In this week’s fascinating parsha, Parshas Balak, we meet Bila’am the monotheist (as he is called by R’ Samson Rafael Hirsch), Bila’am the masterful hypocrite (as he is called by R’ Yisrael Meir Lau), Bila’am the prophet (as he is called by the Sages) -...
This week’s parsha, Parshas Chukas, opens as we learn the laws regarding the parah adumah, the red heifer. A perfectly red cow is taken [in Temple times], slaughtered outside of the camp, and its ashes are used for purifying one who has become tamei meis,...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Korach, we learn of the rebellion of Korach and his congregation, as they hope to overthrow the leadership of Moshe and Aharon. The rebellion stems from Korach’s jealousy of his first cousins: Moshe is the king, Aharon the High Priest,...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Shelach, we read of the Twelve Scouts who went to investigate the holy land of Eretz Yisrael, prior to the ascent of the Israelites into the Land. They walked the land for forty days, scouting out her length and width…...
At the end of this week’s action packed parsha, Parshas Beha’aloscha, the Torah tells us that Miriam and Aharon spoke questionable, negative words about their brother, Moshe Rabbeinu. Rashi tells us that they spoke about Moshe separating from his wife, for hadn’t Hashem spoken to...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Naso, we are commanded regarding Birkas Kohanim, the ancient, and timeless, blessings of the Kohanim, as they simultaneously lift their hands - נשיאת כפים - upward to Hashem and outward towards the people - and transmit the blessings and bounty...
Sefer Bamidbar, Parshas Bamidbar, Chag ha’Shavuos, Zman Matan Torasainu - Shavuos 5776… Another year, another betrothal - וְהוּא כְּחָתָן, יֹצֵא מֵחֻפָּתוֹ (Ps.19:6) - another kabalas ha’Torah is upon us. Do you want the Torah? Hashem asked the other nations. “What is in it?” they replied. “Don’t...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Bechukosai, we read of the terrible klalos, curses and punishments, that will befall our nation, may G-d save us, if we do not go in His ways, if we throw off the yoke and covenant of Torah and mitzvos. There is...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Behar, the Torah commands us regarding the Shmittah and Yovel years. For six years you may work the fields, and on the seventh year, the Shmittah year, it is a Shabbat Shabbaton - a year of rest to Hashem. The...
Towards the end of this week’s parsha, Parshas Emor, the Torah tells of the lighting of the Menorah in the Sanctuary: צַו אֶת-בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְיִקְחוּ אֵלֶיךָ שֶׁמֶן זַיִת זָךְ כָּתִית--לַמָּאוֹר: לְהַעֲלֹת נֵר תָּמִיד - And Hashem spoke to Moshe saying: Command the Children of Israel...