Parshat Vayeria – Maximizing our Potential
Below is the link to Rav Okin’s Dvar Torah from last Shabbat:
Parshat Vayeria, 1/16/2021,
Rav Avi Okin
“Maximizing our Potential”
Parshas Vayeshev Jacob’s favoritism toward Joseph incites his brother’s hatred. Their jealousy increases when Joseph tells them about two dreams which indicate that they will one day be subservient to him. Jacob sends Joseph to check up on his brothers, and upon seeing him approaching they plot to kill him. Reuben convinces the brothers not…
Following the command in last week’s portion to be sanctified and holy, Parshas Emor begins by discussing various laws directed specifically to the Kohanim and the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). Included is the command for the Kohen to refrain from becoming ritually impure through contact with a dead body (except for close relatives) and increased…
The first of the Four Special Shabbatot at this time of year is Parshas Shekalim. The special maftir reading discusses the census that would happen at this time of year in Temple times. Each person would give one half-shekel. The money would be counted, and that would determine the census. And the Torah makes very…
Q: What happens if I forgot to eat the foods which comprised the Eruv Tavshilin that I madebefore the last days of Pesach? Am I allowed to eat them or do I need to dispose of them? A: The purpose of the Eruv Tavshilin was to allow food preparation to be performed on theFriday of…
Parshas Vayetze spans the twenty years spent by Yaakov Aveinu – the quintessential ish tam, man of integrity – in the inhospitable company of his sinister uncle, Lavan, a master of manipulation, deceit and double talk. From his initial embrace of Yaakov, which, Rashi notes, is actually a search for concealed valuables, Lavan is bent…