Parsha Lech Lecha Audio Teachings

Parsha Pekudei

This week’s final portion found in the book of Exodus describes the finishing construction of the Tabernacle. Everything that we have read about in the last few portions comes to fruition within these last chapters. The portion begins with the words, “This is the inventory for the Tabernacle…” But why do we need to suddenly … Continue reading Parsha Pekudei

Parsha Tazria/Metzora Leviticus 12:1-15:33

This week happens to be a double-portion which begins with the laws concerning an “Eesha—Woman” who conceives/bears a child and ends with the laws concerning the “Metzora—Leper.” I believe these portions teach some very powerful concepts when read as an entire unit. So with that being said, let’s jump right into this week’s reading.In the second verse of this … Continue reading Parsha Tazria/Metzora Leviticus 12:1-15:33

Parsha Shemini “Eighth” Leviticus 9:1-11:47

This week’s portion begins with the dedication of the Priesthood and the Wilderness Tabernacle for the service of God. It begins with the words, “It came to pass on the eighth day…” Now, I know I wrote about this topic last year, but I would like to expound on this idea because things like this always catch … Continue reading Parsha Shemini “Eighth” Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Parsha Tzav “Command” Leviticus 6:8(1)-8:36

This week’s portion begins by describing the various sacrifices and their functions. The first offering that is mentioned is called the“Korban Olah—Whole Burnt Offering/ Ascending Offering.” This sacrifice represents the idea of a person giving their entire being to the service of God. In past emails I have related the idea that the person offering the … Continue reading Parsha Tzav “Command” Leviticus 6:8(1)-8:36

Parsha Vayikra Leviticus 1:1-5:26

This week’s portion begins with the word “Vayikra” which means “And (He) called.”  In Hebrew this word is spelled out as “V Y K R A.” Notice that the “A— aleph” is smaller than the rest of the letters in the word. This is the way it is written in the Torah scroll. Rabbi Menachem Weiman writes that while “French may be the best language … Continue reading Parsha Vayikra Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Parsha Vayakhel/Pekudei Exodus 35:1-40:38

In this week’s double-portion we find a reiteration of the construction of the Tabernacle. The greatest difference found between these two instruction/construction passages is its verbal communication. In past portions God told Moses, “You shall make.” Now in these two portions we read the phrase “he made,” over and over again. The portions this week give action to God’s … Continue reading Parsha Vayakhel/Pekudei Exodus 35:1-40:38

Parsha Ki Tissa Exodus 30:11-34:35

In this portion, two new characters are introduced onto the wilderness scene. Bezalel and Aholiab, skilled craftsmen commissioned with the building of the desert Tabernacle. God tells Moses, “I have called by name Bezalel…And I have filled him with the Spirit of God…indeed I, have appointed with him Oholiab…and I have put wisdom in the hearts … Continue reading Parsha Ki Tissa Exodus 30:11-34:35

Parsha Tetzaveh Exodus 27:20-30:10

This week’s portion is entirely dedicated to the garments and consecration of the “Kohanim–Priests,” as well their service in the Tabernacle. Now there is something very interesting about this portion that may be missed by a quick glance through. Moses, prophet of God and leader of the Israelites is not mentioned once in this Parsha. From the … Continue reading Parsha Tetzaveh Exodus 27:20-30:10

Parsha Terumah Exodus 25:1-27:19

This week’s Torah portion begins by describing the construction of the tabernacle. Dennis Prager writes in his commentary, “More chapters are devoted to the Tabernacle and the details of its construction and functioning than to any other subject in the five books of the Torah.” This means that the topic of the tabernacle happens to be one … Continue reading Parsha Terumah Exodus 25:1-27:19

Parsha Mishpatim Exodus 21:1-24:18

I grew up hearing the familiar saying “the devil is in the details.” What I didn’t know until recently however, is that this saying was formed based on another saying which happens to be much older. The foundation for the saying “the devil is in the details” turns out to be a quote created by an unknown author that … Continue reading Parsha Mishpatim Exodus 21:1-24:18

