Dear Congregants, Prior to the miracle of the splitting of the Yam Suf, the verse states (Exodus 14-10)”And Pharaoh approached(Hikriv) and the Jewish people lifted their eyes and behold Egypt was traveling after them and they became very frightened and the children of Israel cried out to Hashem.” Rashi is bothered by the Torah’s use...Read More
Dear Congregants: Our Parashah begins with the historic showdown between Yaakov and Esav. Yaakov is informed that Esav is heading his way with 400 people. The Pasuk says “And Yaakov became very frightened and it distressed him.” Obviously, if he is very frightened then he is distressed; why should the Pasuk mention both words i.e. Frightened...Read More
Dear Congregants: In this week’s Parashah, we find the riveting story of the two son’s of Yishak, Yaakov and Esav. Early on in the Parashah, Esav sells his birthright to Yaakov. The birthright represented being the sole heir to the mission of Israel including receiving the Torah. The Torah tells us that Yishak’s favorite child was Esav and Rivkah’s...Read More
Dear Congregants: The Pasuk says “VeAvraham Zaken Ba Bayamim VaHaShem Berach et Avraham Bakol” which means “And Avraham was old, advanced in days and HaShem had blessed Avraham with everything”. The question, of course, is the seeming redundancy within the Pasuk. If Avraham was old, that means that he was advanced in days. What additional information is conveyed to us...Read More
Dear Congregants: The Pasuk in Michah says “Titen emet le’Ya’akov Hesed le’Avraham..” Avraham Avinu was the greatest Ba’al Hesed that ever lived. He is the example of kindness for all generations. In this week’s Parashah we have a glimpse into Avraham’s extraordinary proclivity to bestow goodness upon his fellow man. The Parashah begins with Hashem...Read More
Dear Congregants: Avraham Avinu was tested 10 times by Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Through these tests Avraham proved his worthiness to be the father of our great nation and to spread the concept of HaShem’s oneness in the world. This week’s Parashah begins with Avraham Avinu’s first test. Hashem commands Avraham to leave his land and...Read More
