Parshat Vayechi – Planning a Legacy of Meaning

Behar focuses primarily on mitzvos concerning the land of Israel, beginning with the command to observe a Sabbatical (Shemitta) year. During the Sabbatical year one’s fields are to remain uncultivated every seventh year, refraining from the normal cycle of planting and harvesting. Similarly, the land in Israel is to remain unworked in the Jubilee (Yovel)…

Parshas Bo This week’s portion begins with the eighth plague that G-d brings upon the Egyptians as the land is covered by locusts, destroying all the remaining crops. After the plague is removed at Pharaoh’s behest, he once again refuses to set free the Jewish people, and the ninth plague of darkness encompasses the land….

Parshas Pekudei (Exodus 38:21 — 40:38) begins with a complete accounting of the gold, silver, and copper contributed by the people for use in the Mishkan. Following Moses’ inspection and approval of the many utensils and unassembled parts, Moses sets up the Mishkan on Rosh Chodesh Nissan as each part is anointed and arranged in…

Parshas: Terumah Exodus Parshas Terumah begins a series of four out of five portions which discuss in detail the construction of the Mishkan, the traveling Tabernacle which would serve as a ‘resting place’ for G-d’s presence among the Jewish people. This week’s portion recounts G-d’s description to Moses of how to construct the Mishkan, beginning…

Parshas: Matos — Masei In the first of this week’s two action-packed portions, Moses teaches the rules and restrictions governing oaths and vows. Promises are serious business. When we say that we plan to do something — even something as simple as, ‘I’ll call you later’ — we’re bound by our words. Anticipating entrance into…