by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Aug 27, 2021 | Lifeline
This week’s reading begins with the Commandment of Bikkurim, bringing the first fruits to the Holy Temple, and other gifts that were given to the Priests, Levites and the poor. Having finished the process at the end of the third year, the farmer declared,...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Aug 13, 2021 | Lifeline
The traditional naming of the five books and the weekly readings in the Torah is done by simply using the first uncommon word of the book or reading. This week’s reading, though, is aptly named, for it begins with Shoftim, judges, and many of the 41 Commandments...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Aug 6, 2021 | Lifeline
Our reading this week begins, “See I have placed before you today blessing and curse. The blessing, if you listen to the Commandments of Hashem your G-d, which I have Commanded you this day. And the curse, if you will not listen to the Commandments of Hashem...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Jul 2, 2021 | Lifeline
What can one person accomplish against a mob? This question is sadly relevant today, and this week’s parsha (reading) provides the answer. At the end of last week’s reading, after the evil prophet Bilaam failed to curse the Jews, he advised the Midianite...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | May 14, 2021 | Lifeline
This Shabbos we will read the first words of Bamidbar, the Book of Numbers. Then, on Sunday night, we will celebrate the holiday of Shavuos, the time of the giving of the Torah. The holiday is called Shavuos in the Torah, literally “weeks,” as the Torah...
