Summary of Parshas Ki Savo
Parshat Ki Savo begins with a description of the mitzvah of bikkurim: Each year, the farmers would bring their first (ripe) fruits to the Temple, where they would say a special prayer of thanks to G-d for giving them a wonderful crop. They would then give the fruits to a Kohen (Priest). This mitzvah teaches […]
Summary of Parshas Ki Seitzei
Parshas Ki Saitzai focuses primarily on a variety of interpersonal relationships and the need to be sensitive to the feelings of others. The portion opens with the intriguing case of the gentile woman who is captured in battle. The Torah then moves on to list a wide variety of mitzvos. It discusses the firstborn son’s […]
Summary of Parshas Eikev
Moshe continues his final message to the Jewish People in this week’s Torah portion, Eikev, elaborating upon the material rewards the Jews will receive if they adhere to the Torah and its commandments. They will be rewarded with riches. They will be spared from all pain and suffering. Other nations will respect their way of […]
Summary of Parshas Devarim
This week’s Torah portion, Devarim, the first parsha in the book of Deuteronomy, contains Moshe’s last will and testament to the Jewish People. As Moshe is to die in five weeks’ time, he reviews the lessons derived from incidents that occurred in the desert, such as the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai and […]
It’s Tax Amnesty Time – Parshas Ki Savo
The Supreme Symphony – Parshas Vayelech
A number of years ago I had the good fortune to attend a concert at Carnegie Hall. The experience was almost overwhelming. Having grown up in the Midwest, I had never been to a concert hall that even approached Carnegie Hall in sheer size and beauty. The concert showcased many Jewish music stars whose music […]
Just Say No – Parshas KiSeitzei
The words parents hate to hear…”But Ma, all the other kids have it!” (Spoken in an appropriately whining, nagging tone.) Parents hate to hear it because it is so effective. We can’t seem to say “no.” But it’s ultimately to our child’s, and society’s, detriment. This week’s Torah portion discusses the Rebellious Child, one who […]
The Key To Successful Mountain Climbing – Parshas Shoftim
In this week’s Torah portion, Shoftim, Moshe commands the Jewish people: “You shall not erect for yourselves a monument (matzeivah) which Hashem, your G-d , hates.” In the biblical lexicon, a monument is defined as an altar made of a single stone. In his classic commentary, Rashi contrasts this verse with another elsewhere in the […]
Mommy, Are We There Yet? – Parshas Re’eh
The summer is quickly slipping by, and in a few short weeks the new school (and Jewish) year will be upon us. Many have taken some time off for a well-deserved vacation to recharge their “batteries”. For families traveling with younger (and perhaps even older) children, the most common – and probably most annoying – […]