In the Pursuit of Truth
April 1, 2014
As we consider the period following the exodus of the nation of Israel from their enslavement in Egypt up to their receiving the Torah from
Divrei Torah
Table of Contents
Introduction
Bereishit
Bereishit
How It All Started
October 16, 2009
In chapter 1 of the book of Bereshit, we are informed about the course of events leading toward the formation of the universe. On the
In Full Form and Stature
October 1, 2010
In the beginning of the Torah reading of Bereshit, we find the verse, “And G-d made the beast of the earth according to its kind,
Brotherhood Should not be Mere Lip Service
October 16, 2011
In synagogues around the world, as we culminate the Sukkot holiday and complete another cycle of readings of the Torah, we begin once again with
Noach
Digging for the Truth
October 23, 2009
In Bereshit 6:13, G-d tells Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before me for the earth is filled with violence through them.” So,
Mixed Up Priorities
October 13, 2015
In his comments on the Torah portion of Noach (VeHigadeta, Bereshit pp. 137 – 140), R. Yaakov Galinsky wonders about the verse (Bereshit 9:20), “And
Late to Base
October 28, 2019
A story is told of a group of soldiers who were on leave from the Israeli Army. This group was given a number of hours, perhaps
Lekh Lekha
Land of Milk and Honey
October 30, 2009
In Bereshit 12:1, G–d enjoins his faithful servant, our forefather Abraham, “Go from your land, from your birthplace and from your father’s home to the
Miracles: Past, Present and Future
October 20, 2015
In the Torah section of Lekh Lekha, G-d appears to Abraham and reveals to him what He has in store for Abraham and his offspring.
Beginning of a Rivalry
November 8, 2016
The Torah section of Lekh Lekha marks the beginning of a rivalry – a long standing rivalry that continues to this day. We read in
Vayera
You and Me Together
November 6, 2009
While sitting by his tent door in the heat of the day, Abraham meets three messengers of G-d. One of the messengers informs Abraham, “Sarah
At Knife’s Edge
October 21, 2010
In his attempt to prove that “truth is subjectivity,” the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard argues that the least evolved of all human beings is the
Hurry to Your Fellow Man and Get to Know Him
October 27, 2015
In the beginning of the Torah section of VaYerah (Bereshit 18:2-6), we read: “And he [Abraham] lifted his eyes and saw, and behold three men
Chaye Sarah
Mourning a Loved One
November 12, 2009
“And Sarah died…and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her” (Bereshit 23:2). Abraham, upon the departure of his wife, Sarah, from
A Test of Character and Intelligence
October 28, 2010
The Torah portion Chaye Sara begins with informing us of the passing of our first matriarch, Sarah. “Sarah’s lifetime was one hundred years, twenty years,
Stay Out of Harm’s Way
November 15, 2011
In the beginning of the Torah section of Chaye Sarah, we read that Abraham’s son Isaac had come of age. After G-d’s miraculously giving Abraham’s
Toldot
G-d Bless You
November 19, 2009
As we read chapter 27 of the first of the five books of the Torah, we find, “And it came to pass when Isaac was
With the Crooked You Act Perversely
November 29, 2016
In the beginning of the Torah section of Toldot (Bereshit 25:27), we read, “And the lads grew up and Esav became a man who knows
A Peek into the Future
November 24, 2011
In the Torah section of Toldot, we read of three wells that Isaac dug. We are told that these were originally dug by his father
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Categories
Va'Yetze
![Divrei Torah - Upon later coming to Lavan’s house, we are told, “Jacob loved Rachel and he said [to Lavan], ‘I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter’](https://treeforisrael.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Divrei-Torah-5.jpg)
Magic, Myth or Something Else?
