Shavuot 5783-2023
Outside of Israel, we read the Scroll of Ruth on the second day of Shavuot. This year, the second day
Parashat Behar-Bechukotai
If you go by My statutes and keep My commands and do them…On this verse, the Ohr HaHayim offers forty-two
Parashat Shemini, Shabbat Mevarechim
The first half of our parasha discusses the consecration of the mishkan, the Tabernacle, and in the second half of
Parashat Tzav, Shabbat HaGadol
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Charge Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the teaching of the burnt
Parashat Vayikra
The Book of Vayikra opens with the various sacrifices that are offered. Many commentators draw a parallel to the sacrifices
Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei, Parshat HaChodesh, Shabbat Mevarechim
Sometimes people are driven to give charity out of peer pressure or for some ulterior motive. Usually this is acceptable
Parashat Ki Tisa, Parshat Parah
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur,
Parashat Tetzave, Parshat Zachor
And you Moses, bring you forward Aaron your brother and his sons with him from the midst of the Israelites
Parashat Teruma
A midrash record that after God spoke to Moses about building the tabernacle, Moses asked, “Master of the Universe, is
Parashat Mishpatim, Parshat Shekalim, Shabbat Mevarechim
There’s a positive commandment to follow the majority of Sages. The verse that teaches this is phrased in an awkward
Parashat Yitro
And Jethro priest of Midian, Moses’s father-in-law, heard all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people,
Parashat Beshalach, Shabbat Shira
And the LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to me? Speak to the Israelites that they journey
Parashat Va’era, Shabbat Mevarechim
Maimonides posits that a sinner can lose their free choice. This is how he explains the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart.
Parashat Vayechi
Before Jacob dies, he apportions a double inheritance to Joseph. And then, he apologizes to him: As for me, when I
Parashat Vayechi
Before he dies, Jacob blesses all his children and to Joseph he apportions a double inheritance. Joseph’s children, Manasseh and
Parashat Vayigash
And Joseph said to his brother, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer
Parashat Miketz, Chanukah, Rosh Chodesh
After telling us to place the Menorah in the doorway, the Talmud records that one sage preferred the doorway’s right
Parashat Vayeshev, Shabbat Mevarechim
The brothers of Joseph announce a scheme to rid themselves of his dreams: And so now, let us kill him
Parashat Vayishlach
And Jacob came in peace to the town of Shechem…And he bought a portion of the field where he had
Parashat Vayishlach
And Jacob came in peace to the town of Shechem…And he bought a portion of the field where he had
Parashat Vayetze
Speaking to Lot, his father-in-law and boss, Jacob says: These twenty years I have been with you, your ewes and
Parashat Toldot
When famine hits, Abraham is forced to leave the promised land and go to Egypt. Isaac faces the same situation
Parashat Chayei Sarah, Shabbat Mevarechim
Much of our parasha is taken up with the story of Abraham's anxious instructions to Eliezer to find for Isaac
Parashat Vayera
Before Sodom is destroyed, we read: And the LORD had thought, "Shall I conceal from Abraham what I am about
Parashat Lech Lecha
After Abraham rescues his nephew Lot, we read: After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in