The first aliyah of Vaera, this week’s parsha, Vaera, concludes with a superfluous statement, one that has already been: “G-d [then] spoke to [both] Moses and Aaron. He gave them … more

Our parasha, Vaera, contains the four instances in Chamisha Chumshei Torah (the Five Books of the Torah) wherein the phrases “l’ma’an teida” (“in order that you should … more

In the year 1263, Raymond de Penyafort of Spain challenged the Jewish people to a debate. As the Church’s representative, he chose a Dominican friar named Pablo Christiani, a Sephardic Jew who … more

The first five pasukim (verses) of our parasha Shemot present the names of the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel that came to Egypt: “And these are the names of the sons of Israel who came to … more

On Monday I followed a custom I’ve undertaken to listen to a speech of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the day America has dedicated to him based loosely on his birthday, and in listening to his … more

The Torah contains countless dramatic moments. One of the most powerful appears in this week’s parasha, Vayigash, when Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers: “Now Joseph could … more

Birkat Ya’akov, the Blessing of Jacob, is the most celebrated narrative of our parasha, Vayechi. It contains Jacob’s hope-filled and prophetically inspired blessing to ten of his sons. In … more

When Ephraim and Menashe are presented to Yisrael, he has the older grandson placed on his right side, while the younger is placed on his left. As Yisrael is in a bed, we can imagine that each young … more

Marlit Wendell is a Holocaust survivor who lives in Jerusalem. Marlit, her mother and older sister were able to survive Auschwitz and the war together. Their arms bear the imprint of three … more

Recently, my brother shared with me the following story: Yuli Edelstein the speaker of the Knesset, was visiting a small school in Beitar Illit (Le’tzion Be’Rinah) and shared the … more