by Shlomo Ressler | Jul 19, 2013 | 5:2-Parshat Va'etchanan, Devarim / Deuteronomy
From chabad.org and ou.org: This Aliya begins with the first section of the Shema prayer. This paragraph contains the fundamental mitzvot of belief in G‑d’s unity, love of G‑d, tefillin, mezuzah, and Torah study (see previous blog for more color on this). The...
by Shlomo Ressler | Jul 18, 2013 | 5:2-Parshat Va'etchanan, Devarim / Deuteronomy, Weekly Dvar
The most famous sentence in the Torah is found in this week’s Torah portion, Va’etchanan: “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.” (Deuteronomy 6:4) The last letter (Ayin) of the Hebrew word for “Hear” (Shema) is written...
by Shlomo Ressler | Jul 18, 2013 | 5:2-Parshat Va'etchanan, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: Moshe describes the fright which gripped the nation following the revelation on Sinai. The leaders of the tribes approached Moshe and pleaded that he be the intermediary to transmit G-d’s words to them, and G‑d agreed. Twice in this Aliya it...
by Shlomo Ressler | Jul 17, 2013 | 5:2-Parshat Va'etchanan, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: Moshe repeats the Ten Commandments, reminding the Israelites that the Sinai covenant was not limited to those who were physically present at Mount Sinai. The very first of the ten commandments is very unique. It doesn’t just say “I am the...
by Shlomo Ressler | Jul 16, 2013 | 5:2-Parshat Va'etchanan, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: Moshe designates three cities of refuge on the eastern side of the Jordan River. These cities provided refuge for an individual who inadvertently murdered another. The Gemara explains that although the cities wouldn’t become active refuge havens...
by Shlomo Ressler | Jul 15, 2013 | 5:2-Parshat Va'etchanan, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: Moshe implores the Israelites to treasure the Torah, praising its wisdom, its righteous and just precepts, and the closeness to G‑d it affords. He admonishes them to never forget the day when G‑d gave them the Torah, and vividly describes that awesome...
