Vayikra: Eating on Erev Pesach
The Shulchan Aruch states that it is forbidden to eat a bread meal from the tenth hour onward on Erev Pesach (SA OC 571:1). (Of course the reference is to matza...
Vayakhel-Pekudei: Work Done by a Non-Jew on Shabbat
At the beginning of our parsha we learn that we may do work only on six days (Shemot 35:2). Based on this verse, the Midrash learns that another verse which says...
Ki Tisa: Idolatry and Artistry
In our parsha, we first encounter the inspired artisan, Bezalel ben Uri, who was specially called by HaShem to carry out the fine craftsmanship of the Mikdash (31:2). This includes representative...
Tetzaveh: Bringing Disputes to Din Torah
One of the most notable features of the Torah system of jurisprudence is its far-reaching insistence on exclusivity. The Torah tells us that disputes should be brought “before them”, meaning the...
Terumah: Orientation in Prayer
Our parsha begins to tell the story of the various utensils used in the Mishkan. It also begins to tell us about their placement: “Place the table outside the curtain, and...
Mishpatim: Testimony of a Professional Gambler
The Mishna tells us that a dice-player (or other gambler) is disqualified as a witness in Beit Din. Rebbe Yehuda qualifies this, stating that a dice-player is disqualified only if he...
Yitro: Visiting the Sick
In section 335 of Yoreh Deah, the Tur brings a number of explanations for the requirement of visiting the sick and for the details of this mitzva. All of the explanations...
Beshalach: Tu B’Shevat & Shabbat Shira
Rav Natan of Breslav writes: “Tu B’Shevat is always adjacent to Shabbat Shira, and sometimes it falls on Shabbat Shira itself” – as it does this year (and 30% of all...
Bo: Matza
In our parsha, we are given the mitzva to eliminate chametz from our homes during Pesach, and to eat matza during this time. Many different messages have been attached to this...
Vaeira: Rectification of a Dream
The gemara describes a brief ceremony which a person should perform if he has a distressing dream: “Rebbe Yochanan said, One who sees a dream and his soul is somber… should...
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