Two Prayers for Matot-Masei 5777
Here are two prayers for this week’s double Torah reading: Matot-Masei. Matot stresses the sacredness of vows to God. They’re serious, solemn and binding. “Vows” portrays…
Read articleKedoshim: Holy
Kedoshim opens with a spectacular line: “Ye shall be holy, for I, Adonai your G-d, am Holy.” (Lev 19:2) We’re commanded to be holy. How can…
Read articleShemini: G-d on Tiptoes
Early in this week’s Torah portion, a very simple line appears: “…the glory of G-d appeared unto all the people.” (Leviticus 9:23) The simplicity stands in…
Read articleTzav: Fire and Ash
Early in this week’s Torah portion we learn about tending the fire on the sacrificial altar, both the manner in which wood will be kindled and…
Read articleYitro: G-d’s Voice
Together, standing at the foot of Mount Sinai, the Jewish people witness the moment when G-d descends to the mountaintop to enter into a covenant with…
Read articleVaera 5775: I am Pharaoh
In this week’s Torah reading, and in last week’s, G-d tells Moses that G-d will harden Pharaoh’s heart. What does it mean for G-d to harden Pharaoh’s…
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