This Parsha tells one of the more entertaining stories of the Torah. Balak fears for his Kingdom as the Israelites approach. He knows that it will take extraordinary measures to defeat the Israelites, so he calls on Balaam. Balaam is the only non-Hebrew prophet who can communicate with Hashem. Balak sends his men to recruit […]
Kedoshim literally means “(the) Holy ones.” Usually, the title of the Parshah is the first, second or third word, but this time it is the 14th word- or the 10th word if one counts hyphenated word combinations as single words. Is this merely a coincidence or is this intent since the Parshah begins with recounting […]
This parsha closes the book of Exodus, Shemot- meaning “words”. It is the last of 5 parshiot that all depict the construction of the Mishkan. Pekudei literally means “accounts”. Accounts can be audits or can mean taking “account” of what we have, and what we need to complete… you fill in the blank. The Book […]
Shemot is the story of Moses and the people Israel. It is also called the Exodus. But literally, Shemot means “Names”. But what is… in a Name? G-d gives a name to the first man, Adam. One of the important tasks which G-d gave to
Adam, was to name the plants and animals of the Earth. […]
Just as in the creation of the Universe there are many points of creation in our own lives, that lead to new beginnings. These are moments of great discomfort and of great hope all at the same time. These are points of significant potential for growth or they can be times for disaster. […]
What gives a word or phrase it’s weight? What gives a speaker his credence? Why do we accept a message from this source but not from another? Can anyone see G-d’s face and live? Or, does that last statement really mean, that none of us will see G-d’s face until we pass from this world? […]
