailsIsrael as a standard setter (Ekev)
As the Jewish people prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael, Moshe reminds them of the unique beauty and bounty of the land, telling them “your God is bringing you to a good land… a land of wheat and barley, of vines and figs and pomegranates, a land of olives and dates” (Devarim 8:7-8), and in his commentary to the…
DetailsTorah should be a free comodity (VaEtchanan)
Despite repeated pleading, Moshe is told by God that he will not step foot in Eretz Yisrael. Yet, notwithstanding his strong feelings of disappointment, Moshe channels his emotions and begins to teach the people about how life will be different once they enter the land. In contrast to the wilderness where food and water were miraculously…
DetailsTransparent institutions (Mattot-Masei)
Parshat Matot includes the request to Moshe from the tribes of Reuven and Gad to remain across the Jordan. Initially, Moshe seems resistant to this arrangement as it would mean that these two tribes would choose a comfortable and undisturbed lifestyle while the rest of Bnei Yisrael fought to conquest the land of Israel. However,…
DetailsEarning our inheritance (Pinchas)
Parshat Pinchas contains a number of stories which seemingly have little in common. We read about Pinchas who killed Zimri & Kozbi, we are told of the census of the Jewish people and the distribution of Eretz Yisrael, we hear about the claim of the daughters of Tzelofchad and we read about the appointment of…
DetailsWhat values do we value? (Balak)
At the beginning of Parshat Balak we read how Balak sent messengers to Bilam to ask him to ‘put a curse upon this people’. However, having received an instruction from God that he should not go with these messengers or curse the people, Bilam refused the invitation. Then, in response to a second request by a more senior…
DetailsHow we look at ourselves (Shelach-Lecha)
Parashat Shelach-Lecha describes the tragic episode of the meraglim – the spies, who were sent to journey around the land of Israel to find out ‘what kind of land it is. Are the people who live there strong or weak, few or many?’ (Bemidbar 13:18-19). Unfortunately, they returned with a negative report. ‘The land that…
DetailsThe triple tragedy in the wilderness (Chukat)
According to tradition (Ta’anit 9a), Bnei Yisrael were sustained throughout their journey in the wilderness by water from a miraculous well which was provided in the spiritual merit of Miriam. This means that immediately upon the death of Miriam, ‘the community was without water’ (Bemidbar 20:2) and they complained harshly to Moshe & Aharon. Moshe…
DetailsBeing there (Balak)
This Shabbat in Israel we read Parshat Balak which tells the story of Bilam the prophet who went OTD (Off the Derech). Bilam was a man of considerable spiritual gifts, with prophetic ability equivalent to – and possibly even greater than – Moshe, and it was precisely due to Bilam’s spiritual talents that Balak, King…
DetailsTwo kings & One crown (Pinchas)
This Shabbat in Israel we read Parshat Pinchas which describes the process by which Yehoshua was appointed successor to Moshe. Once Moshe was informed by G-d that Yehoshua was going to take over the leadership, he was told to ‘lay your hands upon him’ (Bemidbar 27:18), and to ‘give him your majesty’ (ibid. 27:20) which…
DetailsActs of mercy, gifts of food (Ki Tavo)
This Shabbat we read Parshat Ki Tavo which describes the ritual of bringing the Bikkurim to the Kohanim in the Beit Hamikdash, and this Motzei Shabbat Ashkenazim begin reciting Selichot (which Sephardim have already been reciting since the start of the month of Ellul) which has at its core the י”ג מדות הרחמים (the 13…
DetailsA map to make the right choices (Nitzavim)
One of the most important ideas developed in the Torah is freedom of choice and consequence of actions, and perhaps the starkest expression of this idea is found in our parsha where we read: “See! Today I have set before you [a free choice] between life and good, and death and evil” (Devarim 30:15). Simply…
DetailsThe song of Torah (Vayelech)
This Shabbat we read Parshat Vayelech which contains the instruction to “write for yourselves this song and teach it to the children of Israel” (Devarim 31:19). From this verse our Rabbis learn that we have a duty to write, or take part in writing, a Sefer Torah. However, what is particularly noteworthy is the fact that…
DetailsShare your Torah (Ha’azinu)
We’ve almost reached the end of the Torah and in Ha’azinu we find Moshe’s swan song in which he communicates some of the most important lessons he has learnt throughout his life in a stunning and inspiring song. In Ha’azinu Moshe speaks of the love and justness of God, and the danger and impact of…
DetailsThe meaning of Reishit (Bereishit)
This Shabbat we restart our reading of the Torah with Parshat Bereishit, and as Rabbi Sacks has previously pointed out (Three Approaches to Halacha, 1987), the very first word of the Torah hints to a tension regarding the priorities of every Jew, and in particular, every halakhic decisor. Rashi notes (commentary to Bereishit 1:1 s.v.…
DetailsMaking the wrong choice (Noach)
