The Ark of the Covenant (aron ha-‘edut) is the first item on the list of furnishings that the Israelites were commanded to construct in preparation for setting up the Tabernacle (mishkan). The task of that piece of furniture is to store and safeguard the sign of the covenant between the Eternal and His people. Some […]
Among the fifty-three mitzvot in Parashat Mishpatim, two stand out: returning a lost animal and helping load and unload the burden on a beast. Two mitzvot that require us to help others. Who are those others whom we are bidden to help? The Torah’s language is very clear: “Should you encounter your enemy’s ox or […]
“The Ten Commandments for a Happy Life,” “The Ten Commandments for Staying in Shape,” “… for Good Parenting,” et cetera. It seems we are all looking for rules that will enable us to live better lives, to be happier and more relaxed and content. We live in a complicated, chaotic world. Vast amounts of information, […]
The Children of Israel left Egypt and stood on the banks of the Reed Sea. From where shall come their salvation? The sources suggest three possibilities: Tanchuma Shoftim 14: Moses said to them, “There is nothing for you to do except to stand silently and the Holy One will fight your wars.” According to this […]
From their first encounter, he understands that he is dealing with someone unusual. Someone who succeeds in places where his ministers fail. Maybe that’s because he grew up with him in the palace (but we don’t talk about that). His demands are high, so he answers, “No.” The second encounter is already more dramatic. Throughout […]
When Moshe approaches Pharaoh, he must feel a sea of emotions. He returns to the house that banished him, to those who oppressed his people for hundreds of years. It would be understandable if Moshe dreamt of revenge–if not for himself, then for his enslaved people. But Moshe brings neither his personal interests nor his […]
“Take My people, the Children of Israel, out from Egypt.” That is the order that Moses receives from God at the burning bush. To be the sole leader, the liberator. Who would pass up such an honor? And yet Moses refuses. He says to God: “Who am I that I should go?” And what happens […]
Jacob’s blessings, instructions and prophecies to his children and King David’s instructions to Solomon before he dies (this week’s Haftarah) feels extra poignant to me this year in which both my parents passed. It has led me to think … If I were to create my own Pirke Avot, with advice that I inherited from […]
At the beginning of this week’s parashah (Vayyigash), Joseph and his brothers recall the arguments and tensions between them, and express remorse for the suffering they’d caused their aged father, now 130 years old. In their moments of reconciliation, we witness their profound emotions and the responsibility that they come to own. Joseph implores his […]
The hour is late, very late. A time of bloodshed, and existential angst. A solution to the conflict appears to be further away than ever. Individuals and peoples all have their own interests at heart. We inhabit our trauma, and they theirs. How is one to find any hope in such a reality? The evil […]