Articles in Parsha Insights
Vayakhel Pekudei: The Bottom Line
The Generous Economizer
When you see a miser spending money in generous amounts you can assume that something out of the ordinary is afoot. It might be a simcha, such as an upcoming wedding, perhaps a tragedy or an illness. Whatever it is, you would certainly assume an exception before assuming …
Vayakhel: The Jewish Woman
The Jewish Woman
Did you know that women were the first to contribute to the building of the tabernacle? Did you know that not a single woman worshiped the golden calf? Did you know that Jewish women did not believe the negative report, brought by the spies, about the land of …
Ki Tisa: Are You A Forgiver At Heart?
Petty Grudges
Are you the forgiving type? I don’t mean the type that forgives after making another grovel for it. I mean the type that forgives without even being asked. If you are, well if you are, I have no words to describe you. You are perhaps an angel or a …
Tezaveh: How To Choose A Leader
The Nature of a Leader
Why do we gravitate to the charismatic and charming when choosing our leaders? We look for a leader that can galvanize the masses, lead the government, command the military and interact with fellow Heads of State. Former President Bill Clinton is a perfect example; he has …
Terumah: How To Make A Sanctuary
Four Elements
The tabernacle Moses was commanded to erect comprised the four basic elements, inanimate, vegetative, animate and human. The floor was desert sand, representing the inanimate element. The walls were wooden, representing the vegetative element. The roof was of animal hide, representing the animate element and the people that worshiped …
Mishpatim: Whom do You Serve?
One and Others
Have you ever noticed that the classic proclamation of Jewish faith, the call Hashem Echad – G-d is one, can be easily mispronounced as hashem Acher – another G-d? Rather than proclaiming our faith in a single – one and only – G-d we can inadvertently slide into …
Yitro – When Student Becomes Teacher
Teaching and Giving
Did you know that Jews knew and studied the Torah well before G-d gave it at Sinai? The Torah was taught to Adam, who taught it to Seth who passed it to his children till it reached Abraham, who taught it to the Jews. (1) This begs the …
Beshalach: The Circle of Faith
Panic In Times of Crises
They tell a story about a man, who was driving about, desperate to find a parking spot. With no spots available he called out, Dear G-d, give me a parking spot and will I pledge a thousand dollars to charity. Instantaneously a spot became available and …
