Nitzavim-Vayeilech: Symbolism of the Shofar Blasts
The Torah tells us that Rosh HaShana is a “Yom Teruah”, meaning a “day of sounding the shofar” (Bamidbar 29:1). However, the sages of the Talmud inferred from the nuances of...
Shoftim: Shabbat Chatan a.k.a. Aufruf
It is an ancient custom that a groom be called up to the Torah on the Shabbat before the wedding, or in most Sefaradi communities the Shabbat after. In Yiddish this...
Re’eh: Teshuvah
The day specifically mentioned in the Torah as the day of atonement is the tenth of Tishrei, Yom Kippur, but the entire ten days from Rosh HaShana until Yom Kippur are...
Eikev: Order of Blessings
Our parsha contains the Torah mitzva of birkat hamazon, the grace after meals.This is the only blessing on food which is mandated by the Torah, but serves as one source for...
Va’etchanan: Blessing on the Birth of a Baby
The Shulchan Arukh rules that on the birth of a baby boy, the parents bless “Hatov vehametiv”, thanking HaShem who is good and does good (SA OC 223:1). This is the...
Devarim: The Blessing “HaGomel”
Someone who has been safely delivered from a dangerous situation makes a special blessing in public, thanking G-d “Who bestows good on the culpable, Who has bestowed all goodness on me”....
Masei: Delaying Marriage
The Mishna tells us “Eighteen years of age for the CHUPA” (Avot 5:21). But this is not like “Thirteen years of age for mitzvot”, whereby a Bar Mitzva is automatically celebrated...
Matot: Choosing a Spouse
Last week we discussed the first chapter in Even Haezer, the section of the Tur and Shulchan Arukh dealing with the laws of marriage. That chapter dealt with the obligation to...
Pinchas: Intermarriage
In our parsha, Pinchas receives a special eternal blessing for his zeal in preventing intermarriage between the Jewish men and the Midianite women. Intermarriage is considered one of the most severe...
Balak: Consideration Towards Widows
In many places, the Torah commands us to show special consideration towards widows. For example: In a number of places the Torah admonishes us to include them among the needy whom...
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