In this week’s parsha, Parshas Achrei Mos, the Torah commands us regarding a lengthy list of forbidden sexual relationships (Lev.18). At the conclusion of the long list of what is forbidden, the Torah warns us not to defile ourselves so that the Land of Israel...
Chag Ha’Pesach 5782, Zman Chei’ro’seinu - the time of our freedom - the holiday of redemption when we celebrate the great Exodus from Egypt that give birth to our nation. And yet, the past two years - and the most recent months and weeks -...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Metzorah, the Torah continues to teach us about negah tzara’as - the affliction of tzara’as. The pasuk tells us: כִּי תָבֹאוּ אֶל-אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן, אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי נֹתֵן לָכֶם לַאֲחֻזָּה; וְנָתַתִּי נֶגַע צָרַעַת, בְּבֵית אֶרֶץ אֲחֻזַּתְכֶם - When you come to the...
In addition to the weekly Torah reading of Parshas HaShavua, Parshas Tazria, this Shabbos - Rosh Chodesh Nissan - we will read from an additional sefer Torah, in what is known as Parshas Ha’Chodesh, literally “the Portion of the Month.” Parshas Ha’Chodesh is the fourth of...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Shemini, after commanding us regarding ma’achaalos mutaros and asuros (permitted and forbidden food-stuffs), including animals, fowl, and fish (Vayikra 11), the pasuk commands us: כִּי אֲנִי ה’, אֱלֹקְיכֶם, וְהִתְקַדִּשְׁתֶּם וִהְיִיתֶם קְדֹשִׁים, כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אָנִי - For I am Hashem, your...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Tzav, Hashem continues to command Moshe regarding the avodas ha’Mishkan (service performed in the Tabernacle), the korbanos (sacrificial offerings) and the appointment of Aharon and his sons as the kohanim who served in the Mishkan. The pasuk tells us: צַ֤ו...
This week’s parsha is Parshas Vayikra, and with it, we open the third book of Chumash. Sefer Vayikra is also known as Torah Kohanim, for it is (mostly) the law book for the kohanim, from the tribe of Levi, to instruct them regarding their avodah...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Pekudei, with the completion of the building of the Mishkan, Sefer Shemos comes to a close. All of the implements have been constructed under the direction and discretion of the master craftsman, Betzalel ben Uri ben Chur l’mateh Yehuda, and...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayakhel, the pasukim outline, in great and precise detail, the construction of the Mishkan, the portable Sanctuary that accompanied the Bnei Yisrael throughout their desert wanderings, where the Shechina dwelt. The master craftsman of the Mishkan, who oversaw and was...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Ki Sisa, the Bnei Yisrael are commanded regarding Shabbos (Shemos 31:12-15). After commanding us regarding Shabbos, the Torah records: וְשָׁמְר֥וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת לַעֲשׂ֧וֹת אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּ֛ת לְדֹרֹתָ֖ם בְּרִ֥ית עוֹלָֽם בֵּינִ֗י וּבֵין֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל א֥וֹת הִ֖וא לְעֹלָ֑ם כִּי־שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים עָשָׂ֤ה הֹ’ אֶת־הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם וְאֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י...