Ancient Connection – Modern Pioneers
Before formerly inaugurating Aharon and his sons as kohanim, Hashem instructs Moshe Rabbeinu to gather all of Klal Yisrael to the opening of the Ohel Moed. Moshe dutifully does so, allowing all of Bnei Yisrael to witness the proceedings inside the courtyard of the Mishkan. Rebbe Elazar, the great student of Rebbe Akiva, notes that […]
The entire story of Megillat Esther takes place in Shushan, the capital city of the Persian empire, located in modern day Iran. No explicit reference is made to Eretz Yisrael, other than the megillah noting Mordechai’s exile from Yerushalayim years before. Haman’s rabid hatred of the Jewish people seems to be directed at the Jews […]
This past week, Rav Zevulun Charlop tz’l, dean of RIETS for over 30 years, was niftar at the age of 94. While I unfortunately joined RIETS after Rav Charlop’s retirement, I still had the distinct zechut to interact with this great talmid hakham and hear Torah from him on several occasions as a student in […]
As Yaakov departs for his uncle’s house in Haran, he encounters “the place” and stays there for the night “ki va hashemesh” for the sun had set. While sleeping in this place, Yaakov experiences the famous majestic vision of the heavenly ladder as Hashem promises him the land of Eretz Yisrael. As is clear from […]
Ma’aseh Avot Siman L’Banim, the actions of the forefathers are a sign for the children. Four kings, led by Amraphel the ruler of Shin’ar, form an alliance and sweep across Eretz Yisrael, murdering, plundering, and kidnaping as they advance. When Avraham hears that his nephew Lot has been captured, he immediately girds himself for battle […]