Parsha Yitro “Jethro” Exodus 18:1-20:23

The first thing we read in this Parsha is about Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law. He comes bringing with him Moses’ family and meets up with the Israelite nation “at the mountain of God,” as is explained in the first verses of this portion. Now, why is it important to mention the exact spot where Jethro first encountered the … Continue reading Parsha Yitro “Jethro” Exodus 18:1-20:23

Parsha Va’era “I Appeared” Exodus 6:2-9:35

In this week’s portion we find an interesting genealogy of Moses and Aaron. The first question to be asked when encountering this genealogy is concerning its placement. We read of Moses and Aaron encountering an angry Pharaoh, next Moses speaks to God and suddenly . . . a genealogy? The storyline seems to be coming … Continue reading Parsha Va’era “I Appeared” Exodus 6:2-9:35

Parsha Vayechi Genesis 47:28-50:26

This week’s Torah portion describes the end of the life of Jacob. We read that “the time drew near [for] Israel (Jacob) [to] die.” Once Israel (the spiritual name of Jacob) realizes it is his time to “bite-the-dust” he calls his sons to bless them, to “tell [them] what sh[ould happen] in the last days,” and to make them promise to bury him … Continue reading Parsha Vayechi Genesis 47:28-50:26

Parsha Vayigash Genesis 44:18-47:27

This week’s Torah portion begins with Judah interceding on behalf of his brother Benjamin before—unbeknownst to him—his long lost brother Joseph, Viceroy of Egypt, as it says in verse 18; “Then Judah came near to him (Joseph) and said: “O my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s hearing…” In Hebrew Judah says … Continue reading Parsha Vayigash Genesis 44:18-47:27

Parsha Miketz Genesis 41:1-44:17

This week we read about Joseph’s promotion from “pit to palace.” In Hebrew, the first verse of this portion begins with the words, “V’yhi miketz—And it came to pass at the end…” What does the word “miketz” represent? We translate this word as “end,” but what happens when something comes to an end? A Beginning! Therefore, the word “miketz—end” should really be read … Continue reading Parsha Miketz Genesis 41:1-44:17

Parsha Vayeshev Genesis 37:1-40:23

This week’s portion begins with the words, “Now Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was a stranger.” In other words, “Jacob settled down.” We understand this verse to mean that Jacob attempted to become comfortable in his surroundings. Unfortunately, when the attempt is made to “settle down,” it often leads to “settling for less.” Rashi, in his commentary writes of this … Continue reading Parsha Vayeshev Genesis 37:1-40:23

Parsha Vayishlach Genesis 32:3-36:43

This week I want to begin by reading the 2 verses that come before this portion. The verses state, “So Jacob went on his way (after leaving Laban), and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, ‘This is God’s camp.’ And he called the name of that place Mahanaim.” Why did angels … Continue reading Parsha Vayishlach Genesis 32:3-36:43

Parsha Vayetze Genesis 28:10-32:2

This week begins with the exile of Jacob. Now it may sound strange to call Jacob’s flight from Canaan to Haran an exile. But the reality is, every time Jacob or one of Jacob’s descendants leaves the Land of Promise…it is exile, whether that exile comes by choice or is forced. Paul writes that the … Continue reading Parsha Vayetze Genesis 28:10-32:2

Parsha Toldot Genesis 25:19-28:9

This parsha is the only portion dedicated to the life of Isaac. In the Torah there are 3 portions dedicated to the life of Abraham, 6 portions dedicated to the lives of Jacob and his sons, but only 1 portion dealing with Isaac’s life. Because of this, it is easy to skip over the life … Continue reading Parsha Toldot Genesis 25:19-28:9

Parsha Chayei Sarah Genesis 23:1-25:18

This week’s portion begins with the words “Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. So Sarah died in Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.” Why does this portion immediately begin with the … Continue reading Parsha Chayei Sarah Genesis 23:1-25:18