November 26, 2009
In Bereshit 27:10, we are informed, “Jacob left Beersheba.” Eventually, Jacob reaches the town of Lavan, the brother of his mother Rebecca. In this town,
Sacrificing for the Self-Respect of Another
November 11, 2010
We read in the beginning of the Torah section of Vayetze, “Jacob departed from Beer-sheva and went towards Haran” (Bereshit 28:10). Jacob leaves his parents
Leaving an Impression
November 30, 2011
The first verse of the Torah section of VaYetze reads: “And Jacob departed from Beer Sheva and went to Haran” (Bereshit 28:10). On this verse
Va'Yishlach
Story of a Sinew
December 3, 2009
In Bereshit 32:23-33, after Jacob leaves his brother Esau, we are told a rather curious tale: “And he [Jacob] rose up that night and he
The Miracle of Nature
November 18, 2010
In the beginning of the Torah section of VaYishlach, we read that Jacob sent malakhim “to Esav his brother to the land of Seir, the
We Will Overcome
December 6, 2011
In the Torah section of VaYishlach, after Jacob’s struggle with an unexpected foe, we read (Bereshit 32:33), “Therefore, the children of Israel are not to
Va'Yeshev
An Evil Tongue
December 11, 2009
In Bereshit 37:2, we are informed: “Joseph being seventeen years old was feeding the flock with his brothers; and the lad was with the sons
A Mind Focused
November 25, 2010
In the Torah section of VaYeshev, the Torah informs us of a series of events in the life of Joseph, first of two sons to
Be Wary of Good Intentions
December 13, 2011
We read in the Torah section of VaYeshev how, after many difficulties that Joseph endured during his lifetime, including being sold into slavery by his
Chanukah
Festival of Lights
December 17, 2009
For eight days during the year we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah. The events leading up to the initiation of this festive occasion date back
Light at the End of the Tunnel
November 8, 2013
In one of his talks discussing the holiday of Chanukah, the latter day Torah scholar R. Shimshon Pincus described a progression in the various holidays
We Have G-d in our Corner
November 15, 2015
On the holiday of Chanukah, observant Jews round the world declare their appreciation to G-d in the Shemona Esrei prayer: “For the miracles, and for
Miketz
Discerning and Wise Man
December 2, 2010
After wallowing in prison on trumped up charges for two years, Joseph is finally released. Pharaoh has a dream and it is recognized that the
Do Not Jump to Conclusions
December 21, 2011
In the Torah section of Miketz, we read the continuation of Joseph’s ordeal. As a result of perceived improper behavior with regard to his brothers,
Stand Up on a Chair
April 2, 2015
Events in the Torah portion of Miketz mark a culmination of a period of servitude and imprisonment imposed in Egypt upon Joseph the son of
Va'Yigash
Mutual Respect and Concern
December 25, 2009
In Bereshit 44:33-34, we read that Judah entreats Joseph: “Let your servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord and let the
Land of the Priests
December 9, 2010
In the Torah section of VaYigash, we read of the rapprochement – at first apprehensive and then joyous – between Joseph’s brothers and Joseph, the
I Shall Also Surely Bring You Up
December 28, 2011
In the Torah section of VaYigash, we read of Jacob’s descent with his entire family to Egypt after discovering his beloved son Joseph’s whereabouts. “So
Va'Yechi
![Divrei Torah - “It will come to pass, if you obey these laws [of the Torah] and you will keep and do them, then the L-rd your G-d shall keep unto you the covenant and the mercy which he swore to your forefathers.](https://treeforisrael.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Divrei-Torah-21.jpg)
Persecution, Retribution and Intervention
January 1, 2010
On the first verse in the Torah section of VaYechi (the last section of Bereshit, the first book of the Torah), Rashi comments: “Why is this
![Divrei Torah - “He blessed Joseph and he said, ‘Oh G-d before Whom my forefathers Abraham and Isaac walked, G-d Who shepherds me from my inception until this: May the angel who redeems me from all evil bless the lads [Joseph’s sons]](https://treeforisrael.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Divrei-Torah-22.jpg)
He Blessed Joseph
December 16, 2010
In the Torah section of Vayechi, we read of Jacob’s coming on in years after emigrating to Egypt to reunite with his cherished son Joseph
![Divrei Torah - And Jacob blessed them that day, saying, ‘By you shall [the people of] Israel](https://treeforisrael.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Divrei-Torah-23.jpg)
Perfect Harmony
January 5, 2012
In the Torah reading of VaYechi, we read (Bereshit 49:20): “And Jacob blessed them that day, saying, ‘By you shall [the people of] Israel bless
Sh'mot
Sh'mot
True Paths of Peace
January 8, 2010
In the beginning of the second book of the Torah, Sh’mot (2:11-12), we are told of an encounter of the young future leader of the
Heavy of Speech
December 23, 2010
The Torah section of Sh’mot introduces the toils and tribulations of the children of Israel in Egypt after Jacob and all his sons passed away.
Timing is of the Essence
January 12, 2012
In the Torah section of Sh’mot (Sh’mot 2:1), we read, “A man went from the house of Levi and he took a daughter of Levi.
Va'Eirah
Freedom of Will
January 15, 2010
In describing to Moses the course of events that is to unfold leading to the Israelites’ exodus from the slavery of Egypt, G-d says, “And
Unable to Listen
December 30, 2010
We are told in the beginning of the Torah section of VaEirah that the enslavement of the Israelites at the hands of the Egyptians was
Tomorrow will Come
January 19, 2012
In the Torah section of VaEirah, we begin to read of the ten plagues that G-d put upon the land of Egypt and the Egyptian
Bo
Guide to the Pedagogue
January 6, 2011
In the Torah section of Bo, we find the first directive from G-d to the people of Israel as a whole. Before their miraculous exodus from slavery
Stop Barking and Start Listening
