Parasha Insights
“This is how you shall make it: 300 cubits the length of the ark, 50 cubits it’s width, and thirty cubits it’s height” (6:15). The Torah informs us of the measurements of Noach’s ark - 300 cubits long, 50 cubits…
Perfect Harmony
As we start the new cycle of reading the Torah, we have the opportunity to refresh ourselves with the concepts of the book of Bereshit. One could ask, since this book comprises mainly of historical events of our forefathers, why…
A Beautiful Fresh Start!
This week we restart reading the Torah from the beginning – Bereishit. The first book of the Torah takes its name from the first word – Bereishit – in the beginning. The first Pasuk of the Torah is filled with…
Parasha Insights
The Talmud (Zevachim 116a) discusses what made Yithro, a gentile priest, come to join our nation? R. Yehoshua says it was the war of Amalek; R. Elazar HaModai says the giving of the Torah; R. Eliezer says the splitting of…
The Only True Kindness In This World
As Yaakov takes leave of this world, he beseeches his son Yoseph with the following request “and do for me kindness and truth, please don’t bury me in Egypt”. Rashi mentions that kindness one does with the dead is termed…
To Influence or be Influenced?
We find that Yaakov issued only one instruction in connection with his family’s sudden departure to Egypt – that Yehuda should travel ahead of the party to set up a beit midrash (Rashi46:28). Yaakov’s decision to give this instruction needs explanation.Pharaoh had already promised Yaakov and his family “the goodness of Egypt”…
Shema Yisrael!
Twenty two long years have passed and finally Yosef meets his father: “He [Yosef] fell on his [father’s] neck, and wept exceedingly” (46:29). Yosef poured out his heart in a sea of tears at the emotional release of seeing his…