Following the flood that destroyed almost human being on earth, we are told that Noach planted a vineyard, drank of the wine, became drunk, and then uncovered himself in his tent (see Bereishit 9:20-21). Yet while our Rabbis seem imply that Noach’s choice to plant a vineyard immediately upon exiting the ark was misguided, they…
DetailsOn valuing people and valuables (Lech Lecha)
If you take a close look at Parshat Lech Lecha it becomes evidently clear that a major theme in the parsha is the relationship between Avraham and his nephew Lot, and as Nechama Leibowitz (Studies in Bereishit pp. 122-123) beautifully explains, the verses themselves highlight why their relationship became strained over time. We begin with…
DetailsBeautiful name, Ugly deeds (Toldot)
In Parshat Toldot we are introduced to Yaakov and Esav. Yaakov was an איש תם, literally ‘a simple man’, but as Rashi explains (on Bereishit 25:28), this term also refers to Yaakov’s sincerity. As he explains, כלבו כן בפיו, ‘what was in his heart was expressed by his mouth’. Contrasting this is Esav who was…
DetailsRevelation and vulnerability (Vayetze)
Parshat Vayetze begins with the famous dream of Yaakov in which he sees angels ascending and descending a ladder resting on the group and reaching into heaven. The dream is a revelation, and its rich imagery offers Yaakov a profound understanding of the relationship between heaven and earth and the significance of Jerusalem as the…
DetailsThe danger and duty to stand alone (Vayishlach)
Parshat Vayishlach describes the events leading up to, and including, Yaakov’s confrontation with Esav, and it is while travelling towards Esav that we are told about Yaakov’s encounter with an angel with whom he wrestles until morning. Yet just before describing Yaakov’s encounter with the angel, the Torah records a number of curious details concerning…
DetailsNot in God’s name (Miketz)
Parashat Miketz tells the dramatic story of Yosef’s sudden rise power and his harsh treatment of his brothers. Having accused his brothers of coming to Egypt with the intention of spying, Yosef exclaims: ‘by Pharaoh’s life – you will not leave here except with the arrival of your youngest brother here’ (Bereishit 42:15). But as…
DetailsThe test of the manna (Beshalach)
In Parshat Beshalach we read about the manna – the heavenly bread – which the Bnei Yisrael received as a divine gift six days a week, with a double portion being provided on Friday. However, while the Manna was a gift, it was not an unconditional gift. Instead, God used the manna to test the…
DetailsHearing with our eyes (Yitro)
Among the many unique aspects of Matan Torah we are told that “all the people saw the sounds, the flames, the blast of the ram’s horn and the mountain smoking” (Shemot 20:15), and according to a fascinating debate recorded in the Mechilta, this verse can be understood in two very different ways. According to Rabbi…
DetailsShabbat and our inner Mishkan (Terumah)
Parshat Terumah focusses on the building of the Mishkan, and it is here – and in the following parshiot – where we are given detailed information about the fittings and fixtures of the Mishkan. Yet it is precisely these details which led our Sages to the conclusion that the Mishkan’s elaborate features could not simply…
DetailsEconomic equality in the Midbar (Vayakhel-Pekudei)
When describing the voluntary donations to the Mishkan, Parshat Vayakhel informs us that both ‘men and women, all whose hearts moved them’ (Shemot 35:22,29) made contributions, which included the different coloured wool that was spun by the women (35:25-26). But as Rav Moshe Sternbuch (Ta’am V’Daat on Shemot 35:26) points out, despite the beauty of…
DetailsAtonement through Chessed (Vayikra)
This Shabbat we begin our reading of Sefer Vayikra, and a major part of the book concerns itself with the laws of korbanot (sacrifices). As the Torah explains, the primary function of the korbanot was to enable people to draw close to G-d and to achieve atonement from G-d. As such, when the Second Beit…
DetailsStarting your day right (Shmini)
Parshat Shmini begins on the eighth and final day of the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and it was meant to be a day of pure celebration. Having invested so much time, energy & money in the construction of the Mishkan, this centerpiece of the Israelite camp was intended to remind the people of their…
DetailsRemember you’re unique (Tazria-Metzora)
In Parshiot Tazria-Metzora we learn about the Tzora’at affliction which, we are told, appears in response to a variety of spiritual failings – including lashon hara. As such, it would appear that these laws are intended to serve as a reminder for us to live with a heightened level of spiritual awareness and with a…
DetailsMake Jewish observance easier (Beha’alotecha)
Parshat Beha’alotecha begins with the instruction to light the Menorah in the Mishkan, and though not explicit in the verse, our Rabbis explain that the Kohen would stand on a stone in which three steps had been cut out in order to light the Menorah. But as Rabbi Mordechai Carlebach explains in his Havatzelet HaSharon,…
DetailsEffective successors and effective leaders (Shlach-Lecha)