January 25, 2012
In the Torah section of Bo, we approach the final end to the Egyptian enslavement of the descendents of Israel. The Al-Mighty G-d, L-rd of
G-d’s Word is Not a Suggestion
January 22, 2015
In the Torah section of Bo, G-d completes a series of ten plagues whereby He punishes the Egyptians for their cruel enslavement and persecution of
B'Shalach
Lesson in Humility and Leadership
January 29, 2010
In the Torah portion of B’Shalach, G-d culminates his series of punishments that he administers against the Egyptians on behalf of the great-great grandchildren of
Armed with the Truth
January 31, 2012
In the Torah section of B’Shalach, we read (Sh’mot 13:18), “And the children of Israel were armed when they went up from Egypt.” On this
Great Hand
January 28, 2015
In the Torah section of Beshalach, we read (Sh’mot 14:31), “And Israel saw the great hand that G-d inflicted upon Egypt.” In his Darash Moshe,
Yitro
Changing for the Better
February 5, 2010
The Torah portion of Yitro begins (Sh’mot 18:1-12): “Jethro, the minister of Midian, the father-in-law of Moses, heard everything that G-d did for Moses and for
Matter of Honor
February 7, 2012
In the Torah section of Yitro, we are told of the arrival of Yitro, Moses’ father-in-law, his praise for Moses and the Israelites, his advice
So That Your Days be Lengthened
February 4, 2015
The Torah section of Yitro begins with our being told of Yitro’s sojourn from Midian into the desert to reunite with his son-in-law Moses and
Tu B'shvat
Planting Seeds for the Future
January 19, 2011
In the Talmud (Babylonian Talmud, Rosh Hashana 2a), Bet Hillel establishes the 15th day in the Hebrew month of Shvat, known as Tu B’Shvat, to
Bearing Fruit
December 10, 2013
On the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat, known as Tu B’Shvat, Jews worldwide mark the New Year of Trees (Babylonian Talmud, Rosh Hashanah
Praise the Good L-rd
December 16, 2015
On a daily basis, observant Jews the world over praise the Al-Mighty G-d as they bless Him for all the good that they enjoy. Our
Mishpatim
War and Peace
February 12, 2010
Towards the end of the Torah portion of Mishpatim, G-d informs the people of Israel who have escaped a torturous slavery in Egypt, are trekking
Authority to Heal
January 26, 2011
In the Torah section of Mishpatim, among the many laws and injunctions mentioned, we find (Sh’mot 21:19), “If men quarrel and one strikes his fellow
Heal Us and We Will be Healed
February 14, 2012
In the Torah section of Mishpatim, G-d introduces to the followers of His Torah many of the laws and regulations that are to guide our
Terumah
Giving is Receiving
February 3, 2011
The Torah section of Terumah discusses the contribution, apportionment and design of the various components of the holy Tabernacle, the Mishkan, which was later to be
Makings of a Table
February 22, 2012
In the Torah section of Terumah, we read of the construction of the Mishkan (Holy Tabernacle), predecessor to the Bet HaMikdash, and its various components. In the course
Construction without Destruction
February 17, 2015
In the Torah section of Terumah, in the process of describing the details of the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), used in the desert for sacrifices to
Tetzave
Those who Plant with Tears will Reap with Joy
February 9, 2011
The Torah section of Tetzaveh discusses the elegant clothes of the kohanim (priests) and the inauguration of services in the newly constructed Mishkan (Tabernacle) whose
For Glory and Splendor
February 29, 2012
We read in the Torah section of Tetzave (Sh’mot 28:2-4), “And you shall make vestments of sanctity for Aaron your brother, for glory and splendor.
Names of the Children of Israel
February 25, 2015
Upon pondering the Torah section of Tetzave and its various mentions of the term “names of the children of Israel ” (Sh’mot 28:9 et al),
Purim
Day of Rescue
February 26, 2010
Every year, on the 14th day of Adar in unwalled towns and on the 15th day of Adar in walled towns, we celebrate a relatively
Observations on a Book
February 19, 2010
As Jews around the world hale the commencement of the joyous month of Adar and prepare for Ta’anit Esther (Fast of Esther), the fast that
Not Just a Celebration of the Past
January 29, 2016
On the day of Purim, observant Jews include in their prayers three times a day their appreciation to G-d: “For the miracles, and for the
Ki Tisah
Following the Crowd
March 5, 2010
The Torah portion of Ki Tisah concludes a lengthy series of instructions concerning the many components of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), predecessor to the Bet HaMikdash
No Matter How You Turn It
March 5, 2012
In the Torah section of Ki Tisa, we read G-d’s instructions for contributing to the holy service in the Mishkan as well as the inauguration of its
Let’s Appreciate What We Have When We Have It
February 15, 2011
We read in the Torah section of Ki Tisa (Sh’mot 32:15-16), “And Moses turned and descended from the mountain, with the two Tablets of the
Vayakhel
Working Together
February 23, 2011
The Torah section of Vayakhel begins, “And Moses assembled the entire assembly of the children of Israel and said to them, ‘These are the things
Rejoice in Trembling
March 13, 2012
In the Torah section of VaYakhel and continued into the Torah section of Pekude, Moses repeats to the nation, whom he has led through the
Gather Around
March 13, 2015
We read in the beginning of the Torah section of VaYakhel (Sh’mot 35:1-2): “And Moses gathered the entire assembly of the Children of Israel and
Pekudei
The Place the L-rd Shall Choose
March 12, 2010
Throughout the latter part of the book of Sh’mot, the narrative of the Torah revolves heavily upon the preparations for setting up the Mishkan, the
Accountings of the Tabernacle
March 2, 2011
The Torah section of Pekudei begins (Sh’mot 38:21): “These are the accountings of the Tabernacle … which were counted at the behest of Moses.” This verse
Accountability is Important for All
March 13, 2015
