Shabbos Shoutout Jan 8, 2021

Moses continues his final speech to the Children of Israel. He tells them how he entreated G-d to allow him to enter the land of Israel, but his request was denied. Moses was allowed, however, to see the Promised Land from the peak of Mount Pisgah. Moses appeals to the people to keep the Torah,…

Parshas: Vayikra This Shabbos marks the beginning of our reading the third book of the Torah, Sefer Vayikra which deals primarily with the services and responsibilities of the Kohanim. This week’s portion focuses on many of the korbanos (offerings) to be brought in the newly-constructed Mishkan. Parshas Vayikra begins with G-d calling Moses into the…

More than any other Patriarch, Yaakov Avinu is blessed with detailed coverage of his life in theTorah From his prenatal condition, through his adolescence and into young manhood, he isforced to struggle with his contentious brother Eisav. He survives by his wit. Heeding hismother’s counsel, Yaakov contends for Yitzchak’s blessing, an act that brings forth…

Parsha Nitzavim  “Ezra legislated that the curses enumerated in Parshas Ki Savo be read prior to Rosh Hashana so that the year may end along with its curses,” the Talmud teaches. Nonetheless, Tosafot adds, we read Parshas Nitzavim on the Shabbos immediately preceding Rosh Hashana to serve as a buffer, so that we do not…

Bechukosai, the last Torah portion in the book of Leviticus, begins by briefly listing some of the blessings and rewards that the Jewish people will receive for diligently learning and following the Torah. The Portion then shifts to the subject matter which has made it famous — G-d’s admonitions and warnings of the consequences if…

Parshas Mikeitz – Pharaoh has a two-part dream about seven scrawny cows devouring seven robust cows, followed by seven thin stalks of grain swallowing seven healthy, good ones. When his advisers are unable to adequately interpret the dream, Pharaoh summons Joseph, who had been in prison for a total of twelve years. Ascribing his power…