by Mordechai Dixler | Feb 24, 2023 | Lifeline
This and the upcoming Torah portions explain the construction of the holy Mishkan (Tabernacle) in great detail. One key reason to discuss these details, the Talmud explains (Shabbos 49b), is to learn the 39 types of work done to construct the Mishkan—because these are...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Feb 17, 2023 | Lifeline
The Torah’s 613 Mitzvos, Commandments, are divided into three basic categories: testimonies, statutes, and judgements. The last of these are civil laws which any society needs to survive—but these, too, are part of Torah. Our reading this week begins,...
by Mordechai Dixler | Feb 9, 2023 | Lifeline
It’s a hot, humid day in the middle of summer. Out from the ice cream parlor walks a fellow with a waffle cone, briefly escaping the oppressive temperatures as he enjoys his frosty delicacy. Of course, you are inspired to want one for yourself. You check for...
by Mordechai Dixler | Feb 2, 2023 | Lifeline
Did you ever ponder how blind we can be? This week’s reading gives us a lesson in how we can become caught up in events, unable to see outside the narrow scope of our own goals. And as a result, we miss out on something so crucial. As the Jews journeyed out of...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Jan 19, 2023 | Lifeline
In this week’s reading, Moshe calls upon Pharoah to release the Jewish nation to worship in the desert, but “G-d said to Moshe, the heart of Pharoah is heavy, to release the people.” [Ex. 7:14] The Medrash explains Pharoah’s behavior with a...
by Mordechai Dixler | Jan 12, 2023 | Lifeline
The Torah tells the story of Moshe’s rise to prophecy, and to leadership over the Jewish people. Although raised in the house of the mighty Pharoah, Moshe left the palace to observe first-hand the suffering of the Jewish slaves. Ultimately, Moshe’s empathy...
