Naaseh v’nishmah” (we will do and we will hear / understand) are arguably two of the most famous words that appear in this week’s parasha, Mishpatim. When the Jewish people uttered …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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2/24/17
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The penultimate pasuk of our parasha, Yitro, focuses on the law of constructing an altar made of stone: “And when you make for Me an altar of stones, you shall not build them of hewn stones, …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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2/15/17
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One of the many beautiful tefilot that we recite on Shabbat and Yom Tov is Nishmat Kol Chai.
I find the following passage to be particularly striking in its spiritual depth and …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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2/8/17
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Rosh Chodesh is one of the topics in this week’s Torah reading, parsha Bo: “The L-rd spoke to Moses and to Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying: ‘This month shall be to you (Hachodesh …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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2/1/17
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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 …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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1/25/17
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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 …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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1/19/17
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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 …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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1/6/13
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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 …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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1/11/17
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The five books of the Torah contain four instances of the Hebrew word chalilah (far be it). It appears twice in Parashat Miketz:
“And they [the brothers] said to him [the overseer of …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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12/29/16
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Sefer Bereishit contains the narratives of a number of larger-than-life individuals whose values and behaviors guide us until this very moment. In broad terms, it is the story of Adam and Eve, Noah, …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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12/21/16
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