We find, when reading the Torah portion of Pekudei, that, when Moses appealed to the nation of Israel to provide funds and raw materials needed
Vayikra
Vayikra
Train the Youth
March 9, 2011
The Torah section of Vayikra, which begins the third of the five books of Moses by the same name, begins, “And He called to Moses
![Divrei Torah - Adam [a person] who shall offer from amongst you a sacrifice to G-d, from animals – from cattle or from sheep – shall you offer your sacrifice” (Vayikra 1:2)](https://treeforisrael.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Divrei-Torah-72.jpg)
Hands Off
March 17, 2010
The very first instruction imparted to Moses to relay to the people of Israel in the Torah section of Vayikra beginning the third book of
![Divrei Torah - G-d instructs us: “If the anointed priest [kohen gadol] will sin … for his sin that he committed he shall offer a bull](https://treeforisrael.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Divrei-Torah-74.jpg)
Authority after Sin
March 18, 2015
In the Torah portion of Vayikra (4:2-23), G-d instructs us: “If the anointed priest [kohen gadol] will sin … for his sin that he committed
Tzav
Sacrifices
March 24, 2010
The Torah section of Tzav concludes a series of instructions beginning at the start of the third book of the Torah, Vayikra, concerning the major sacrifices
![Divrei Torah - (Vayikra 6:1-4): “And G-d spoke to Moses, saying: Command Aaron and his sons, saying: This is the law of the burnt-offering; it is the burnt-offering [that stays] on the flame, on the Altar, all night until the morning, and the fire of the Altar should be kept aflame on it.](https://treeforisrael.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Divrei-Torah-77.jpg)
Not too Big to Take Out the Ash
March 27, 2012
The Torah section of Tzav begins by telling us (Vayikra 6:1-4): “And G-d spoke to Moses, saying: Command Aaron and his sons, saying: This is
Of Sound Mind
March 15, 2011
The Torah informs us in the Torah section of Tzav (Vayikra 6:23), “And any sin-offering from which some blood has been brought to the Tent
Pesach
When the Bread Did Not Rise
March 28, 2010
Shortly before his death, our forefather Jacob, also known as Israel, emigrated with his wives and children and their wives and children to Egypt. The
And I Shall Take You to Me for a Nation
March 7, 2013
As we approach the joyous holiday of Pesach (Passover) and we prepare for the festive seder, we are reminded of the verse in the Torah in
Redemption Can be Swift
March 25, 2016
After Joseph’s being exiled to a foreign land, enslaved, falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned, we read (Bereshit 41:14), “And Pharaoh sent and summoned
Shmini
Prescription for a Diet
April 8, 2010
Towards the end of the Torah portion of Shmini, we find a large concentration of laws concerning what is permitted or forbidden to be consumed. In fact,
Humility not Stupidity
April 11, 2012
The Torah section of Shmini tells us of the sad incident involving the death of Aaron’s two prestigious sons, Nadav and Avihu. Despite their greatness,
Greatness Does Not Preclude Humility
April 8, 2015
The Torah portion of Shmini includes, among instructions to the kohanim (priests) for the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during the sojourn of the Children of Israel in the
Tazria
The Woman in Society
April 15, 2010
At the beginning of the Torah section of Tazria and towards the end of the Torah section of Metzora, the Torah provides us a sampling of some of the
Showing One’s True Colors
March 30, 2011
Towards the end of the Torah section Tazriah, after a series of instructions concerning the contraction of tzara’at (loosely translated as leprosy), we learn of a case
First is First
April 15, 2015
In the beginning of the Torah portion of Tazria, we read (Vayikra 12:3), “And on the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin shall be
Metzora
Be All that You Can Be
April 6, 2011
In Chafetz Chaim al ha’Torah, R. Yisrael Meir Kagan, the late 19th century and early 20th century Torah great popularly known as the Chafetz Chaim,
Let Your Eyes Look Straight
April 19, 2015
In the beginning of the Torah portion of Metzora, we are told of the “law of the metzora.” Our Sages tell us (Babylonian Talmud, Arakhin 16a),
Living in Isolation
April 20, 2020
The Torah portion of Tazria begins with a small section on the procedure to be followed pursuant to the birth of a child: “When a
Acharei
There is a Time to Love
April 22, 2010
The Torah portion of Acharei begins with a reminder of the death of two of Aaron’s children Nadav and Avihu, referred by G-d Himself as “those
A Question of Priorities
April 12, 2011
Towards the end of the Torah section of Acharei, we find the prohibition of giving one’s children over to the pagan worship of Molekh, a
![Divrei Torah - In the Torah portion of Acharei, we read (Vayikra 16:30), “For on this day [Yom Kippur] he shall provide atonement for you to purify you from all your sins; before G-d shall you be purified](https://treeforisrael.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Divrei-Torah-91.jpg)
Father in Heaven
April 23, 2015
In the Torah portion of Acharei, we read (Vayikra 16:30), “For on this day [Yom Kippur] he shall provide atonement for you to purify you
Kedoshim
You Shall Be Holy
April 28, 2011
The Torah portion of Kedoshim begins, “G-d spoke to Moses saying: Speak to the entire assembly of the children of Israel and say to them:
Do Not Deny Another
April 24, 2012
In the Torah section of Kedoshim, we find the famous verse (Vayikra 19:18), “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Many, upon reading this verse, wonder as
Love Prevents Jealousy
April 26, 2015
In the beginning of the Torah portion of Kedoshim, the renowned medieval commentator R. Moshe ben Nachman, a.k.a. Ramban or Nachmanides cites a statement of
Emor
Preserving Justice with Sensitivity
May 4, 2011
We find towards the end of the Torah section of Emor: “And a man who strikes mortally any human life shall be put to death.
