We know that the nation traveled under the guidance of the special clouds that surrounded it. They were not allowed to go forward unless they were directed so by Hashem through the clouds. The Torah further states that if the clouds did not begin their preparatory formation to leave, then…
Klal Yisroel made donations for the construction of the Mishkan and also for purchasing sacrifices. There was a specific amount to be given for the offerings, a half shekel. The Torah clearly states that each and every individual must give the exact same amount.
The Kohanim that served in the Mishkan and the Beis Hamikdash wore extremely fashionable clothing. Even a superficial perusing of the parsha will clue you in on their wardrobe. Was exquisite clothing such a necessity to fulfill their obligations such as was required? After all, the main objective was to…
The Mishkan was an architect’s dream. Everything was measured and ‘clicked’ together perfectly. Tapestries and beautifully woven embroideries adorned the ceiling of the Mishkan. The inner altar was made of pure gold and the draperies that surrounded the external area of the Mishkan were exquisite. The vessels that were contained…
The Torah discusses receiving the Torah in two different parshios. In the previous parsha, Yisro, Moshe returns with Hashem’s offer to give us the Torah and with that acceptance we merited that the Torah was given to us on Mt. Sinai. However, at the end of this parsha certain offerings…
Moshe had two sons Gershom and Eliezer. Gershom was named for Moshe’s seclusion when he was a stranger in a foreign land, Midian. The name Eliezer alluded to Moshe’s miraculous escape from Pharoah’s executioner. Even though he was slated to die Hashem protected him and he was able to get…
Ibn Ezra questions why was there a fear that if the people leave Egypt and travel though the land of the Philistines then they may encounter a combat situation and return to Egypt. The amount of able-bodied men was 600,000 and many more and they were also armed.
Moshe was the emissary of Hashem to approach Pharoah and demand that he release the nation from its bondage. However, when he speaks with him he adds how long will it be until you humble yourself in front of Hashem. That additional message seemingly has no connection to the mandate…
Although Moshe complained to Hashem that the people were suffering terribly under Pharoah’s enslavement, his concern was that the nation was undergoing pain and agony that was too much. He was reprimanded for his protest and Hashem explained to him the process which they were going through. The original covenant,…
The Torah enumerates the total count of the nation when they arrived in Egypt. Then we are reminded that Yosef was in Egypt. Rashi explains that the Torah is emphasizing that Yosef withstood all the difficulties which the culture presented him with. They were a nation deeply entrenched in immorality.…
After the nation settled in Goshen Yaakov lived out the remainder of his life there. The parsha is written in such a fashion as to indicate that it is disconnected from the previous parsha. Rashi cites the Midrash that this alludes to the lack of perception that befell the people…
After much trial and travail, finally the truth was told and the viceroy of Egypt was none other than Yosef, their long lost brother. They were taken aback by this twist and unable to utter a word due to their incredulity and astonishment. Then Yosef tosses out the elephant in…
As we near the end of this wonderful Yom Tov of Chanukah what will we take with us? After the last lights go out we will be left in the darkness or can we carry the torch further and embrace our future with brightness?
Chanukah is right around the corner and perhaps we need to somewhat meditate and consider what Chanukah is all about, how we should approach this wonderful Yom Tov and explore what it is that we anticipate to gain. As we know after the small Hasmonean army defeated the powerful Greeks,…
Yaakov is poised to encounter his nemesis, Eisav and the anticipated encounter may be volatile. He davens to Hashem, prepares for battle and sends a large gift to his brother attempting to assuage his anger. In his prayer Yaakov mentions that with his staff he crossed the Jordan River.
Yaakov passed by Mt. Moriah, the place where Akeidas Yitzchok took place, where his father was almost sacrificed and missed the opportunity to daven there. Suddenly he realized that he had gone past it and immediately decided to return and daven in that sanctified place. Rashi explains that the moment…
Rivka was instructed through Divine inspiration to tell Yaakov to get the blessings of the first born from Yitzchok. He was unaware of that and was concerned that his father would touch him and realize that he was not Eisav and curse him. Rivka dressed him with arms covered…
After Akeidas Yitzchok when Avrohom was seemingly commanded to offer his son to Hashem on the altar, he realized that he needed to find a wife for him. His trusted servant Eliezer was tasked with the mission to return to Avrohom’s family and select his spouse. He prayed to Hashem…
The story of Lot, Avrohom’s nephew is a confusing and complex narrative. He was a disciple of Avrohom and continued in his master’s path of helping others. Even in Sodom renowned for its cruelty to wayfarers, Lot still insisted that he must invite guests to his home. When the…
Maimonides explains that Avrohom stood against the entire civilized world and preached about that there is only one Guiding Force in the world, Hashem. He wrote books proving his beliefs and even broke his father’s idols to demonstrate that they are powerless. Eventually Nimrod cast him into a fiery furnace…
