Parsha Episodes
Mishpatim: The Melachim's Secret
The phrase "Naaseh v"Nishma" is perhaps the most famous utterance in Jewish History. While merely two words they speak volumes about who we are, our purpose, and destiny in life. And while simultaneously so simple and yet so ...
Yisro: Does Bad Actually Exist?
We are accustomed to labeling events or occurrences in our lives as either good or bad. Depending on our experience or perception, whether we had pain or pleasure, gain or loss, these are clearcut categories that we use to de...
B'Shalach: Do You Have an Amalek Problem?
When we think about Amalek, what generally comes to mind is the mitzvah to obliterate their name. After all, by being the first nation to blatantly defy Hashem, they opened the door to the long and bloody history of Hashem's people's unspeakable pain, torture, and indignities at the hands of the nations of the world. And what about the unimaginable Chillul Hashem as a result?
But to destroy Amalek we first need to understand the core problem that brought about Amalek in the…
Bo: What You Need to Know About Jewish Moonlighting
The Ramban explains that Yitzias Mitzraim, not Brias HaOlam, is the foundation of our Emunah. Why? Because at the core of our Emunah is absorbing the experience of Hashem's Nisim and His unbridled love for us. This is why fai...
Parshas VaEra: What is Real Freedom?
As we embark upon these Parshios, we have the opportunity to delve once again into Yitzias Mitzraim. How much do we have to be grateful for that unlike our ancestors, we aren't living a life of slavery but of freedom? But if ...
Sh'mos: How Could Moshe Rabbeinu Question Hashem?
After the Jewish People were denied straw to make the bricks for the Egyptian storehouses, their impossible situation became even more difficult. A distraught Moshe Rabbeinu came to Hashem and asked, "Why are you doing such a...
VaYechi: Did Yosef Ever Forgive His Brothers?
The Torah speaks extensively of the necessity and supreme value of forgiveness. If so, how can we understand Yosef HaTzaddik's response to his brothers in this week's sedra? They were frightened after their father's death, th...
VaYigash: Life Perplexing? Perhaps You Lack the Secret Ingredient!
When Yosef revealed himself to the brothers, he did far more than shock and humiliate them. A careful reading of what he told them afterward reveals how their cruelty to him should be understood. In doing so, Yosef taught his...
VaYeishev: Why it's better to be unfulfilled
We are accustomed to seeking fulfillment in our life's endeavors, so it is frustrating when people or events stymie us. But when we delve deeply into the Medrash at the beginning of this Parsha, quite a different picture emer...
VaYishlach: Why were Shimon and Levi So Defiant?
The story of Dina's abduction at the hands of Schem is tragic and fraught with questions. However, perhaps most perplexing is how Shimon and Levi could defy their father without remorse. When accused by Yaakov Avinu of subje...
VaYeitze: Why didn’t Yaakov Daven for Rochel to have Children?
As we know, Yaakov Avinu's love for his wife Rochel knew no bounds. That is why it is so perplexing that he appeared cold and dismissive when she begged him to daven for her. Had any other woman, childless and broken, come to...
Toldos: The Real Reason Yaakov Wore Esav's Clothes
When Yaakov went before his father Yitzchok to receive the bracha, he disguised himself as Esav by donning clothing laden with animal skins. On the surface, this appeared to be the only way to receive the blessing destined fo...
Chayei Sara: What was Rivka Imeinu's Secret?
Rivka Imeinu was chosen to be a mother of the Jewish People because of her boundless kindness and generosity. But how did a young girl growing up in a family of evil people avoid becoming just like them? Even more difficult t...