Entries for February 2021

Titzaveh: Why Should We Observe Mitzvot?

Watch video.   Shabbat shalom, and if you are reading this the day I have posted it, Purim Sameach!     The name of this week’s Torah portion is תצוה “Tetzaveh,” which comes from the same Hebrew root as mitzvah&... Continue Reading »
Feb 26
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Terumah: What’s in Your Heart (Not Your Wallet)?

Watch video.    Shabbat Shalom.    At the beginning of this week’s Torah portion, Terumah, G-d tells Moses to invite those Israelites who wish to do so to give Him Terumah, a word usually translated as “gifts.” ... Continue Reading »
Feb 19
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Mishpatim: Do Not Oppress the Stranger. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat ...

Watch video.  I haven’t counted them to confirm this number, but evidently the Torah has 304,805 letters.      According to a principle of rabbinic exegesis -- that is, scriptural interpretation -- not even one of these 30... Continue Reading »
Feb 12
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

Yitro: A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation?

Watch Video Chapter 19 of Exodus, Parashat Yitro, recounts that when the Israelites reached the mountain in Sinai, G-d instructed Moses:   “Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob and declare to the children of Israel: … ‘all the... Continue Reading »
Feb 05
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Ethics

He who guards his mouth preserves his life
Proverbs 13:3