![Divrei Torah - The Torah section of Emor begins (Vayikra 21:1-23): “And G-d said to Moses: Say to the priests the sons of Aaron and tell them: Each of you shall not contaminate himself to a [dead] person among his people.](https://treeforisrael.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Divrei-Torah-98.jpg)
Higher Expectations
May 3, 2012
The Torah section of Emor begins (Vayikra 21:1-23): “And G-d said to Moses: Say to the priests the sons of Aaron and tell them: Each
Counting the Days
April 30, 2015
In middle of the Torah portion of Emor (Vayikra 23:10-16), we are given instructions related to a precept that we are always involved in at
Lag BaOmer
Break for Joy
May 2, 2010
From the second day of Pesach (Passover) until the onset of Shavuot, we are enjoined by the Torah: “And you shall count … seven weeks
What Counts
April 12, 2013
Between the first day of Pesach, commemorating the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, and the following holiday of Shavuot, commemorating the Israelites’ receiving G-d’s Torah, is
A Question of Joy
May 6, 2016
As the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyyar approaches every year, hundreds and thousands of Jews in Israel and even many from abroad
Behar
Spreading the Joy
May 6, 2010
In the beginning of the Torah section of Behar, we are told, “Six years you shall sow your field and six years you shall prune your vineyard
Accepting Imperfection in Others
May 9, 2012
We read in the Torah section of Behar (Vayikra 25:20-22): “And if you will say, ‘What will we eat in the seventh year?, behold, we
Watch What You Say
May 5, 2015
In the Torah portion of Behar, we read (Vayikra 25:39-43), “If your brother becomes impoverished with you and is sold to you, you shall not
Bechukotai
You Can Run but You Cannot Hide
May 17, 2011
The Torah section of Bechukotai begins with an account of the blessings that await the people of Israel if they fulfill their covenant with G-d.
Our Brothers the Entire House of Israel
May 15, 2012
In the beginning of the Torah section of Bechukotai, we read (Vayikra 26:6), “And I will make peace in the land, you will lie without
Path of Cruelty
May 12, 2015
We read in the Torah portion of Bechukotai (Vayikra 26:27-28), “If…you behave toward Me with casualness. I will behave toward you with a fury of
Bamidbar
Bamidbar
Consider What You Have
May 13, 2010
The Torah section of Bamidbar begins (1:1-4): “And G-d spoke to Moses…Take a census of the entire assembly of the children of Israel according to their
The Righteous Shall Flourish
May 22, 2012
In the Torah section of Bamidbar (3:6-8), G-d tells Moses, “Bring near the tribe of Levi and have it stand before Aaron the Priest, and
Look at the Big Picture
May 21, 2015
In one of his talks on the weekly Torah reading (Sholom Smith, A Vort from Rav Pam, pp. 169-170), R. Avraham Pam notes that in
Shavuot
It Happened on a Mountain
May 17, 2010
In Sh’mot 19:1-18, we are told, “On the third month, after the exodus of the children of Israel from the land of Egypt, in this
As One
May 7, 2013
We read (Sh’mot 19:1-2), “In the third month from the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt, on this day, they arrived at the
For the Love of G-d
May 27, 2016
The venerated father-in-law of this essay’s author, R. Hersh Rosenhan, one of the earliest devoted students in America of the illustrious Torah luminary R. Aaron
Naso
The Thought Can Make All the Difference
May 31, 2011
In the Torah section of Naso (Bamidbar 6:1-21), we find an elaboration on the subject of the Nazirite: “A man or woman who shall dissociate
Each One’s Actions are Special
May 21, 2010
In the Torah section of Naso, we read a rather perplexing narrative concerning a special presentation offered by the nesi’im (leaders) of each of the
Be On Guard
May 29, 2012
In the Torah section of Naso, G-d tells Moses (Bamidbar 6:2-3), “Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: A man or a
Behaalotkha
Want to be Normal
May 27, 2010
In the Torah portion of B’Ha’alotkha, we find a narrative that, as the renown latter day Torah scholar R. Shimshon Pincus (1944 – 2001) points out in
In All My House He is Trusted
June 7, 2011
The Torah portion of Beha’alotkha concludes with a narrative surrounding Moses and his brother and sister Aaron and Miriam in which G-d testifies to Moses’
Tolerance of Difference
June 5, 2012
Towards the end of the Torah section of Beha’alotkha, after Miriam, with her brother Aaron’s consent, spoke disparagingly about Moses for distancing himself from his
Shelach
Signs In the Body, On the Body and Around the Body
June 3, 2010
Towards the end of the Torah portion Shelach, G-d tells His messenger, our teacher Moses: “Speak to the children of Israel and you shall say
Power of a Woman
June 12, 2012
