Tsav: Drawing Closer to the Most High

4 – 5 Minute Read Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36 The Torah parasha, or portion, of Tzav continues the recounting of the commandments of the Almighty through Moses regarding Aaron and his sons as well as the affiliated sacrifices.  The burnt…

Vayikra: Formulas for Achieving Holiness

(4 – 5 Minute Read) Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26 Vayikra commences the book by the same name, otherwise known as Leviticus.  The Almighty called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tabernacle, giving instructions through him to the people…

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…

Beshalach: Splitting a Sea and Moving Forward

(5-6 Minute Read) Exodus 13:17 – 17:16 When Pharaoh let the Israelites go, the Most High did not lead them out by the closer way of the Philistines to avoid war.  Instead,  he led them out by the wilderness of…

Bo: The Relevance of our Redemption

4-5 Minute Read Exodus 10:1 – 13:16 Bo begins as the Almighty told Moses again to go to Pharaoh.  The Most High had hardened the heart of Pharaoh and his courtiers to display His power and wonders, and that it…

Va’era: Control of the Heart

(4-5 Minute Read) Exodus 6:2 – 9:35   As the Torah parashah, or portion, of Va’Era begins, the Most High spoke to Moses, reiterating that He had appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and established a covenant with them.  The Almighty…

Shemot: Let My People Go

Exodus 1:1 – 6:1 (3-4 Minute Read) Shemot begins both the Torah parasha, or portion, and Biblical book of the same name.  The twelve sons of Israel (i.e. Jacob) came to Egypt with their families.  The Israelites were fertile and…

Vayalech: The Vital Ingredient of Courage

Deuteronomy 31:1-30 (2-3 Minute Read) In the Torah portion of Vayelech, Moses finalizes the Torah and prepares the people for his death. He appoints Joshua to succeed him, admonishing him to be full of strength and courage. The Most High…

Nitzavim: Standing with the Almighty

(3-4 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 29:9 – 30:20 The Torah portion of Nitzavim 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 idolatry…

Megillat Rut: Accepting the Torah Again

 (3-4 Minute Read) In addition to the Torah readings, Megilat Rut, or the Scroll of Ruth, is read during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks.  Megillat Rut is a short work that describes events taking place during…