His Love Remains
An axiomatic assumption of Chazal and biblical commentaries is that the Torah does not waste any words. Given this reality, the entire end of Sefer Shemot seems quite strange. The Torah already described the necessary details and dimensions of the Mishkan and its vessels in the Parshiyot of Terumah and Tetzaveh. And yet, the Torah […]
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Where Partnership Becomes Nationhood
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE HOLY BIBAS CHILDREN AND THEIR MOTHER SHIRI HY”DAS WELL AS THOSE HOSTAGES HY”D WHOSE BODIES RETURNED TO ISRAEL THIS PAST WEEK The opening mishna of Masechet Shekalim recounts that the announcements for the annual collection of the machatzit hashekel would begin on Rosh Chodesh Adar. Every Jewish male was […]
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Citadel of Integrity
“From a matter of falsehood you shall distance yourself, מדבר שקר תרחק” (Shemot 23:7). This entire section of Parshat Mishpatim constantly emphasizes the need to maintain absolute integrity in judgement. False testimony must be avoided at all costs. A judge must be exceedingly careful to offer righteous and fair verdicts. The verse of מדבר שקר […]
Explore moreMachon l’Shivtecha: The Lower and Heavenly Jerusalems Align
As Bnei Yisrael sing in praise of the great miracles of Yam Suf, they prophetically describe their future entrance to Eretz Yisrael. The Exodus story doesn’t end with Klal Yisrael’s freedom from Egyptian bondage; it continues with kabalat haTorah and entry to Eretz Yisrael, culminating with the building of the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem. This […]
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The Choicest Portion
As the first mitzvah of kiddush hachodesh is communicated to Moshe and Aharon, the verse puts deliberate emphasis on the location of this “conversation”. “Hashem said to Moshe and to Aharon in the land of Egypt saying (Shemot 12:1)” Chazal are perturbed by the emphasis on Eretz Mitzrayim. In the Midrash Tanchuma (parsha 5), they […]
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Let Us Sacrifice To Our God
Every school child knows the story. God told Moses to go speak to Pharaoh. Moses came to the evil Pharaoh and spoke the iconic words, “Let my people go!” But with all due respect to wonderful kindergarten songs, a simple perusal of our parsha reveals that this is actually not what Moshe Rabbeinu said. Throughout […]
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The Princess and Her Delicious Dish
As Yaakov Avinu gathers the shevatim around his deathbed, he blesses them and prophesizes about their future. The Gemara Pesachim (56a) famously tells us that as Yaakov prepared to reveal eschatological secrets, the Divine Presence departed from him. He worried that one of his son’s may be inadequate to receive the prophecy, “perhaps, God forbid, […]
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The Beautiful Scent of the Traitor
As Yaakov Avinu impersonates Eisav and enters Yitzchak’s presence, the elderly and blind Yitzchak comments on the scent of Yaakov’s garments. “ראה ריח בני כריח שדה אשר ברכו ה’, see the smell of my son is like the aroma of a field that was blessed by God.” Chazal are perturbed by Yitzchak’s enthusiasm over this […]
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The Tzaddik of Sedom and the Tzaddik of Jerusalem
Avraham Avinu famously takes on the role of defense attorney for the evil people of Sedom and Amorah. Although these decrepit societies were the antithesis of everything that Avraham stood for, he boldly prays on their behalf when HaKadosh Baruch Hu informs Avraham that He is considering destroying them. (It is worth noting in this […]
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Shomer Achi Anochi: The City of Brotherly Responsibility
An obvious and classic question is annually asked on the Shabbat of Parshat Lech Lecha. Hashem speaks to Avraham Avinu, selecting him for the most awesome divine mission that will change the destiny of his progeny forever. He is promised a great nation, fame, and blessing. Not many people in history merited direct communication with […]
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