Exodus Torah Portions
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
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 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 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 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 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 Terumah Exodus 25:1-27:19
In this weeks Portion we read about the construction of the Mishkan—the Tabernacle. Much of the Torah is dedicated to the construction, implementation and functioning of the Tabernacle and its Service. The construction of the Tabernacle is such a prevalent topic dealt with in the Torah, that it is impossible to turn a blind eye … Continue reading Parsha Terumah Exodus 25:1-27:19
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 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 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
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