In the beginning of the Torah section of Shlach, Moses changes the name of his faithful student, destined to bring the People of Israel into
Have It Your Way
June 9, 2015
It is said about the latter day Torah luminary R. Yaakov Kamenetsky that he was very exacting in adhering to the customs of his father
Korach
It is How You Say It
June 10, 2010
In the Torah section of Korach, the Torah tells us of an unwarranted and baseless assault by Korach, borne by jealousy, on the characters of
What Comes to Mind Need Not Come to Mouth
June 21, 2011
In the Torah section of Korach, we learn of a fierce attack that erupts. The attack is against none other than Moses, the selfless leader
The Lion and the Fox
June 19, 2012
In a letter to his students (Mikhtav M’Eliyahu, pp. 304 – 306), the venerated mashgiach of Yeshivat Ponovezh (1892 – 1953), R. Eliyahu Dessler makes a noteworthy
Chukat
Keep in Mind Who’s Boss
June 17, 2010
In the Torah section of Chukat, the Torah goes into length about a specific incident wherein Moses erred. The people of Israel were thirsting for water. G-d
Need to Scrutinize Our Actions
June 28, 2011
In the Torah section of Chukat, we read (Bamidbar 20:7-13): “And G-d spoke to Moses saying: ‘Take the staff and gather together the assembly, you
Impossible to Fathom
June 26, 2012
The Torah section of Chukat begins with a description of the law of the red heifer that is to be brought in the event of
Balak
Give It to Me Straight
June 24, 2010
On the Torah section of Balak, the great Hasidic Rebbe, R. Meir Pramishlan (1703–1773), disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, asks a basic question: Why is this
Need to See Things for What They Are
July 5, 2011
In the Torah section of Balak, we read one of the most unusual narratives in the entire Holy Scriptures. The king of Moav, Balak chooses
How Goodly are Your Tents
July 3, 2012
As one of his forced forms of recognition of the positive nature of the children of Israel, Bilam remarks in the Torah section of Balak
Pinchas
Never Lose Hope
July 1, 2010
Amidst a lengthy enumeration of the different tribes of the nation of Israel, upon their impending entry into the land promised them by G-d, we
Two Hands are Better than One
July 12, 2011
Upon discussing the Torah section of Pinchas, the renowned rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Va’Daat, R. Avraham Yaakov Pam makes an intriguing comment (Sholom Smith, A Vort from
Like a Fig Tree
July 10, 2012
In the Torah section of Pinchas, G-d chooses Joshua, Moses’ devoted student who “would not depart from within the tent” (Sh’mot 33:11), always at Moses’
Matot
Unquestioning Loyalty
July 19, 2011
We read in the beginning of the Torah section of Matot (Bamidbar 31:1-2), “And G-d spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Take vengeance for the children of
Proper Proportions
July 17, 2012
The Torah section of Matot encompasses three sub-sections: G-d’s precepts and regulations concerning vows (Bamidbar 30:2-17), G-d’s instructing the children of Israel to avenge themselves
Look to G-d
July 17, 2014
Towards the end of the Torah section of Matot, we read of the tribes of Reuven and Gad approaching Moses to request that they be
Masei
Patience is a Virtue
July 8, 2010
In the Torah section of Masei, we read (Bamidbar 33:50-53): “And G-d spoke to Moses in the plains of Moav, by the Jordan, at Jericho, saying: ‘Speak
Do Not Flatter the Wicked
July 26, 2011
In the Torah section of Mas’ei, we read (Bamidbar 35:31-33): “You shall not accept ransom for the life of a killer who is worthy of
On the Road to Growth
July 15, 2015
The Torah portion of Masei begins (Bamidbar 33:1): “These are the journeys of the Children of Israel, who went forth from the land of Egypt
Devarim
Devarim
G-d in Heaven and on Earth
July 15, 2010
We read in the beginning of the Torah section of Devarim, in his final discourse before his death, Moses, amongst a series of recollections concerning the people
Respecting Another’s Feelings
July 25, 2012
The first words of the Torah section of Devarim are: “These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel, across the Jordan, in the
Need to Appreciate What We Have
August 2, 2011
In the beginning of the Torah section of Devarim (Devarim 1:13), we find the unusual term eikhah (how) used as Moses rebukes the people of Israel: “How
Fast Days/Tisha B'Av
Time to Contemplate
June 29, 2010
Five times during the year, other than the Biblical day of atonement Yom Kippur, the people of Israel are encouraged to fast: Tzom Gedaliah, Asara
Turn for the Worse
June 14, 2011
Upon reading the Torah section of Shelach, we learn that from the desert, Moses sent spies to scout out the land that G-d promised to
Hungering for What Was
February 21, 2016
