Purim 5775 אִישׁ יְהוּדִי, הָיָה בְּשׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה; וּשְׁמוֹ מָרְדֳּכַי, בֶּן יָאִיר בֶּן-שִׁמְעִי בֶּן-קִישׁ--אִישׁ יְמִינִי - There was a Yehudi man in the capital city of Shushan, whose name was Mordechai, the son of Yair, the son of Shim’i, the son of Kish, a man from the...
This week’s parsha, Parshas Tetzaveh, is replete with details and commands related to the fashioning of the priestly garments, which were worn by the kohanim when they served in the Sanctuary, as a symbol of honor and glory (Ex.28:2). One of the garments worn by the...
In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Terumah, we are commanded regarding the building of the Mishkan, the portable Sanctuary where G-d’s Presence was to dwell, as the Israelites sojourned through the desert. In the command to collect the materials for the construction of the Mishkan, the...
Yesterday was Tu B’Shvat. The New Year for Trees falls during the winter. All things considered, winter is an interesting season in which to celebrate this new year! Of all seasons, this seems the one least likely to be “tree-centered.” Spring - the blossoms, buds...
So often, we find ourselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Life is always good, and sometimes seemingly, not so good. If I go forward, well, it’s “into the sea” and if I go backward, well, it’s right into the arms of my...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Bo, the Israelites are commanded regarding the first national mitzvah, that of Kidush Ha’Chodesh, the sanctification of the new month: הַחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה לָכֶם רֹאשׁ חֳדָשִׁים - this month is for you, the first of the months (Ex.12:2). In fact, this...
Parshas Va’era opens as Hashem reiterates to Moshe that He has given the land of Israel to the children of Israel. Not only has He promised us Eretz Yisrael, but He assures Moshe that He will take us out from under the burden of oppression;...
It is the 8th day of Chanukah today, “Zos Chanukah”, and as I pen these words, there is just over one hour left to Chanukah 5775… The latkes and donuts have been eaten, the gelt has been distributed, the candles burned and went out, Hallel...
In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Vayeishev, we journey with Yosef from the comfort of his home in the land of Canaan, to the dangers surrounding him in the land of Egypt. Upon arrival in Egypt, Yosef is bought by Potiphar, the chief executioner. “You can...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayeitzei, Yaakov Avinu arrives at a well, on his way to the house of his uncle Lavan, as he flees from before his brother Eisav. Upon arrival at the well, he sees groups of shepherds, along with their flocks, congregating...