Daily Chumash

Yaakov prepares to encounter his brother Eisav. He prepares for battle, sends gifts of appeasement, and beseeched G-d.

Yaakov escapes. Lavan pursues him and challenges his intent. Yaakov defends the integrity of his actions.

Yaakov escapes his father-in-law Lavan's compound, for the land of Israel. He is pursued once again by Lavan and his men, and a treaty is made between them.

The historical meeting between Yaakov and Rachel at the well. Yaakov leaves Eretz Yisrael with a light heart, after receiving the blessings. He encounters shepherds and their flocks congregating around a great rock covering the cistern in the center of Charan. Yaakov removes the rock single-handedly upon the sight of his cousin, Rachel. Lavan embraces him and promises him his daughter as a wife, i...

This portion discusses the marriage of Yaakov to Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah, and the birth of the first 10 of the 12 tribes.

This is Sunday's portion of Parshas Vayeitzei. Yaakov flees, has an epic dream

Offerings to G-d predated the giving of the Torah. This very physical act is also an act of love showing devotion to G-d and means of becoming close to Him.

Sacrificial offerings were divided into two categories: Obligatory and voluntary. The first type of offering mentioned in the Torah, is the free-will voluntary offerings.

The book of Vayikra begins with commandments regarding the sacrifices.

The book of Vayikra is dedicated to offerings in the holy temple

This portion describes the construction of the priestly cloak/shift, which had pomegranates made of wool and golden bells at its hem. The shirt, hat, and pants were made of linen. The belt was made of twisted wool rope similar to the Ephod. The Tzitz was a gold plate inscribed with holy words on it, worn on the forehead of the high priest. Rashi explains how the Tzitz is attached to the linen hat...

Thursday's portion lists all of the vessels constructed. There were several types of materials used to create the priestly garb, including golden thread. The gold was a seventh thread twisted in each type of yarn, which was all twisted into a multi-colored 28 thread rope, used to weave the Ephod and Choshen, the priestly apron and breastplate.

This portion continues the actualization of the building of the Tabernacle and the priestly vestments enumerated in Terumah and Tetzaveh. The Menorah and the incense altar were constructed here.

Betzalel and Ahaliav fulfill the commandment of G-d and construct all of the Mishkan

Vayakhel and Pikudei are combined this week. This is the fulfillment of the directives of Terumah and Tetzaveh. The first Mitzvah in Vayakhel is the laws of Shabbos. The work of the Tabernacle does not supersede the holiness of Shabbos. The portion continues to enumerate the work done for the construction of the Tabernacle.

This portion G-d responds to Moshe for his supplication. G-d makes a covenant with the people of Israel.

This portion G-d is showing goodwill to the people of Israel. It is after the famous moment when G-d shows His Glory to Moshe, saying He would only show His back vs. His Face. Here G-d commands Moshe to form a new set of tablets after the first set had been broken. This portion also contains the 13 attributes of G-d's compassion.

Hashem informs Moshe that an angel will be accompanying the People of Israel into the land of Israel. On Moshe's behalf, G-d concedes and promises to be the one to accompany them instead. Moshe requests that the Jewish people be distinguished forever in G-d's presence.

This portion relates the story of the Golden Calf. The drama that ensued when Moshe was on Mt. Sinai, and the fear that gripped them when he did not return when expected, spurred the people into activity for which they would be forever begging for forgiveness.

This portion starts the portion of Ki Tisa. It includes the Mitzvah of collecting a half Shekel from all for the purposes of counting the Israelites.

This portion continues discussing the offerings during the consecration of the Mishkan- tabernacle.

This portion discusses the consecration of Aharon and his 4 sons to be the Kohanim-priests in the Mishkan-tabernacle.

This portion deals with the garments and inauguration of the Kohanim.

G-d commands Moshe to collect olive oil for the Menorah. This portion deals with the creation of the priestly vestments. It is the first of the seven subdivisions of the portion of Tzetaveh.