The Torah parasha, or portion, of Chayei Sarah commences, somewhat ironically, with the death of Abraham’s wife. Sarah’s lifetime came to the ripe old age of 127; she died in Kiryat-Arba near Hebron. Abraham approached the resident Hittites to purchase…
(5-6 Minute Read) Genesis 18:1 – 22:24 The Torah portion of Vayera commences with the Almighty “appearing” to Abraham. Abraham greeted three guests and provided them with generous hospitality. One of the visitors declared, “I will return in one year,…
(3-4 Minute Read) Genesis 12:1 – 17:27 Lekh lekha is a Hebrew phrase generally translated as “Go for yourself,” and is the first key phrase of the Torah portion, or parasha, of the same name. The Almighty first instructed Abram…
(3-4 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 29:9 – 31:30 The combined Torah portion of Nitzavim-Vayelech begins with a reiteration of the Almighty’s covenant with the Jewish people relating to the land of Israel. Moses emphasized that there would be severe consequences for…
(3-4 Minute Read) Devarim (Deuteronomy) 26:1-29:8 Bringing the first fruits of the harvest as a donation before the Almighty is the first theme discussed in the parasha, or Torah portion, of Ki Tavo. Following that, the Almighty through Moses outlined…
(2-3 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 Ki Tetse is a Hebrew phrase meaning “when you go out” to battle, and the Torah portion begins with the proper treatment of prisoners of war. Next, the rights of the firstborn son in a…
(3-4 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 The Torah portion of Shofetim begins with a reminder of the system of judges and officers that the Most High through Moses had established for the Jewish people. Moses then elaborated on various commandments relating…
(4-5 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17 The Torah portion of Re’eh commences with Moses reminding the Jewish people of the importance of observing the Torah completely, and of the related blessings and curses. Moses noted the Most High’s instructions that offerings…
(3-4 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25 Moses’ discourse continues in this week’s Torah parasha, or portion, called Eikev. Moses repeatedly encouraged the Jewish people to observe all of the commandments of the Torah, revering none but the Almighty. Moses further reminded…
(4-5 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11 The Torah portion of Vaetchanan begins with Moses pleading with the Almighty to allow him to cross over the Jordan River into the land of Israel. The Most High refused, but instead permitted Moses to…
(3-4 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 1:1-3:21 The Book of Devarim, or Deuteronomy, begins with the Torah portion of the same name. In Deuteronomy, near the end of his life Moses addressed the early Jewish nation on the other side of the…
A Tale for Tisha B’Av By Ben & Sarai Kerido “Eikha…” The choked sound was little more than a desperate whisper from an old man. Tears streamed down from the eyes of the renowned prophet of the Jewish kingdom, tracing…