Five times during the course of the year, aside from the Biblically enjoined day of Yom Kippur, observant Jews the world over engage in fasting:
VaEtchanan
One Day in Seven
July 22, 2010
In the Torah section of VaEtchanan, G-d commands the people of Israel, “Safeguard the Sabbath day to sanctify it… Six days you shall labor and do all
Marriage Made in Heaven
July 31, 2012
Introducing his repetition of the Ten Commandments in the Torah section of VaEtchanan, Moses tells us, “Face to face did G-d speak with you on
Nobody Should be Pushed Away
August 8, 2011
In the Torah section of Va’Etchanan, we find a repetition of the famous Ten Commandments presented to the people of Israel in the desert subsequent
Eikev
Rewarding the Good
July 29, 2010
The Torah section of Eikev begins (Devarim 7:12-15): “And it will be because of your listening to these ordinances, and your observing and performing them; then
Song to G-d
August 7, 2012
In the beginning of the Torah section of Eikev, Moses reminds us of “The great tests that your eyes saw, and the signs, the wonders,
It is Heavenly
August 15, 2011
In the Torah section of Eikev (Devarim 8:11-18), we are warned: “Take care lest you forget the L-rd your G-d by not observing His commandments,
Re'eh
You Shall not Recognize the Gods of Others
August 24, 2011
In the Torah section of Re’eh (Devarim 12:2-3), G-d exhorts the children of Israel upon their entry into the Land of Israel at the time
Stork is not Kosher
August 14, 2012
In the Torah section of Re’eh, Moses repeats the various animals and creatures that G-d deems unfit for consumption, known colloquially as not being kosher,
Takes All Kinds to Make a World
August 6, 2010
In the Torah portion of Re’eh, we read, “You are children to the L-rd your G-d, you shall not cut yourselves” (Devarim 14:1). Our Sages
Shoftim
A Matter of Order
August 12, 2010
We read in the Torah section of Shoftim (Devarim 17:8-11): “If a matter of judgment is hidden from you, between blood and blood, between verdict and
Doing that which is Upright in the Eyes of G-d
August 31, 2011
In the Babylonian Talmud, Arakhin 16a, we learn that there are two forbidden actions, murder and lashon hara (tale bearing), for which atonement cannot be achieved through regular
Obligation to Relate
August 21, 2012
In the Torah section of Shoftim, we read (Devarim 17:18), “And when he [the king] sits on his throne, he shall write two copies of
Ki Tetze
When You Go Out to War
August 19, 2010
“When you will go out to war against your enemies…” (Devarim 21:10). So begins the Torah section of Ki Tetze, the reading from the Torah, the five
Fair is Fair
August 28, 2012
In the Torah section of Ki Tetze, the Torah unequivocally declares (Devarim 23:21), “You may charge interest to the gentile, but to your brother you
Do not Turn your Back
September 6, 2011
In one of his regular talks, the noted rosh yeshiva of Ner Yisrael in Baltimore, Rabbi Yissocher Frand mentioned an incident that occurred in McKeesport, Pennsylvania some
Ki Tavo
Of Visions, Signs and Authors
August 25, 2010
In the Torah section of Ki Tavo, as he nears the end of his final exhortation to the nation of Israel before taking leave of his
Get the Message
September 4, 2012
In the Torah section of Ki Tavo, we read the verse (Devarim 28:2), “And all these blessings will come upon you and they will reach
Let Us Not Get Carried Away
September 1, 2015
We find in the Torah portion of Ki Tavo that In the course of admonishing the nation of Israel prior to their entry into the
Nitzavim
Standing and Moving
September 2, 2010
In the beginning of the Torah section of Nitzavim, we read: “You are standing today, all of you, before the L-rd, your G-d: your heads, your tribes,
You Shall be Only Above
September 11, 2012
The Torah section of Nitzavim is dedicated to Moses’ exhortation to the children of Israel to adhere to G-d’s Word as set forth in the
Stop and Think
September 7, 2015
In the beginning of the Torah portion of Nitzavim, Moses, before he passes on, addresses a gathering of the People of Israel and begins to
VaYelekh
Turn to G-d
September 19, 2011
In the Torah section of VaYelekh, G-d offers some parting words to Moses before he hands over leadership of the nation to his trusted student
More Than a Piece of Paper
September 16, 2012
In the Torah section of VaYelekh, we are enjoined, “And now, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the Children of Israel” (Devarim
Strive for Consistency
September 16, 2015
In the Torah portion of VaYelekh, amongst Moses’ parting words before his passing, we read (Devarim 31:12-13), “Gather together the people – the men, the
Rosh HaShana
When the Year Begins
September 5, 2010
In Vayikra 23:24-25, G-d tells us: “In the seventh month [Tishre] on the first of the month, you shall have a day of rest, a
How are You Doing?
