At the beginning of Parshat Tetzaveh, Hashem commands Bnei Yisrael to supply pure olive oil - Shemen zayit zakh, for the lighting of the Menorah in the Mishkan.
This Shabbat begins the period in which Jews around the world have been reading the Arbah parshiyot – the four special passages known as Shekalim, Zachor, Parah and HaChodesh. These parshiyot, read as the Maftir, after the weekly Torah portion, prepare us for Pesach b...
When we read Parshat Yitro this coming Shabbat, we will be reciting the עשרת הדברות - The Ten Commandments.
There is a widespread custom to stand during the reading of the עשרת הדברות. We rise in deference to this majestic moment in our history where every member...
It is interesting that when we think of song in prayer, often we think of the mizmorai tehillim from Ketuvim. There are two psalms which are unique in their opening formulation of “song.”
Mizmor shir l’yom HaShabbat, which is...
Before Hashem begins the affliction of the Eser Makkot, the Ten Plagues, upon Egypt, Hashem informs Moshe that Hashem will "harden Paro's heart." Hashem tells Moshe that Paro will refuse to release Bnei Yisrael despite the horrific plagues placed upon his land and his...
The first encounter Moshe will have directly with Hashem is at the burning bush. It is there that Hashem will give over his first of many instructions to Moshe. Hashem commands Moshe to not come close and to take off his shoes since the...
