Articles in Yearly Cycle
Bo: Uncovering Divine Mysteries
In Awe of Pharaoh
G-d commanded Moses to come to Pharaoh and instruct him to release the Jewish people from bondage. Why did G-d tell Moses to come to Pharaoh and not go to Pharaoh? The Zohar answers that Pharaoh’s aura and power overwhelmed Moses and he was afraid to enter …
Bo: The Reluctant Partner
A Permanent Loan
Before Jews left Egypt they were told to “borrow” gold and silver from their Egyptian neighbors. The Egyptians, who understood that this was to be at best a “long term loan,” were reluctant to part with their valuables, but in the end acquiesced to the loan.
Then, just before …
Vaeirah: Proud to be Chosen
Hiding our Culture
There was a time when nations readily acknowledged that the Jews were chosen. There was a time when we openly acknowledged that we were chosen. There was a time when no Jew was ashamed of being chosen. Today’s world is a little different. Jews long to fit in …
Vaeirah: Hiding behind Apathy
Pharaoh and the Frog
In discussing the second of the Ten Plagues the Midrash mentions that every creature plays a role in G-d’s master plan. If not for the frog, says the Midrash, how would the Almighty take retribution against Pharaoh?
Why does the Midrash single out the frog when there were …
Vaeirah: Four Steps
Dynamics of Relationships
In this week’s Parsha we read the four expressions of redemption. “I shall extract you, save you, redeem you and take you”. There seems to be a fascination in Judaism with the number four. At the Seder we drink four goblets of wine, we have four matriarchs, Torah …
Vaeirah: Hiding Behind Destiny
Was it their fault?
In this week’s Parsha we are given a demonstration of G-d’s power as he smites the mighty conquerors and frees the slaves.
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Shemot: Empathy in the Face of Suffering
A Mother’s Pain
A mother returned from her child’s funeral and approached the master. Through her tears, she begged him to tell her why her beloved child had had to die. The master asked her, “Do you really want to know?”
“Yes, of course I do” she replied.
“Are you sure?” asked the …
Shemot: Faith Based Relationship
Nurtured by a Miracle
Throughout the period of Jewish exile in Egypt, Jews experienced many miracles and divine interventions. Children were born in a miraculous fashion; they were raised in the fields by G-d and would arrive home, alive and healthy, at a mature age. They were fed, clothed and even …
