Nitzavim-Vayelech: A Covenant for All Generations

(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…

Bechukkotai: The Eternal Link with the Land

(3 – 4 Minute Read) Leviticus 26:2-27:34 Bechukkotai defines in great detail exactly what tragedies would befall the Jewish people for forsaking the Holy One, Blessed Be He, as well as His Torah.  And not by coincidence, the Torah description…

Behar: A Nation of Servants to the Most High

(3 – 4 Minute Read) Leviticus 25:1-26:2 In the Torah parshah, or portion, of Behar, the Holy One, Blessed Be He, first outlines the process of the sabbatical and jubilee years.  G-d also details the rules for the temporary sale…

Kedoshim: Be Holy, For I Am Holy

(2-3 Minute Read) Leviticus 16:1 – 20:27 In the Torah parasha, or portion, of Kedoshim, the Almighty elaborates on key details of the Torah formula of personal holiness. Previously, in the linked portion of Acharei-Mot, the Torah begins the narrative…

Tazria: The Consequences of Negative Speech

(3 -4 Minute) Leviticus 12:1 – 13:59 The Torah parasha, or portion, of Tazria primarily discusses the malady, quarantine, and remedy of tzaraat.  Tzaraat is commonly translated as “leprosy” in English. However, this is a misnomer, as tzaraat does not…

Mishpatim: Spiritual Vitality through Unity

(5-6 Minute Read) Exodus 21:1 – 24:18 Misphatim records the rules that the Most High gave to Moses to present to the Israelites. “When a Hebrew slave is acquired, he shall serve six years and be released in the seventh…

Vayechi: Our Life and Land

Genesis 47:28 – 50:26 (4-5 Minute Read) The Torah portion Vayechi concludes the life of Jacob.  Jacob lived seventeen years in the land of Egypt, so the span of his life was 147 years.  When he neared the end of…

Vayigash: The Dynamics of Forgiveness

Genesis 44:18 – 47:27 (5-6 Minute Read) Vayigash is a Hebrew word that means “and he drew near.”  This Torah parasha, or portion, continues the narrative of Joseph as Judah drew near to his brother unsuspectingly and pleaded with him. …

Noah: A Flood of Revelation

(4-5 Minute Read) Genesis 6:9 – 11:31 The Torah parasha, or portion, of Noah, recounts the story of the famous Biblical character of the same name.  The Most High was grieved at the wickedness of humanity; but Noah, being “righteous,…

Bereishit: Choosing Life from the Beginning

(4-5 Minute Read) Genesis 1:1 – 6:8 The Torah begins with the Hebrew phrase Bereishit — “In the beginning” the Almighty created the heavens and the earth.  The first chapter of the Torah elaborates on this creation process, describing the…

Vayakhel-Pekudei: The Dynamic of Details

(3 – 4 Minute Read) Exodus 35:1 – 40:38 The combined Torah portion of Vayakhel-Pekudei begins as Moses gathered the congregation of Israel and told them what the Eternal One commanded them.  On six days work could be done, but…

Yitro: Efficient Leadership and Boundaries

(3-4 Minute Read) Exodus 18:1 – 20:23 Yitro was the priest of Midian and the father-in-law of Moses who lent his name to this Torah parasha, or portion.  Yitro heard of all that the Almighty had done for Moses and…