Hamas chose to release our brethren from captivity on Shabbos because they knew that it would cause desecration to our holiest day. Our brethren, their relatives and others would travel, and those anticipating their arrival would tune into the media to witness their release, in violation of the sanctity of Shabbos. At the same time, …
Category: Shemos
Feb 26
Take!
G-d instructed Moshe to convey His command to the Jews that they contribute towards the construction of His Temple. While we would expect the Torah to use the word, V’Yitnu – they should give a contribution, instead, the Torah uses the word, ‘V’Yikchu Li – they should take for Me a contribution. The question is …
Feb 20
Shlepping the Sheep!
The title of our Parsha is Mishpatim, which means “laws.” This is appropriate because it is host to many interpersonal judicial laws. The nations of the world have a Mitzvah – a responsibility – to set up laws and court systems. By setting laws based on society’s moral and ethical ideals, they are fulfilling one …
Feb 13
Which One!
Our portion opens with the words “Vayishma Yisro ― and Yisro heard ― all that G-d did for the Jewish nation.” Rashi, our great commentator on Torah, asks, “What did Yisro hear that prompted him to leave the comforts of his home in Midyan to join the Jewish nation in the desert?” Rashi brings two …
Feb 06
Doubles!
The Jews, while traveling through the desert for forty years, were fed, on a daily basis, pearly white Manna from Heaven. The Manna would appear bright and early each morning and was then collected. If the Manna was left over, it would evaporate as the sun grew stronger at the fourth hour of the day. …
Jan 29
Shine!
While studying Daf Yomi – a page a day of Talmud study – this past Shabbos, the Talmud discussed various questions Jewish heretics asked the Sages and what their responses were. One of the questions posed to Rabban Gamliel was, “I know that when ten men gather together to pray and form a Minyan, the …
Jan 23
Positive Energy!
Although procrastination is a typical human trait, when one is faced with a challenge or is in a dangerous situation, he innately switches gears and proactively springs into action to defend and protect himself and others. In this week’s Parsha, the Pharoh was warned before the seven plagues that they will terrify, cripple, injure and …
Jan 14
Cries!
The Torah relates that Moshe had to flee for his life from Egypt. He then settled in Midyan where he met his wife Tzipora. When G-d was ready to free the Jews from their slavery in Egypt, He revealed Himself to Moshe while Moshe was shepherding the sheep of his father-in-law, Yisro. Moshe saw a …