by Dr. Yonatan GrossmanPosted on July 6, 2017
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by Rabbi Menachem LeibtagPosted on October 26, 2016
by Rabbi Avi WeissPosted on May 21, 2016
The Biblical term for midnight, the time Moshe (Moses) says God will slay the first born, is ka-hazot ha-lailah (Exodus 11:4). Different interpretations are given for the prefix ka, which gives us the key as to the true meaning of this term. On its simplest level, ka, says Rashi, means “when.” From this perspective, ka-hazot Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Dov LinzerPosted on January 13, 2016
The first mitzvah that the Children of Israel are given is that of sanctifying the new moon. “HaChodesh hazeh lachem rosh chadashim,” “this month, the month of Nissan, shall be for you the first of the months.” Why of all mitzvot was this one given first? What is it about this mitzvah that embodies the message of Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Dov LinzerPosted on January 3, 2014
Nine plagues were proclaimed. Nine plagues befell Pharaoh and the Egyptians. With each passing plague, Pharaoh was one step closer to freeing the Children of Israel. Until this point, he had offered to release them all save the cattle. Even this Moshe refuses, and Pharaoh orders him out telling him never to return. Moshe, at Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Dov LinzerPosted on January 18, 2013
“And in order that you should relate in the ears of your children and your children’s children how I have made a mockery of the Egyptians and my signs that I have placed upon them, and you will know that I am the Lord.” (Ex. 10:2). This week’s parasha opens with the theme that had Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Avi WeissPosted on January 23, 2010
In this week’s portion, the Torah begins to present commandments given to the Jewish people. One wonders why so many commandments are proscribed in such detail. The Sefer Ha-Hinukh (13th century) offers a comment that reveals a basic message about the purpose of commandments. He writes, “Know that human beings are influenced by their actions Continue Reading »
