The Ramban begins his analysis of our parasha, Mishpatim, by noting that mishpatim (ordinances and civil laws) are the first category of mitzvot presented. This contrasts with what took place at …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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1/26/22
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Yitro is preeminently the parasha of the Asseret Hadibrot. The first of these statements begins with the famous words, “I am the L-rd your G-d, Who took you out of the land of Egypt, out of …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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1/19/22
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Parashat Vayishlach begins by telling us that “Ya’akov sent malachim lifanuv (messengers ahead of him) to his brother Eisav, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom.”
Rashi …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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11/17/21
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Our parasha, Vayetzei, begins with the well-known words: “And Ya’akov left Be’er Sheva, and he went to Haran.” (28:10)
In his Commentary on the Torah, Rashi explains this …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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11/10/21
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Ya’akov Avinu is described in our parasha, Toldot, as “ish tam yosheiv ohelim” (“a complete individual who dwelt in tents.” Rashi helps us understand this phrase by …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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11/3/21
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Our parasha, Chayei Sarah, begins with one of the greatest human tragedies, the death of one’s spouse. Avraham’s beloved wife, confidant and inspiration, was no more.
In the midst …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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10/27/21
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The Akedah represents the ultimate trial that any parent could possibly bear. It must have been exceedingly difficult for Avraham Avinu, who was the personification of gemilut chasadim. With his …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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10/20/21
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This Shabbat Shuvah is named after the stirring words of Hoshea that are found in our haftarah:
Return, O Israel (Shuvah Yisrael), to the L-rd your G-d, for you have stumbled in your iniquity. …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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9/9/21
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Parashat Nitzavim contains a celebrated pasuk that is quite timely for these final days before Rosh Hashana:
This day, I call upon the heaven and the earth as witnesses [that I have warned] …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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9/2/21
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The concluding section of our parasha, Ki Tavo, begins with an appeal for national reminiscence:
And Moshe called all of Israel and said to them, “You have seen all that the L-rd did …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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8/27/21
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