Check out all of last year’s Torah observations from Exodus
Parsha Shemot Exodus 1:1-6:1
This week we have fast forwarded from the life of Joseph and moved straight into a new (but very old) book, continuing the same story line, but with new characters and a different setting. In other words, “the plot thickens.” I could write instead “the plot dickens,” but that would only make sense to those … Continue reading Parsha Shemot Exodus 1:1-6:1
Parsha Va’era Exodus 6:2-9:35
This week I’m excited to dive into this portion because this is the portion that coincides with my birthday. At the age of 13 I was expected to be able to read and sing part of this portion in Hebrew and also give a “drash—short exposition” on this section of text. I am rather partial … Continue reading Parsha Va’era Exodus 6:2-9:35
Parsha Bo “Go” Exodus 10:1-13:16
This weeks Parsha has some amazing and interesting statements that I want to dive right into. But just to recap…remember, in our story, we are in the middle of Plague-ridden Egypt. Despite the plagues brought into existence by God, through Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh has refused to let the children of Israel leave his land. And … Continue reading Parsha Bo “Go” Exodus 10:1-13:16
“Beshalach” Exodus 13:17-17:16
Out of all the portions we have been through these past months, I believe I can truly say, this has to be one of my favorites! Before I get into this portion, I want to write that some mornings it is amazing to wake up knowing that I am a “friend of God.” This is … Continue reading “Beshalach” Exodus 13:17-17:16
Parsha Yitro Exodus 18:1-20:26
In this portion we arrive at one of the most important events in all of human history. In Hebrew this occasion is known as “Mattan Torah” or in English as, “The giving of the Torah.” But this portion doesn’t start off with the giving of the Torah, it starts with Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law. And so … Continue reading Parsha Yitro Exodus 18:1-20:26
“Mishpatim” Exodus 21:1-24:18
For people who hear the word “Torah” and immediately think of a list of laws and regulations, then this portion is for you. This portion contains quite a list of commandments, racking up a whopping total of 53 laws—23 compulsory and 30 prohibitory commandments. In this portion we are getting down to the “nitty gritty” … Continue reading “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
“Tetzaveh” Exodus 27:20-30:10
This portion deals a lot with the Garments and Consecration of the Kohanim—the Priests. In great detail it describes the intricacies behind the attire specifically for the “Kohen Gadol—High Priest.” With all of these instructions concerning the outfit and vestments of the High Priest, it begs the question…Does God only look at the heart? Most … Continue reading “Tetzaveh” Exodus 27:20-30:10
Parsha Ki Tisa Exodus 30:11-34:35
This week is definitely a full portion! It was very hard to decide what to write about, but I figured there is no better place than the beginning! Now, I know the verses we start with in this chapter are curious, but for some reason, these were the verses that fascinated me when I was … Continue reading Parsha Ki Tisa Exodus 30:11-34:35
Vayakhel Exodus 35:1-40:38
This week is a double portion that deals with the construction and raising of the Tabernacle. This was the first “Barn Raising,” if you could call it such, found in History; except a “Barn Raising” is when a community comes together to build for a certain individual while the “Mishkan Raising—Tabernacle Raising” was a community … Continue reading Vayakhel Exodus 35:1-40:38