D’vrei Torah

Pekude brings us to the end of the Book of Exodus. The “Mishkan” is completed. Aaron and his sons are anointed, and we see the institutionalizing of the hereditary priesthood. Moses blessed the work and [Read more…]

This week’s portion is all about construction of the Mishkan. Moses calls together the people to give instructions on construction and we again meet Betzalel, the head of the project. We also are reminded of [Read more…]

Ki Tissa It is somewhat overwhelming this portion this week. There is so much to digest, from the beginning of the portion’s call for census through the drama of the Golden Calf and on to [Read more…]

This is a quieter portion. The theme of this week’s portion revolves around detailed instructions for the Temple/Mishkan/Tent of Meeting. We greet the everlasting light, the dress for the high priest and more. We see [Read more…]

This week Torah brings us to the instructions for the Mishkan. The extreme details of the portion beg the question of when this text was written and for what purpose. A temporary structure in the [Read more…]

Mishpatim This portion marks a major transition in our text. Last week, we reviewed the great Revelation of the Ten Commandments. Now, the Torah settles into a detailed description of laws being given to the [Read more…]

The great revelation! This is the focus so this week’s famous portion. Moses’s father in law provides management advice to Moses as the portion begins. The Israelites encamp in the Wilderness and there we witness [Read more…]

The drama and sweep of events again catch us this Shabbat. This portion takes us from the very edge liberation through to the first steps of redemption. The Midrash and commentaries explode with interpretations on [Read more…]

The tension may be mounting in this week’s portion. Again Moses confronts Pharaoh. God “hardens” the Pharaoh’s heart again. There are the plagues and THE final plague which allows for the deliverance. Much to discuss [Read more…]

How to you address God? By what name do you think of? This week’s portion begins with a recitation of names by which God spoke or made known to people. In Exodus 6:2 and 3 [Read more…]