Parsha Vayera Genesis 18:1-22:24

As I read through this week’s portion I couldn’t help but follow a seemingly common thread tying last week’s and this week’s portions together. The name of this week’s portion is “Vayera” which is generally translated as “And [He] Appeared.” The Hebrew root form of the word “Vayera” is the term “Ra’ah” and has to do with “sight, seeing and/or vision.” Reading through this Torah … Continue reading Parsha Vayera Genesis 18:1-22:24

Parsha Lech Lecha Genesis 12:1-17:27

This week’s Torah Portion begins with God’s call to Abram (Avram—Later to become Abraham/Avraham). God said to Abram “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.” Now, up to this point in history, we could read the Biblical narrative and come to view God … Continue reading Parsha Lech Lecha Genesis 12:1-17:27

Parsha Noah Genesis 6:9-11:32

In last week’s portion we read the words of Lamech when he named his son “Noach—Noah.” Lamech said, “This one will comfort us (y’nachamenu) concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.” The name Noah comes from the Hebrew word “Nacham” which can be translated as comfort/mercy. However, why did Lamech … Continue reading Parsha Noah Genesis 6:9-11:32

Parsha Bereshit “In the Beginning”

“In the beginning God created…” The renowned portion that has been recounted through numerous generations and many centuries of time is once again upon us. As we read through this portion, I have heard people in the past speculate about what was before the universe’s beginning. It is definitely an interesting topic, one that generally leads … Continue reading Parsha Bereshit “In the Beginning”

Parsha Beshalach Exodus 13:17-17:16

This week we read about Pharaoh’s final last-ditch attempt to stop the Israelites from making their ultimate escape. Pharaoh asks his servants, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” After everything that had transpired in Egypt, Pharaoh is still not willing to admit defeat. Pharaoh doesn’t tell his servants to … Continue reading Parsha Beshalach Exodus 13:17-17:16

Parsha Ki Tetze Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

This week’s portion begins with the words “When you go out to war against your enemies, and the Lord your God delivers them into your hand…” From reading this verse it seems to imply that God will always give Israel victory over their enemies, right? So, why then in Numbers 10 do we read “When you go to war in … Continue reading Parsha Ki Tetze Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

Parsha Shoftim Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

This portion begins with the words “Shoftim v’shotrim titen-l’cha b’chol-sha’arecha—You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates.” It then continues on by saying that Israel should do this once God brings them into the Land that He is giving them. The word “appoint” used in the above verse is the Hebrew word “titen.” This word can also mean, “give.” In essence, what God … Continue reading Parsha Shoftim Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Parsha Re’eh “See” Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

This week’s Parsha/Portion begins with the words, “Re’eh Anochi Noten Lif’neichem Hayom Bracha Uk’la’lah.” Now, please don’t get me wrong. I’m very grateful for our English versions and all the History behind how they came to be. However, I am also very particular about translations because I believe it can be easy to lose the Heart behind … Continue reading Parsha Re’eh “See” Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

Parsha Ekev Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25

This week’s portion begins with the words “V’Hayah Ekev Tishmaun.”Most English translations render these words as something along the lines of “If you listen.” However, this would be an incorrect translation; or, a not completely accurate translation. A good translation would translate these words as closer to, “And it will be, because you listen…” If you look at the verse above you will … Continue reading Parsha Ekev Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25

Parsha Va’etchanan Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11

This week’s portion begins with the words “Va’etchanan el-Hashem Ba’et Haheev?—Then I pleaded with the Lord at that time…” These were Moses’ words when he was desperately requesting God’s permission to enter the Promised Land. Moses, with his entire being, wanted to enter into the Land promised to his forefathers; he wanted to see the Land, which … Continue reading Parsha Va’etchanan Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11