August 15, 2013
As we approach the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, known as Rosh HaShana, an anecdote involving one of our latter-day great Torah scholars
Understanding our Position
September 22, 2016
A concept central to the holy day of Rosh HaShana that marks the Jewish New Year is, as found in the second mishna of the
HaAzinu
Remember the Days of Yore
September 7, 2010
In the beginning of the Torah portion of Ha’azinu (Devarim 32: 7-9), we read: “Remember the days of yore, understand the years of generation after generation. Ask
The Rope of Jacob
September 24, 2012
In the Torah section of HaAzinu, among Moses’ parting floral admonition and foretelling of the future of the Children of Israel whom he led through
Forgetting
September 25, 2011
In Moses’ parting admonishment of the people of Israel before he leaves the material world, we read in the Torah section of Ha’Azinu, “You ignored
Yom Kippur
Day of Atonement
September 16, 2010
In Vayikra 23:27, G-d informs the people of Israel, “On the tenth day of this seventh month [Tishre] shall be a day of atonement, a
Mistakes Happen to the Best of Us
September 4, 2013
As the Jewish day of atonement, Yom Kippur, comes upon us, it is advisable to keep in mind a comment by R. Barukh HaLevi Epstein,
Turn Over a New Leaf but Do not Burn Down the Tree
October 6, 2016
Every year, after we begin a new Jewish year, as we come to the tenth day of the Jewish month of Tishre, we encounter a
Sukkot
Four Species and a Hut
September 21, 2010
In Vayikra 23:34, G-d commands Moses to inform the people of Israel, “On the fifteenth day of this seventh month [Tishre] shall be the feast
Back to Basics
September 15, 2013
In the midst of the unfathomable turmoil and brutality that typified the Nazi era, R. Reuven Grozovsky (1886 – 1958) eloquently addressed the townspeople of
Appreciating the Simple Life
October 14, 2016
On Pesach, we celebrate G-d’s forging us into a free and independent nation with no one to answer to except for Him. A couple months
V'Zot Habracha
Gift to Hold On To
October 2, 2011
The last Torah section of the Five Books of Moses, V’Zot HaBracha, commands a special mark of distinction. As observant Jews around the world have
Like Writing in the Torah
October 3, 2012
In the Torah section of Vzot HaBracha, Moses offers a parting blessing to the nation he led through the desert. As a preface to his
Best Wishes before a New Beginning
October 1, 2015
In the supplication preceding the obligatory passage of Shema read in the morning by religiously observant Jews the world over, we find, “Our Father, the
Fast Days/Tisha B'Av
Time to Contemplate
June 29, 2010
Five times during the year, other than the Biblical day of atonement Yom Kippur, the people of Israel are encouraged to fast: Tzom Gedaliah, Asara
Turn for the Worse
June 14, 2011
Upon reading the Torah section of Shelach, we learn that from the desert, Moses sent spies to scout out the land that G-d promised to
Hungering for What Was
February 21, 2016
Five times during the course of the year, aside from the Biblically enjoined day of Yom Kippur, observant Jews the world over engage in fasting:
VaEtchanan
One Day in Seven
July 22, 2010
In the Torah section of VaEtchanan, G-d commands the people of Israel, “Safeguard the Sabbath day to sanctify it… Six days you shall labor and do all
Marriage Made in Heaven
July 31, 2012
Introducing his repetition of the Ten Commandments in the Torah section of VaEtchanan, Moses tells us, “Face to face did G-d speak with you on
Nobody Should be Pushed Away
August 8, 2011
In the Torah section of Va’Etchanan, we find a repetition of the famous Ten Commandments presented to the people of Israel in the desert subsequent
Summation
Putting Things into Proportion
May 25, 2014
On the 6th day of the Hebrew month of Sivan, Jews all over the world commemorate G-d’s presenting the Torah to their ancestors several thousand years
Footnote
About the Author
RABBI YISRAEL KANIEL
Administrator and Rabbinical Advisor of B'Ahavat Yisrael
Born in New York to Yerushalmi parents, a nephew of Haifa’s late Chief Rabbi Yehoshua Kaniel, and link in a rabbinic lineage dating back to Rashi and Abravanel, Yisrael (Kane) Kaniel studied in Yeshiva Toras Chaim of South Shore and Yeshiva Derech Ayson of Far Rockaway, after which he graduated magna cum laude from Yeshiva College in 1982 and in the same year received his Master’s degree in Jewish Philosophy from Yeshiva University’s Bernard Revel Graduate School. Prior to his graduation, in addition to the ongoing Torah and Talmud studies, he engaged in an independent study of the entire Babylonian Talmud and Holy Scriptures along with other rabbinic literature, and, in 1985, he completed a program of study for rabbinic ordination at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.During and following his studies, Rabbi Kaniel served as a librarian in two of New York’s most extensive Judaica libraries as well as a rabbi-cantor at several synagogues in New York.
During this time, Rabbi Kaniel also contributed Torah-related articles in Hebrew, English and Yiddish to various periodicals, and published In Quest of the Truth: A Survey of Medieval Jewish Thought. Rabbi Kaniel, later, embarked on a career in the field of software engineering, in which he served in several key positions and rose to the level of Senior Programmer Analyst in major software houses in the U.S. and Israel. After making aliya in 1992 and being employed for some 14 years in software development and maintenance, Rabbi Kaniel took the opportunity in the year 2000 to combine his varied talents as Manager of Operations in the newly formed B’Ahavat Yisrael organization for the sake of helping to provide for the varied needs of fellow Jews throughout Israel.Once having begun his responsibilities at B’Ahavat Yisrael, Rabbi Kaniel received a number of requests to share with the extensive list of readers of the organization’s materials his own thoughts and insights on Jewish Law and Lore. Subsequently, he began publishing weekly divrei Torah containing ideas and comments relating to a given Torah portion or Jewish holiday. The articles accumulated over time, and, for the benefit of the Jewish population at large, the essays in the following pages have been collected and compiled from selected divrei Torah of those that Rabbi Kaniel produced, during the course of his work for the benefit of his brethren, arranged according to the weekly Torah portions read in Jewish congregations and the Jewish holidays celebrated by observant Jews.