PARSHAS BEREISHIS
- Rabbi Moshe Rockove
- September 23, 2019
- 3:52 pm
- 0 comments
Summary of Parshas Chukas
Parshas Chukas begins by introducing us to the quintessential chok (a mitzvah whose meaning is not understood): The Red Heifer. The heifer was slaughtered and burned and its ashes were used to purify people who were tammei (impure), yet rendered the Priest who sprinkled them impure. The parsha then skips ahead thirty eight years to […]
- Rabbi Moshe Rockove
- September 23, 2019
- 3:46 pm
- 0 comments
Summary of Parshas Chayei Sarah
This week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, opens with the passing of Sarah at the age of 127. Abraham searches for a suitable place to bury her. He chooses the Ma’arat Hamachpela (“The Doubled Cave”) located in Hebron, in which Adam and Eve are also buried. The owner of the cave, Ephron HaChitti, offers the property […]
- Rabbi Moshe Rockove
- September 23, 2019
- 3:44 pm
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Summary of Parshas Beshalach
Parshat Beshalach opens as the Jews begin to leave Egypt. Pharaoh - who in last week’s portion demanded that the Jews leave Egypt - changes his mind, and decides to pursue them. His armies advance on the Jews and trap them at the banks of the Red Sea. G-d instructs Moses to raise his hands; […]
- Rabbi Moshe Rockove
- September 23, 2019
- 3:37 pm
- 0 comments
Summary of Parshas Bo
Parshas Bo opens as the eighth plague hits Egypt: a thick swarm of locusts devour the Egyptian crops. Pharaoh begs Moses to remove the locusts and promises to free the Jews as soon as he complies. Moses asks G-d to remove the plague - but when the locusts are gone, Pharaoh reneges on his agreement. […]
- Rabbi Moshe Rockove
- September 23, 2019
- 3:36 pm
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Summary of Parshas Behar
Parshat Behar discusses the mitzvah of shmitta: the concept of letting the land of Israel lay fallow every seventh year in the shmitta cycle. For twelve months, Israeli farmers are on Sabbatical leave and can indulge themselves in purely spiritual pursuits. The Torah also discusses our obligations towards the poor and downtrodden. The most sublime […]
- Rabbi Moshe Rockove
- September 23, 2019
- 3:35 pm
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Summary of Parshas Behaaloscha
The Torah, in previous portions, discussed how to set up the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and how the Jews should camp around it. In this week’s portion, Beha’aloscha, the Torah turns its attention to describing how the Jews actually functioned as a nation in the desert. Aaron, the High Priest, is commanded to light the Menorah, […]
- Rabbi Moshe Rockove
- September 23, 2019
- 3:21 pm
- 0 comments
Summary of Parshas Bechukosai
The last portion in the book of Leviticus, Bechukosai, opens with a listing of the many material blessings and rewards that G-d will bestow upon the Jews when they diligently follow the Torah and its commandments. The Jews will harvest bountiful crops, symbolizing a life of wealth and comfort. The Jews will win decisively in […]
- Rabbi Moshe Rockove
- September 23, 2019
- 3:20 pm
- 0 comments
Summary of Parsha Bamidbar
The book of Bamidbar (Numbers) chronicles the experience of the Jewish Nation during their forty-year odyssey in the desert. It first details how they were camped in the desert and then describes what occurred during that time, including the incident of the spies and Korach’s rebellion. Certain laws are also mentioned, such as the commandment […]