“The Vision of a Hero” Parsha Devarim

In this week’s portion we start a new book of the Torah: the book of Deuteronomy! The whole book of Deuteronomy is basically just one long oratorical speech given by Moses, the man of God. I find this to be very interesting because in Exodus 4, when Moses encounters God in the wilderness at the … Continue reading “The Vision of a Hero” Parsha Devarim

Parsha Mattot/Massei Numbers 30:2-36:13

This week we are confronted with a double portion that takes us all the way to the end of the 4th book of the Torah, the book of Numbers. Though the entirety of these two portions seem rather boring, there are some very intriguing lessons hidden away in the very middle of a seemingly long, dry, … Continue reading Parsha Mattot/Massei Numbers 30:2-36:13

Parsha Pinchas Numbers 25:10-30:1

In this week’s portion, we begin by finishing the story of “Pinchas?—Phineas.” In the story, the women and gods of Midian and Moab are leading the entire nation of Israel astray. Phineas, in his zeal, runs and kills a leader from among the Israelites who is engaged in this public immoral debacle, and by doing this, saves … Continue reading Parsha Pinchas Numbers 25:10-30:1

Parsha Chukat/Balak Numbers 19:1-25:9

This week we have a double portion filled to the brim with laws, stories and events. When I first began studying through the portions for the week, I was a little overwhelmed by the wealth of information presented. With so many exciting perspectives and avenues, I decided to bring a bit from as many different … Continue reading Parsha Chukat/Balak Numbers 19:1-25:9

Korach “Korah” Numbers 16:1-18:32

In this week’s parsha we are confronted with the rebellious characters of Korah and his company of 250 “men of renown” who came against Moses and Aaron’s leadership. Korah begins his address against Moses and Aaron by saying, “You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the … Continue reading Korach “Korah” Numbers 16:1-18:32

Parsha Sh’lach “Send” Numbers 13:1-15:41

This week we read of the fateful story describing the sin of the 10 spies, which caused the nation of Israel to wander in the wilderness instead of entering the Promised Land. And what was the sin of the spies? It was their report, which they brought back to the Nation of Israel. “We went to the land where … Continue reading Parsha Sh’lach “Send” Numbers 13:1-15:41

Parsha Beha’alotcha Numbers 8:1-12:15

In this week’s portion, we read about the complaining of the people concerning the manna = bread from heaven, which was provided to them daily by God. Starting out in Numbers 11 we read of this wilderness episode. “Now the people complained…[and] the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children … Continue reading Parsha Beha’alotcha Numbers 8:1-12:15

Parsha Nasso Numbers 4:21-7:89

From this week’s portion I want to focus on the very last verse. Numbers 7:89 says, “Now when Moses went into the tabernacle of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice of One speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; … Continue reading Parsha Nasso Numbers 4:21-7:89

Parsha Bamidbar Numbers 1:1-4:20

It is always exciting to start another book in the Torah. Yet, out of the 5 books found in the Torah, I think the title of this one has to sound the most boring. This week we find ourselves starting out in the portion “Bamidbar”, which begins the book of Numbers. Now, I don’t know about … Continue reading Parsha Bamidbar Numbers 1:1-4:20

Parsha Bo “Come” Exodus 10:1-13:16

This week’s Torah portion can be referred to as the “Yetsiyat Mitzrayim—Exodus from Egypt” segment. In this portion God delivers the nation of Israel “out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” However, the redemption of the Israelites wasn’t without devastation, destruction and death. Pharaoh’s increasingly hardened heart was continually at odds with the idea of allowing the … Continue reading Parsha Bo “Come” Exodus 10:1-13:16

Parsha Shemot “Names” Exodus 1:1-6:1

This week we begin reading the 2nd book of the Torah. The book of Exodus describes for us the horrors of Egypt, which the Israelites faced for the duration of their time of exile in Egypt. In Jeremiah 11, God describes Egypt as an “iron furnace” from which He brought the Israelites out. Egypt means “narrows straights or constriction,” which … Continue reading Parsha Shemot “Names” Exodus 1:1-6:1