Tag: Parent-Child Learning
Torah Talk for Parashat Shmini
April 19, 2017 by
After the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the ordination of the cohanim (priests), two of Aharon’s sons bring a strange fire before God and are consumed by fire; God then instructs Moshe and Aharon regarding which animals, fish, and birds may be eaten by the Bnei Yisrael. Both animals and fish display physical characteristics […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Tzav
April 4, 2017 by
In this parasha, Hashem tells Moshe to describe to the cohanim (priests) the rituals for some of the offerings; the cohanim then undergo the process of ordination. One of the garments the cohen gadol (high priest) wore was the urim v’tumim, a vestment that is shrouded in mystery. Chapter 8, verse 8 says, “He put upon him the breastplate and on […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Vayikra
March 28, 2017 by
In this parasha, Hashem commands Moshe regarding various types of offerings, under what circumstances they should be offered, and what they should consist of. The Torah chooses two interesting words for those bringing offerings. Instead of utilizing the common term “ish,” meaning “man” or more generically “person,” it utilizes the following words. Read more >
Torah Talk for Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei
March 21, 2017 by
In these parshiyot the Bnei Yisrael bring so many materials for the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) that Moshe tells them to stop; Betzalel and Oholiav, gifted craftspeople, construct the elements of the Mishkan. The work of constructing the Mishkan is completed; Moshe receives the command to anoint its vessels and to anoint Aharon and […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Ki Tisa
March 15, 2017 by
In this parasha, Hashem continues describing the Mishkan (Tabernacle) to Moshe; the people worship the Aygel Hazahav (Golden Calf), Moshe pleads on their behalf, and Hashem forgives them. This parasha contains one of the famous passages about the Shabbat, one which we recite in the Shabbat morning kiddush (31:12-17). The commentators ask why this section […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Tetzaveh
March 7, 2017 by
In this parasha, Hashem describes to Moshe the clothing and the process of anointing the cohanim (priests). Almost an entire Torah portion is dedicated to how people, in this case Aharon and his descendants, should dress. At first glance, it seems like too trivial and materialistic an issue for the Torah to address. However, when […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Terumah
February 28, 2017 by
In this parasha, Hashem instructs Moshe to collect gifts from Bnei Yisrael in order to build a Mishkan (Tabernacle) so that Hashem can dwell among the people; Hashem describes to Moshe the vessels and structures that comprise the Mishkan. An oft-quoted verse appears in Chapter 25:8: “They will make for Me a sanctuary, and I […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Mishpatim
February 21, 2017 by
In this week’s parasha, Moshe informs the people of numerous ethical and ritual laws and seals the brit (covenant) between the Bnei Yisrael and Hashem. One of the numerous laws in the parasha states (22:20): “Do not wrong a stranger nor oppress him for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Hermann Cohen (1842-1919), […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Yitro
February 16, 2017 by
Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-law, suggests a system for establishing lower courts to settle disputes; Hashem articulates the Aseret HaDibrot (Ten Commandments) to the Bnei Yisrael amidst fire, smoke, and sounds of the shofar. We often translate Aseret HaDibrot, as I did above, as “The Ten Commandments.” However, they are not really Ten Commandments, because Dibrot means […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Beshalach
February 7, 2017 by
After the Bnei Yisrael cross the Reed sea in safety while Paro’s army drowns, they sing praises to Hashem; in response to their complaints about a lack of food and water, Hashem gives them manna; they are then attacked by Amalek. The TaNaKH contains ten songs. When we look at each song, without even reading […]
