The name of the Torah portion Chayei Sarah means the life of Sarah, though the parshah details her passing. This teaches us what constitutes true life.
In this week’s Torah portion we read about Pharaoh’s two dreams, whereas last week we read of Joseph’s two dreams; discover the difference between them.
In the Egyptian bondage, Pharaoh decreed that all Jewish newborn baby boys had to be thrown into the Nile River, and that all baby girls were to be "made alive." What is the eternal lesson from this terrible decree?
Despite our differences, it is important to remember that we are all equally important. Discover how we learn this lesson from Moses and Aaron in this week's parshah.
Prior to the tenth plague in Egypt, the death of the firstborn, G‑d instructed the Jewish people to take lambs and tie them to their bedposts for four days. What was the purpose of this, and what can we learn from it today?
When the Jews travelled through the desert for forty years, they were sustained by manna—miraculous bread from heaven. What is the manna’s message for us today?
The giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai is the defining moment for our people, when G-d told us the “ten Commandments.” In truth, what was so new that we received at Sinai since our Patriarchs already studied Torah earlier?
Mishpatim, meaning laws, are just one of the three categories of commandments found in the Torah. The other two are “decrees” and “testimonies.” What is the difference between the three classifications of mitzvot?
G-d instructs the Jewish People to construct a sanctuary for him to dwell amongst them. Why would G-d, who is infinite, need a physical sanctuary for His presence?
Intriguing about this week's parsha, Tetzvaeh, is the fact that Moses' name does not appear anywhere in it! This is the only Torah Portion from the time Moses was born (till the final book) that his name is not mentioned. What is the reason for this?
G-d instructs Moses to collect a half-shekel coin from each man as means of counting the Jewish people. But Moses grapples to understand the half-shekel’s significance till G-d shows him a coin of fire. What does this all mean?
In this week's parsha, we read of the actually building of the Tabernacle. The structure had three coverings, from sheep’s wool, from goat hair, and from “tachash” hide. Discover the meaning behind them.
This Torah portion mentions the passing of Aaron's two sons, Nadav and Avhiu., whom according to Chassidic teaching their souls expired in ecstasy of cleaving to G-d. What is the lesson for us?
"Bechukotai," which means "in my laws," also comes from the same Hebrew root for "engrave." Rashi explains that this refers to the mitzvah to study the Torah diligently. What is the connection between all of this?
G-d commands Moses to take a census of the Jewish nation in the desert. Why would G-d command us to be counted if He already knows the exact number (isn't He G-d, after all?)?
In this week's parsha we read the mitzvah of bikkurim –first fruits. Every Jewish farmer in Israel was obligated to bring the first fruits of their produce to the Temple in Jerusalem, recite a special "confession," and then give the fruits to a kohen.
Just before the Jews people were to enter the land of Israel they sent spies to scout out the land. But their returning report caused the nation to be held back in the desert for forty years. Where did the spies go wrong?
The parshah of Korach - as the name suggests - is about a Jew named Korach and his rebellion against Moses. Who was Korach, and why did he lead an uprising?
When Moses struck the rock instead of talking to it, he was punished not to enter the land of Israel with the rest of the Jewish nation. Why such a harsh penalty for a seemingly minor mistake?
This week's parsha – Balak – centers around the story of the king of Moab (Balak) hiring a non-Jewish prophet (Balaam) to curse the Jewish nation, but ends up giving blessings instead..
Pinchas wasn't born a “kohen” (a title given to descendants of Aaron the High Priest), but he earned this name after boldly standing up for G-d's honor. What lesson can we learn from this episode?
This week’s parshah discusses the concept of vows. But why does the Torah give us laws regarding making vows? Doesn't the Torah forbid enough things for us—do we really need to add more to the list?
The Torah portion of Massei is the last parshah in the fourth book of the Torah—Numbers. It provides us with an eternal lesson about the journeys of our lives.
The Torah portion of Devarim opens by saying, "These are the words that Moses spoke to the entire Jewish nation..." Why does the Torah use here the unusual phrase of “"these are the words"?
The name of the parshah "Eikev" literally means "heel" --the lowest part of the body. But it can also refer to the commandments that "we trample over with our heels."
In this week's parsha - Parshas Re'eh - we discuss the profound theme of life choices. What connection is there between a Swedish man named Alfred Nobel and our choices in life?
The name of the parsha, Shoftim, means judges. There are two kinds of judgment, external and internal. How can we use the power of judgment for our own benefit?
Among the many laws found in this week's Torah portion is the requirement to build a safety fence around the roofs of our homes. What is the spiritual lesson behind this mitzvah?
“Because you did not serve the Lord, your God, with happiness and with gladness of heart, when [you had an] abundance of everything." (Deuteronomy 28:47) How are we to be joyful in all circumstances even if things get bad?
The Torah portion of Nitzavim opens with the words, "You are standing today, all of you, before G-d, your G-d." What special day is the verse referring to?
The Torah relates that before Moses gave his final speech to the Jewish people, he first made a short visit to the house of study. Moses was the ultimate Torah teacher, so why the need to study specifically at this time?
This parsha, V’zot Haberacha, the last Torah portion, ends with the passing of Moses, yet it is read on Simchat Torah, a most joyous day. How do we reconcile this?
