Following on the heels of the Ten Commandments, this week’s Torah portion deals primarily with civil law. Like the realm of the ceremonial, our worldly and common activities must be infused with holiness and observed carefully. Included among the civil laws discussed in the portion are: Penalties for causing bodily […]

The book of Exodus begins by describing the gradually increasing enslavement of the Jewish people in Egypt. Pharaoh, fearing the population explosion of the Jews, initially hopes that backbreaking labor would stunt their rapid physical growth. When their birth rate continues to increase he orders the Jewish midwives to kill […]

Jacob and his family returned from the house of Laban to the land of Israel, only to find Esau heading toward them with 400 men, ready for battle. After preparing his family for war and praying to G-d for help, Jacob attempts to appease his brother by sending him a […]

Isaac and Rebecca pray to G-d for a child. Rebecca finally conceives, and after a difficult pregnancy gives birth to twins — Esau and Jacob. Their personality differences soon grow apparent, as Esau turns to hunting while Jacob is pure and wholesome, spending his time studying Torah. Returning from a […]

Chayei Sarah begins with Sarah’s death at the age of 127 and Abraham’s search for a proper burial place which would be worthy of her greatness. Abraham is conned by Efron (a member of the Hittite nation who lived in the land of Israel) into paying an extremely large sum […]

The parsha begins with Abraham’s incredible display of chesed (kindness) to three angels who appear as men. This, despite extreme discomfort from his recent bris milah (circumcision). The angels declare that Sarah will give birth to her first child at the age of 90 when Abraham would be 100. Later, […]

Abraham was called by G-d to leave his homeland, his father’s house, and his position of status and prosperity to travel to the land that G-d would show him. Upon arrival with his wife Sarah and nephew Lot in the land of Israel, they discover it to be ravaged by […]

Parsha Noach As a result of Mankind’s evil, G-d brings a flood to destroy every living creature. Only Noah, his family, and at least one pair of every animal species were spared. Trivia question: Do you know the name of Noah’s wife? (hint — it is NOT ‘Joan of Ark’) […]

Parshas: Ha’Azinu Ha’Azinu is comprised primarily of Moses’ “song” about the horrible tragedies and supreme joy which will make up the Jewish people’s future history. While not a song in the familiar sense, Moses’ song is a blend of otherwise disparate ideas into a beautiful symphony of thought. It expresses […]

Parshas: Vayeilech Vayelech opens with Moses walking through the Jewish camp on the final day of his life to say goodbye to his beloved people. He teaches them the mitzvah of Hakel, the once-in-seven-years gathering of the entire nation to hear the king read certain passages from the Torah. G-d […]