With this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayikra, we open up the third book of Torah, Sefer Vayikra. Sefer Vayikra begins with the command to Moshe regarding various korbanos (usually translated as offerings or sacrifices). The commentators differ in their opinions as to what is the purpose...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Pekudei, the Mishkan is completed. After months of donations by the people and construction overseen by the master craftsmen, Betzalel and Ohaliav, the embroidery, metalwork, woodwork, lapidary work, spice mixing, oil pressing, leather work, and sewing are all done. The...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayakhel, the parsha begins by reiterating the command to keep Shabbos. And Moshe assembled the entire assembly of the Children of Israel and said to them… שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים, תֵּעָשֶׂה מְלָאכָה, וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי יִהְיֶה לָכֶם קֹדֶשׁ שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן - For six...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Ki Sisa, the Bnei Yisrael find themselves waiting for Moshe to return from his communion with Hashem atop Har Sinai, since the giving of the Torah forty days earlier. וַיַּרְא הָעָם, כִּי-בֹשֵׁשׁ מֹשֶׁה לָרֶדֶת מִן-הָהָר - And the people saw...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Tetzaveh, amongst the many topics discussed, Hashem commands Moshe regarding the lighting of the menorah, the bigdei kehunah (priestly garments) the kohanim will wear when serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the inauguration of the kohanim into the priestly service, the...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Terumah, we are commanded regarding the construction of the Mishkan, the portable Sanctuary that would serve as the resting place for the Shechina, keviyachol. After the people left Egypt and received the Torah, they were to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle): וְעָשׂוּ...
Dear friends, For your interest, here is the link to a new Chodesh Adar I shiur, presented this morning at the YI Woodmere. https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/917007/mrs-michal-horowitz/adar-i-and-mitzvas-zachor-lessons-and-inspiration-from-the-life-of-a-kadosh/ Enjoy and feel free to share with others. Kol tuv, besuros tovos, and Iy'H chodesh tov! Michal ...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Mishpatim, the grandeur of Matan Torah continues with a myriad of mitzvos, mostly bein adam l’chaveiro, given to the nation, which will form the foundation of Jewish society. Both in last week’s parsha, Yisro, and this week’s parsha, we are commanded...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Yisro, the purpose of Yetzias Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt) comes to fruition. When Hashem promised Moshe the people would be physically freed from the Egyptian bondage, He further promised that redemption would not end with physical freedom. וְלָקַחְתִּ֨י אֶתְכֶ֥ם...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Beshalach, the Bnei Yisrael miraculously cross the Reed Sea on damp land, witness the Egyptians drowning in the sea waters behind them, sing songs of praise and thanks to G-d for the salvation He wrought, receive manna for the first...