Shabbos: A Day With Hashem: Three Zones
Friday night corresponds to Shabbos Bereishis – therefore we discuss the creation. Shabbos morning corresponds to the Shabbos when we received the Torah, so in Shachris we mention that. And finally, Shabbos afternoon corresponds to the Shabbos of the World to Come, so in Mincha we talk about the Oneness of Hashem, which will be clearly revealed at that time.
Present, Yet Anonymous
One of the most striking features of this week’s parsha is the absence of Moshe Rabbeinu's name, an omission which occurs only once from the beginning of Sefer Shemos until Moshe’s death at the end of Sefer Devraim.
Tetzaveh: Where Is God in a Physical World?
How can God be both outside of space and time, and in our physical world?
A Diamond With A Flaw
One of the signs a diamond is real is that it has a flaw. While it may be a very minor imperfection and almost unnoticeable, all genuine diamonds have flaws.
Can A Non-Kohen Light The Menorah?
When the Rambam wished to give an example of how a non-kohen could light the menorah, why did he have to say that a kohen took the menorah outside of the Kodesh?
The Whole Is Greater Than The Sum Of The Parts
The Gemara mentions that the grape clusters refer to Moshe and Aharon, the paradigm of what a Jew can be.
Arbiter of Checks and Balances
Even the judiciary has its limits, based on the principles set forth at Sinai by the Almighty.
Parshas Terumah: The Value Of Effort
Winston Churchill repeated a grade during elementary school. He twice failed the exam to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. He later wrote, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to the convictions of honor and good sense. Never, Never, Never, Never give up!”
Terumah: Is There a Face Hiding in the Mishkan?
The mishkan represents the 'face' of God.
Hashem’s House As An Address For Prayer
The notion of a Temple, as either a temporary dwelling or as a permanent building at a specific site, is inherently difficult to understand. How can Hashem, the paradigm of perfect sanctity, coexist with our mundane, flawed universe? Infinity with the finite?
Book Money
Nachum was doing a research project on the Rambam for one of his courses. He borrowed a number of sefarim from his yeshiva's library for a month while writing the paper. When he completed the assignment, he gathered the sefarim together to return them to the library, but noticed that one sefer was missing.
The Mercy Of Hashem
It should come as no surprise that the people offered their donations to the Mishkan with zeal and enthusiasm.
Accidental Mitzvos
Although a mitzvah may not require kavanah, it may nevertheless require lishmah.
Jerusalem’s Unique Character and Holiness
Maimonides believes that even after the Roman conquest of Israel the land retained its holiness.
Shema Yisrael
Question: What is the message behind the most famous statement of Jewish faith: “Shema Yisrael”?
Shabbos Mevorchim Adar I
On this Shabbos Parshas Mishpatim, we bentch Shabbos Mevorchim Adar Rishon, Rosh Chodesh falling on Friday and Shabbos (January 31 and February 1). Mishenichnas Adar Marbin B’Simcha – with the beginning of Adar rejoicing is increased… by virtue of an extra Adar, our jubilation is extended this year.
Parshat Mishpatim
G-d, accordingly, is encouraging Moshe to not just focus on reaching the top of the spiritual mountain but remaining there as well, thus fully capitalizing on his gains.
Who’s To Judge?
Once a person receives it, he becomes personally attached to the one who gave it to him - so attached that now he will view that person's position as his own... and a person does not see his own faults!
Mishpatim: Female Servitude… Wait, What?
Worse, a female child, being sold by her parents!
Prayer and Action: the Integral Connection
One can serve with his or her hands or feet, but how does one serve with one's heart?
