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Torah Talk for Parashat Ki Tetze

August 21, 2018 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Moshe enumerates many laws that relate to topics of family relationships, interpersonal ethics, and forbidden mixtures. Jewish laws fall into two categories: those that apply at all times, known as apodictic laws, and those that apply only if and when something specific happens, known as casuistic laws. Parashat Ki Tetze is full […]

  • Parent-Child Learning

Torah Talk for Parashat Shoftim

August 14, 2018 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Moshe reviews the justice system for the Bnei Yisrael, talks about the limits future kings should have on their possessions, and explains that the Kohanim [priests] and Levi’im [Levites] should not be paid and should survive on donations from the people. Finally, Moshe explains the laws of warfare. In chapter 17, verse […]

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Torah Talk for Parashat Re’eh

August 7, 2018 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Moshe instructs Bnei Yisrael (the Israelites) regarding idolatry, false prophets, pure and impure foods, tithes, freeing slaves, and pilgrimage festivals. In chapter 12, verses 8-14, the Torah addresses the importance of a central place of worship for the Jewish people, and forbids bringing sacrifices on a bamah, a private altar. Read more […]

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Torah Talk for Parashat Ekev

July 31, 2018 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Moshe continues his speech to the Bnei Yisrael, reminding them to keep Hashem’s commandments when they enter the land of Israel. The mandate to say Birkat Hamazon, Grace After Meals, comes from this parasha. Chapter 8 verse 10 says, “You will eat and be satisfied and bless Hashem your God on the […]

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Torah Talk for Parashat Va’etchanan

July 24, 2018 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Moshe stresses to the Bnei Yisrael the importance of keeping Hashem’s commandments when they enter the land of Israel; Moshe repeats the Aseret HaDibrot, the Ten Commandments, and utters the Shema and V’ahavta, the ultimate statement of belief in and fealty to the One God. The Oral Law tells us that there […]

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Torah Talk for Parashat Devarim

July 17, 2018 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Moshe recounts to the Bnei Yisrael episodes from the 40 years in the wilderness; he gives the Bnei Yisrael encouragement regarding their upcoming conquest of the land of Cana’an. The Torah is not a history book. Although it does contain much of the early history of the Jewish people, if it were […]

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Torah Talk for Parashot Matot-Masei

July 11, 2018 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In Parashat Matot, Moshe describes the laws of oaths; the Bnei Yisrael battle the Midianites; and the tribes of Reuven and Gad request to dwell outside of the Land of Israel. In Parashat Masei, the final parasha of the book of Bemidbar (Numbers), the Bnei Yisrael stand on the banks of the Jordan River, ready […]

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Torah Talk for Parashat Pinchas

July 3, 2018 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Hashem gives Pinchas, the grandson of Aharon, a covenant of peace; Hashem explains to Moshe the distribution of the Land of Israel to male heirs in their respective tribes; the daughters of Tzelophchad successfully petition to inherit their father’s portion; and Moshe appoints Yehoshua (Joshua) as his successor. The parasha opens with […]

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Torah Talk for Parashat Balak

June 26, 2018 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Balak, the king of Moav, asks Bil’am to curse the Bnei Yisrael after he sees them defeat various nations in battle. As Bil’am sets out to fulfill this task, his donkey sees an angel of God and refuses to move any further. Bil’am hits the donkey. God speaks through the mouth of […]

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Torah Talk for Parashat Chukat

June 20, 2018 by Sharon Freundel (Community)

In this parasha, Hashem instructs Moshe and Aaron regarding the parah adumah (red heifer); Miriam dies; to bring forth water, Moshe hits a rock rather than speaking to it; Aharon dies. An odd verse appears in chapter 21, as the Torah is recounting the places that the Bnei Yisrael encamped until they had water. Says […]

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