Brothers Divided, in Yerushalayim United

Long before Dovid HaMelech established his permanent capital in Yerushalayim, the nations of the world already recognized the holy city as a place unlike any other. They sensed its metaphysical significance, the gateway to the heavenly realms (Ramban, Bereishit 14:18). They called the city Shalem, evoking wholesomeness and peace.  Not coincidentally, Yerushalayim straddles the border […]

Explore more

The Equanimity of Jerusalem

In our parsha, Yaakov blesses his son Yehuda through a comparison to a lion: “A cub [and] a grown lion is Yehuda. From the prey, my son, you withdrew. He crouched, rested like a lion (kara ravatz k’aryeh).” Interestingly, Bilam employs similar imagery when describing the Jewish people: “He crouches and lies like a lion […]

Explore more

The Lion of Jerusalem

After receiving the donations for the Mishkan, Moshe informs the Jewish people that God appointed Betzalel and Ahali’av to lead the building operations. Interestingly, the Torah does not suffice with their names but specifies that they were from the tribes of Yehuda and Dan, respectively. Why is this tidbit of information important? Rabbeinu Saadya Gaon […]

Explore more