One of the well-known halachot found in our parasha, Emor, is the law of retributive justice (lex talionis), known popularly as “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth (ayin tachat … more

The first of our two parshiot, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, begins with the well-known verse that references the death of Aharon’s sons, Nadav and Avihu: “And the L-rd spoke to Moshe … more

The primary focus of our parshiot, Tazria-Metzora, is the illness known as tzara’at. The unique nature of this disease is emphasized by the Rashbam who said that in this matter we may not … more

The essence of Hashem’s purpose in gifting the Torah to the Jewish people is imparted immediately prior to the Revelation at Mount Sinai:  And now, if you obey Me and keep My … more

The protagonist of the haftorah for this week’s parashat, Beshalach, is the prophetess and judge Devorah: “Now Deborah was a woman prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth; she judged Israel … more

Our parasha, Yitro, is one of two in the Torah that presents the narrative of the Revelation at Mount Sinai (the other is Va’etchanan in Devarim). Ma’amad Har Sinai (the Revelation) … more

Ezra the Scribe (5th century BCE) was one of the great leaders of the Jewish people. One of his most significant achievements was the establishment of the exact format in which a sefer Torah must … more

Our parasha presents us with one of the most famous nevuot in the entire Tanach, Ya’akov and the sulam (ladder): “And he dreamed and behold! a sulam — ladder set up on the … more

Our parasha, Toldot, contains Yitzchak’s celebrated phrase: “Hakol kol Ya’akov v’hayadayim yedei Eisav — The voice is the voice of Ya’akov, but the hands are … more

Our parasha, Chayei Sarah, begins with two well-known pasukim: “And the life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years; [these were] the years of the life of Sarah. … more