Article abstract for Parashat Mishpatim: This weeks portion is dedicated in large measure to teaching righteousness, defining what is...

The Torah (Ex. 21:6) teaches that if a Hebrew bondsman opts to continue with his master after his initial seven-year indenture, then “his...

Mishpatim Terms and Conditions for the Never-ending Story סֵפֶר: book, scroll, Torah סִיפּוּר: story לְסַפֵּר: to recount, to tell a...

Article abstract for Parashat Terumah: This week's Parashah acutely delineates the makeup and measurements of the Tabernacle and its...

This week ushers in the month of Adar in all its glory. Like all the months of the Jewish calendar, the name Adar is derived from the...

There are two words which refer to the accumulation of holiness on a spatial level: Mishkan and Mikdash. Although the Talmud (Eruvin 2a)...

Terumah Connecting Worlds מִן הָעוֹלָם עַד הָעוֹלָם חִיבּוּר: connection חֶבְרוֹן: Hebron מְחַבֵּר: writer/connector חָבֵר: friend חָבֵר:...

When Esav found out that the blessing from his father Yitzchak had been given to Yaakov, Esav “cried out a great and bitter cry” (Genesis...

Hats and Belts The Torah teaches us about the special garments to be worn by the Kohanim (priests) while performing the ritual duties in...

Article Abstract: Among the priestly garments and accoutrements listed in Parashat Tetzaveh is the High Priest's breastplate of judgment,...

Titzaveh Parshasתְּצַוֶה Do You Make the Cut? חָרַשׁ: craftsman חַרִישָׁה: plow חַרָשִׁים:wise men חֵרֵשׁ: deaf person חָרַשׁ: Craftsman...

Article abstract for Parashat Ki Tissa: We are introduced in this Parashah to the Festival of Gathering, an alternative name for the...

As Moshe prayed to G-d to forgive the Jewish People for sinning at the golden calf, G-d revealed to Moshe His Thirteen Attributes of...

Ki Tisa Spiritual Weight Watchers שֶׁקֶל: silver coin מִשְׁקַל: weight, weighing scales שָׁקוּל: equal, balanced שַׁקְלָא וְטַרִיָא: give...

Divine Dictator or Populist King After Joseph told his brothers about his dreams, which seemed to foretell Joseph’s eventual rise to...

Vayakhel: Wandering Infrastructure Article abstract for Parashat Vayakhel: This week's Parashah tells of the actual construction of the...

Exodus 35:24 – They attached (וַיִרְכְּסוּ) the Breastplate (Choshen) from its rings to the rings of the Ephod with a turquoise string,...

The Beauty of Adar This upcoming week ushers in the month of Adar in all its glory. Like all the months of the Jewish calendar, the name...

The Malbim and others explain how a bevy of apparent synonyms for “clothing” actually differ from one another. As many commentators note,...

Vayakhel Horns of Pride קֶרֶן: horn קֶרֶן זוית: corner קֶרֶן: value, principle קֶרֶן אור: ray קֶרֶן: pride קֶרֶן: Horn וַיַּעַשׂ אֶת...