Parshat Matot-Masei
Rabbi Zecharia ben Avkulas was responsible for the destruction of our Temple. Who was this Rabbi and why was such a suggestion given?
During these...
Parashat Re’eh
Is the Torah speaking directly to me?
This week’s Parasha commences with the words “Re’eh Anochi Noten Lifneichem Hayom Bracha U’klalah”, “See, (written in the...
Parshat Ki Tavo
There is a punishment for not being happy.
It’s in this week’s Parasha of Ki Tavo: the long list of the Klalot, the curses, of...
Parshat Balak
There were nearly four paragraphs of the Shema.
The Gemarah in Mesechet Brachot (12) tells us that originally, our sages wanted to add a fourth...
Parshat Nitzavim – Vayelech
Why do Selichot always start on a Saturday night?
This coming Motzei Shabbat in Ashkenazi circles we will be commencing our season of Selichot.
Until medieval...
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is an anniversary; it’s the day on which Moshe came down from Mount Sinai on the second occasion. You’ll recall how, on...
Parshat Lech-Lecha
It isn’t just about the destination, the journey counts as well.
At the beginning of Parashat Lech Lecha, we have details of the epic journey...
Parshat Pinchas
Why are almonds significant for us?
This Shabbat, the first Shabbat of the Three Weeks, we will be reading a Haftorah from the first chapter...
Tisha B’Av
It is forbidden to study Torah. This is one of the surprising Halachot of the fast day of Tisha B’Av, which we will be...
Parshat Ki Tetze
A teacher’s mistake once caused a national catastrophe.
This week’s Parasha of Ki Tetze gives us the Mitzvah, ‘Timche Et Zeicher Amalek Mitachat Hashamayim Lo...
