Parshat Mishpatim, which begins right after G-d’s revelation to the Jewish People at Mt. Sinai, deals primarily with civil law. Many different laws are mentioned. Among them: laws relating to the indentured Jewish servant; to the damage of personal property (how much one is responsible to pay); to the liability of borrowers and watchmen (for […]
This week’s Torah portion begins with Moshe’s father-in-law, Yisro (whose name is the title of the parsha), coming to join the Jewish People in the desert. Hearing about the great miracles G-d performed for the Jews on their way out of Egypt had spurred him to leave his comfortable life in Midian and join the […]
Parshas Vaeiyra opens with G-d assuring Moshe that He will redeem the Jewish People from Egypt and bring them into the Land of Israel. After the interjection of a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Levi (Moshe’s extend family), the parsha continues with G-d telling Moshe that Pharaoh will initially refuse to let the Jewish […]
Parshas Shemos begins with the death of Joseph and the enslavement of the Jewish People. As the older generation (Joseph and his brothers) passes away, the Jews begin to assimilate into Egyptian society. Pharaoh uses the growing influence of the Jews to incite the Egyptians, for he is afraid of the “Jewish Problem.” “The Jews […]
This week’s Torah portion, Vayechi, opens by describing the events preceding Jacob’s death in Egypt. Jacob makes Joseph swear that he will bury him in Israel. He then gives his grandsons, Joseph’s two sons, Menashe and Ephraim, a special blessing that elevates them to the status of his own sons (as a result, each of […]
This week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, opens as Judah pleads with Joseph (whose identity is still disguised) to free his brother Benjamin. Judah says that his father Jacob will surely die if Benjamin is not brought home, and asks to be enslaved in place of Benjamin. Joseph does not accept the offer. The confrontation intensifies. Finally, […]
This week’s Torah portion, Mikeitz, opens with a description of Pharaoh’s two perplexing dreams. First he sees seven scrawny cows devouring seven fat cows and then he sees seven thin stalks of grain swallowing seven healthy stalks. His advisors are unable to interpret the dreams. The royal butler steps forward. He suggests that they call […]
This week’s Torah portion, Vayeishev, tells us of Jacob’s special love for his son Joseph (Rachel’s firstborn child), and how it caused the other brothers to hate him. The brothers are further angered when Joseph tells them about his recurring dreams, each of which implies that he will rule over them. One day, they decide […]
This week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach, opens as Jacob and his family return to Israel after a 20-year stay in Charan. Jacob’s brother Esau (who is still angry with him for “stealing” his blessings) is waiting poised to attack with an army of 400 men. Jacob prepares for the confrontation by sending Esau flattering gifts, praying […]
This week’s portion, Vayeitzei, opens as Jacob flees his brother Esau (who is angry at him for “stealing” the blessings). Jacob goes to Charan to stay with his uncle, Lavan. On the way he spends a night at the holiest place on earth: the Temple Mount. There, he dreams of a ladder standing on the […]