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Parshas Vaeira advances the Torah’s account of the Jewish people's enslavement in Egypt. The narrative now transitions to the second phase in which Moshe and Aharon confront the powerful and arrogant Paroh. Our Parsha elaborates on the first seven of the ten plagues that Hashem will unleash upon Paroh and his people. After the first plague, which was the plague of blood, Hashem instructs Moshe to warn Paroh about the impending second plague. Paroh disregards the warnings, and

In Parshas Shemos, the Torah narrates the conversation that transpired at the burning bush. Hashem directs Moshe to convey to the Jewish Nation that Hashem has sent him to liberate the Bnei Yisrael from Mitzrayim. Moshe questions Hashem, 'What should I say if they ask me, “What is the name of Hashem who sent you?” Hashem answers, 'I Will Be Who I Will Be.' Hashem continues, 'Thus you shall say to the Children of Israel, “I Will Be” has sent me to you.' Rashi references the Ge

In Parshas Vayechi, the Torah recounts one of the last discussions between Yaakov and his cherished son Yosef. Yaakov implores Yosef to lay him to rest in the Mearas Hamachpela beside Avraham and Sorah, Yitzchak and Rivka, and alongside Leah, whom he had already buried there prior to his arrival in Egypt. Yaakov prefaces this request by stating, "As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rochel died on me, in the land of Canaan, on the way, when there was still a stretch of land to

In Parshas Mikeitz, the narrative of Yosef unfolds further. After being falsely accused and imprisoned Yosef is released to interpret Paroh’s dreams, and he is now the viceroy of Egypt. His brothers have been sent by their father, Yaakov, to Egypt to secure food during the famine. Yosef arranges for the ten brothers who had been complicit in his sale to be apprehended and brought before him. As they stand in his presence, the Passuk states that 'Yosef recognized his brothers,

Parshas Vayeishev recounts the narrative of Yosef's sale by his brothers. As the 'ben zikunim' and the favored child of Yaakov, Yosef is resented by his brothers. The Torah informs us that he would bring negative reports about them to Yaakov, and their animosity towards him intensifies as he recounts his prophetic dreams. The situation escalates when Yaakov instructs Yosef to check on his brothers who are out tending the sheep. During his search, a man (identified by Rashi an

Parshas Vayishlach describes the birth of Binyomin, who is the twelfth and final son of Yaakov, and notably the only one of the Shevatim born in Eretz Canaan. The passuk states that during Rochel's intense labor, which would ultimately be followed by her death, the midwife informs her that this child is also a son, and Rochel names him Ben-Oni, which means the son of my affliction or mourning. However, Yaakov names him Binyomin, which means the son of my right hand, and this

In this week's Parsha, the Torah tells of the marriage between Yaakov and Rochel. Yaakov agrees to work as a shepherd for Lavan for seven years, and as compensation for his work, Lavan allows him to marry his daughter Rochel. Upon the completion of the seven years, the Torah states, 'Yaakov worked for Rachel for seven years, and they appeared to him as merely a few days due to his love for her.' This verse is rather perplexing. Typically, when an individual is anticipating an

At the beginning of Parshas Toldos, the Torah states, 'These are the descendants of Yitzchak, Avraham's son. Avraham fathered Yitzchak.' Rashi questions the apparent redundancy in this verse. If Yitzchak is Avraham’s son, is it not self-evident that Avraham  fathered him? Rashi, based on the Midrash Tanchuma, explains that the redundancy exists because the detractors of that generation were suggesting that Yitzchak was the child of Avimelech. Thus, Hashem made Yitzchak's appe

This week’s Parsha recounts the mission of Avraham’s devoted servant, who is charged with finding a wife for Yitzchak. Eliezer prays to Hashem for success, and as his prayer comes to an end, he is answered, finding Rivka at the well. She passes his test, and they go to her family’s home, where her brother, Lavan, welcomes them. After seeing the valuable gifts Rivka has received, Lavan says to Eliezer, ‘Come, blessed of Hashem. Why are you standing outside when I have cleared

Parshas Vayera features two notable incidents in Avraham's life. After Yitzchak's birth, Sorah notices Yishmael 'mitzachaik'. Various commentators have different interpretations of the word 'mitzachaik'. The majority propose that it signifies the commission of the three cardinal sins. However, The Malbim interprets it as Yishmael 'scoffing', mimicking the voices of the many critics of Avraham and Sorah, claiming that Yitzchak was not Sorah's child. Sorah instructs Avraham to

Parshas Lech Lecha begins with Hashem telling Avraham to leave Charan and travel to the Land of Canaan. Upon his arrival he is faced with a famine and heads down to Egypt. When the famine ends Avraham, his wife Sarai and nephew Lot return to Canaan. Following their return to Canaan from Mitzrayim in the wake of the famine, the Torah recounts that Avraham and his nephew Lot had become very wealthy, yet there was not enough pasture available for both of their flocks. Lot permit

Parshas Noach opens with the introduction of Noach, a remarkably righteous figure who is 500 years old. Hashem instructs him to construct a Taiva, or ark, due to the rampant corruption in the world, prompting Hashem to bring forth a flood that will obliterate all its inhabitants. This ark was intended to house all species of animals, along with Noach, his family, and provisions sufficient for an entire year, as they endured the flood. Noach, in compliance with Hashem's orders

Parshas Bereishis outlines the creation of the world by Hashem. In the first five days, Hashem lays the groundwork for His most remarkable creation. On the sixth day, once all else has been created, Hashem creates man. Chazal likens this process to a banquet being arranged for a distinguished guest. The hall is elegantly decorated, the food is prepared, and the tables are set. The other attendees arrive, and ultimately, when everything is ready, the esteemed guest makes his e

This week's Parsha, Parshas Vayeilech, recounts the final words of Moshe Rabbeinu on the last day of his life. It opens with the phrase,...

Rashi quotes the Midrash Tanchuma on the first verse of Parshas Nitzavim: Why is the section beginning with the words, "You are standing...

Parshas Ki Savo details the blessings and curses articulated on Mount Gerizim and Mount Eval during the Jewish nation's entry into the...

In Parshas Ki Seitzei, the Torah cautions the Jewish people that individuals from the nations of Ammon and Moav are forever barred from...

In Parshas Shoftim, the Torah cautions us about the dangers associated with accepting bribes. The Passuk states, "and you shall not take...

In Parshas Re’eh, the Torah instructs the Jewish People about the consequences for an individual who attempts to lead others to idol...

In Parshas Eikev, the passuk states, ‘You shall remember all the way which Hashem your God has led you…’ The Torah calls upon the Jewish...