Parshat Shelach Lecha tells the story of the twelve spies who came to the land of Israel to find out if it was good or bad. As we know, ten of the spies returned with a negative report, while Yehoshua & Kalev – together – offered a more upbeat message. However, as Rav Tamir Granot…
DetailsWhen words come to an end (Korach)
This Shabbat we read about two groups who challenged Moshe & Aharon in the wilderness. One was Korach and his followers who challenged the priestly prerogatives, and the second was Datan, Aviram and others who came to express their anger in response to their demotion in place of the Leviim. The former were punished with…
DetailsBook burning and collective loss (Chukat)
This Shabbat we read Parshat Chukat which begins with the law of the Parah Adumah (Red Heifer) whose ashes purified the impure, and ‘impurified’ the pure. Interestingly, according to the Magen Avraham (Orach Chaim 580:9), the Friday before Shabbat Parshat Chukat also conjures up images of ashes. However, in this case the ashes only have…
DetailsThe transformative waters of Torah (Balak)
Some of the most exquisite words of prophecy found throughout Tanach are uttered by Bilam in this week’s parsha where he extols the virtues of the Jewish people. Certainly, the most famous of these verses is מה טובו אהליך – How goodly are your tents etc., which though literally as referring to Jewish homes, is…
DetailsFamily is Family (Devarim)
Parshat Devarim is Moshe’s ‘Last Lecture’ where he reviews the journey of the Jewish people, highlights where they erred, and reviews the laws and values that they should follow upon entering the Land of Israel. Yet, as Rav Shimon Schwab observes, Moshe uses a strange phrase when recounting one particular story that previously occurred. To…
DetailsHalf-measures (VaEtchanan)
This Shabbat we read Parshat VaEtchanan in which Moshe reminds the people about the importance of maintaining their commitment to G-d and Torah especially once they enter the Land of Israel. Yet it is noteworthy that Moshe – who was to die in just five weeks – interrupts his stirring words to designate three of the…
DetailsTroubled children and children in Trouble (Ki Tetze)
One of the many (challenging) laws found in Parshat Ki Tetze is that of the ‘wayward and rebellious son’ (Devarim 21:18-21). According to a literal reading of this law, a Jewish court may put a boy to death having heard his parent’s testimony concerning his repeated disobedience and gluttony. However, given the obvious dissonance between…
DetailsOn death and rebirth (Ki Tavo)
Towards the end of Parshat Ki Tavo we encounter one of the most cryptic verses in the Torah, yet upon closer inspection, perhaps one of the most important. Having outlined the blessings for those who observe the Torah, and the curses for those who abrogate the Torah, Moshe on his final day on this earth…
DetailsTremping & Talking in Learning (Nitzavim-Vayelech)
“It is in your mouth and in your heart to do it” (Devarim 30:14) In this week’s parshiot Moshe emphasises the value of Torah study and how our choices should be guided by the laws and values of the Torah. Rather than Torah being a distant and disconnected discipline, we are told that we should regard…
DetailsArguing Together (Toldot)
This Shabbat we read Parshat Vayetze, and it is noteworthy that the opening pesukim of our parsha are the basis for some of the most creative and inspiring midrashim found across Rabbinic literature including the oft-cited Midrash involving the stones on which Yaakov placed his head. Having arrived in what we are told was the…
DetailsFighting your past to bless your future (Vayishlach)
This Shabbat we read Parshat Vayishlach which tells us about the fight between Yaakov and an angel. Of course, there are many profound lessons that we can learn from this extraordinary encounter which ended with Yaakov receiving the name Yisrael. However, I would like to focus on a single yet incredibly powerful lesson that we…
DetailsReal leaders cry (Vayigash)
There is no doubt that one of the most emotional moments throughout the Torah occurs in Parshat Vayigash when Yosef reveals himself to his brothers. Yet it is noteworthy that even before Yosef famously declares ‘I am Yosef – is my father still alive?’, Yosef begins to cry (Bereishit 45:3). Interestingly, this is not the…
DetailsOur outstretched Hands (Bo)
Parshat Bo tells the incredible story of how Bnei Yisrael transform from being a slave nation to a free nation. However, if we look a little closer in the Torah text we learn of another transformation that conveys a powerful message about shifts in the priorities of Bnei Yisrael as they leave Egypt and journey…
DetailsSefer Devarim as the ultimate Mussar Sefer
Last Shabbat we began reading Sefer Devarim, often referred to by its rabbinic name Mishne Torah, which on first glance is a summary of the previous four books of the Torah. However, a closer look at Sefer Devarim shows that there is far more than mere repetition in this book. In fact, 200 of the…
DetailsMishpatim
Parshat Mishpatim is the primary source of Jewish tort law and it is where we learn about the four Avot Nezikin (primary forms of damages). According to the Mishna (Bava Kamma 1:1), the four Avot Nezikin are a shor (an ox), a bor (a pit), a mav’eh (a person who causes damage) and hev’er (fire),…
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