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In the initial part of Parshas Vayakhel, Moshe receives the directive to gather the nation and communicate the particulars of the Mishkan’s construction. The Ramban points out that this gathering took place on the day after Moshe descended from Har Sinai, where he received the second set of Luchos. Hashem had granted forgiveness to the Jewish nation for the sin of the golden calf, and with the delivery of the second set of Luchos, He established a renewed covenant with them.

The Parsha of Ki Sisa opens with the commandment of the Machtzis Hashekel. The Torah specifies that every male aged 20 to 60 is obligated to donate a half shekel. In the desert, these coins were melted and used for the sockets that connected the beams of the Mishkan. In subsequent years, the coins were utilized for communal sacrifices as well as for the census of the Bnei Yisroel. The passuk states, "The rich shall not increase, and the poor shall not decrease from a half she

Parshas Titzaveh opens with the phrase, "And you shall command the Children of Israel." Hashem continues instructing Moshe about the Mishkan. Rather than employing the frequently used phrase, "Hashem spoke to Moshe," Hashem simply uses, "and you should command…." What accounts for this shift in linguistic style? The significance of words cannot be overstated, as they carry both intended and unintended repercussions. This concept is powerfully illustrated in the opening lines

In Parshas Teruma, Hashem instructs Moshe on the construction of the Mishkan. Towards the end of the parsha, Hashem gives Moshe specific instructions regarding the boards that will form the frame of the Mishkan. He commands Moshe, "You shall make the boards for the Tabernacle of acacia wood, standing upright." Rashi clarifies that the definite article 'the' indicates specific boards. Drawing from the Yalkut Shimoni, he clarifies that this pertains to boards that were already

Parshas Mishpatim outlines numerous civil laws found within the Torah. Among the mitzvos featured in this Parsha are the laws pertaining to damage, guardianship, and the protocols for lost and found items. These laws aim to establish a society characterized by honesty and ethical financial practices. Among all the mitzvos that Hashem commands the Jewish people concerning their interpersonal relations and financial matters, He designates the Law of an eved Ivri, a Hebrew slave

Parshas Yisro begins with the Torah narrating the story of Yisro, the father-in-law of Moshe, joining the Jewish People. Moshe shares with Yisro the incredible miracles that Hashem has performed on behalf of the Jewish Nation. Upon hearing this, Yisro exclaims, "Blessed is Hashem Who has delivered you from the hand of Egypt and from the hand of Paroh…". The Michilta and the Gemara highlight that this situation reflects poorly on the Jewish People. Despite being a nation compr

In Parshas Beshalach, the remarkable miracle of Hashem splitting the Yam Suf is described. Just seven days after the Jewish Nation departs from Mitzrayim, they look up to see the formidable Egyptian army, led by Pharoh, advancing towards them. With the desert and wild animals flanking them, and the tumultuous sea ahead, they find themselves trapped with no means of escape. Moshe cries out to Hashem, who instructs him to tell the people to advance into the sea. As they enter,

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