In this week’s parsha, Parshas Terumah, we are introduced to the Mishkan, the (portable) Sanctuary that the nation built in the desert. The keilim (vessels) of the Mishkan included the copper laver for the kohanim’s washing of hands and feet before service, the copper altar...
In this week’s sedra, Mishpatim, we are introduced to many, many mitzvos that govern the daily life of a Jew and Jewish society. In the aftermath of Matan Torah, and the great Revelation at Sinai, the Torah now teaches us how to live in the...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Yisro, Yisro, the priest of Midyan and father-in-law of Moshe Rabbeinu arrives at the Israelite encampment in the desert. After hearing about all the great miracles that Hashem did for Moshe and the Bnei Yisrael, Yisro is moved to come...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Beshalach, many events of significance are recorded. Having just left Egypt, the Israelites are miraculously saved at the Sea of Reeds when the Egyptians drown in the churning waters, while Am Yisrael crosses safely to the other side. In response...
Due to an unfortunate error and oversight on my part, Shaimos was included in the Parshas Bo dvar Torah. If you printed up the piece, please dispose of it properly. Thank you....
In this week’s parsha, after two hundred and ten years, the Bnei Yisrael leave Egypt. Parshas Bo begins with the eighth plague, Makkas Arbeh - the locust swarm. As was done before each plague, Pharaoh was warned that if he did not let the Israelites...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Va’era, the great Exodus from Egypt begins; the redemption which takes the Israelites from a downtrodden and oppressed nation, to a people of freedom and liberty. The first seven makkos unfold and with each plague, Moshe and Aharon warn Pharaoh...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Shemos, the Torah narrates the Egyptian enslavement which embittered the lives of the Israelites, broke their bodies and spirit (Rashi to Ex.1:13 and Ex.6:9, respectively) and ultimately led to a period of infanticide when all baby boys born were thrown...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayechi, we learn of the death of Yaakov Avinu at the age of 147 years. We read of the brachos he bestows upon his sons before his death. We learn of his burial in the Me’aras Ha’Machpela. We cry over...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayigash, after the viceroy of Egypt reveals himself to be Yosef ha’Tzadik, the long lost brother of the sons of Yaakov, the brothers ascend to Egypt to bring Yaakov and their families down to Goshen. This joyous reunion is actually...