The Greatest Commandment
When the Pharisees asked Yeshua what the most important commandment was, he responded, “You shall love Hashem your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
Test and Contention
Why was Moses barred from entering the Promised Land? On two occasions the leadership skills of Moses are put to the test, and twice, His skills are found wanting.
Who is Like Our God? Part 2
According to the Mechilta, the Israelites encamped in front of Baal Zaphon, the last remaining idol in Egypt, in order to deceive the Egyptians into believing that their god had caused them to have the upper hand.
Who is Like Our God? Part 1
The Crossing of the Sea of Reeds marked a historic transition in the history of Israel. No longer were the Israelites subject to the land over which Pharaoh ruled. They were now God’s people, under his sole domain.
Shabbat Zachor
Shabbat Zachor (Sabbath of Remembrance) is the Shabbat that immediately precedes Purim. On this Shabbat, we conclude the weekly Torah reading with a special Maftir from Deuteronomy 25:17-19.
We Will Do & We Will Hear
What is the book of the covenant that Moses read? Clearly Moses is talking about reading the Torah. But not all of the Torah, for most of the events written in the Torah had not come to pass.
Miketz: Joseph's Goblet
In the beginning of Genesis 44, Joseph frames his brothers, accusing them of a crime that they did not commit. Joseph commands his servant to plant false evidence. But there is more to this story than what meets the eye.
Vayetze: Jacob's Dream
This week’s portion contains a very well-known story, the story of Jacob’s ladder. The sulam, meaning ladder or staircase in Hebrew, extends toward the earth and toward the heavens.
Toldot: Esau's Birthright
This week’s parasha contains the story of the birth of Jacob and Esau, twins of vastly different personalities. After they grow, Torah includes a story involving the continuity of the Covenant.
Hagar's Children
This week’s parsha introduces a very important concept within the historical narrative. Abraham takes a new wife. But who is this woman? Where did she come from?