The breastplate of the Kohel Gadol (High Priest) contained twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of a different tribe (28:21). Why were the stones engraved with names of the tribes...
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Dvar for Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19)
Parshat Terumah begins the detailed account of how the Jews were to construct the Mishkan, the temporary structure that would house G-d’s Presence throughout their travels. The details span five...
Dvar for Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18)
The Torah implores us to serve G-d and describes the blessings of food, water, and health (23:25). However, the word used to describe G-d’s service is plural, while the benefits are all singular....
Dvar for Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23)
Parshat Yitro contains the first time we are introduced to the Ten Commandments, often overshadowing other important messages conveyed in our Parsha. One such message can be found when the Torah...
Dvar for Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16)
As the Jews navigate through the desert rife with complaints for the lack of water and then food, G-d advises Moshe that He will provide bread [manna] from heaven (16:4) and that people will receive...
Dvar for Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16)
Our Parsha, Bo, starts with G-d’s instructing Moshe to warn Paroh that the last of the plagues will be proof of G-d's dominance (10:1). The next passuk (verse) starts with a unique word, "ulema'an,"...
Dvar for Vaera (Exodus 6:2-9:35)
The Torah interrupts the story of the exodus to list the names of the heads of the tribes of Reuven and Shimon, as well as the names of the tribe of Levi (6:14-26), including finally naming Moshe’s...
Dvar for Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26)
Yaakov blesses his children and grandchildren, including the famous “hamalach hagoel” bracha (blessing) for Yosef’s two children, Ephraim and Menashe, to be protected (48:15-16). Curiously, Yaakov’s...
Dvar for Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27)
As Yehuda confronts Yosef for the final time, he begins with the words “bi adoni” which most translate as “please, my lord” (44:18). Yehuda continues by imploring Yosef not to be angry with him. Why...
Dvar for Miketz (Genesis 41:1-44:17)
When Paroh finally finds a satisfactory interpretation of his dreams, he proclaims that the interpreter, Yosef, is the most understanding and wise person (41:39). Yosef credits his interpretation as...