Kli Yakar on the Parsha

The Parsha opens with the Mitzvah of Shabbos, but why is this necessary? Haven't we learned about Shabbos before? And what exactly is the Mitzvah to "work" for 6 days? Listen to this episode to hear the Kli Yakar's subtle but novel approach to understanding the Mitzvah of Shabbos in this context.

Moshe asks Hashem to "see" His glory. Hashem, we are told, shows Moshe His "back". What does this mean and what are we meant to learn from it? Listen to this episode to hear the Kli Yakar's meaningful and relevant explanation.

A discussion of the uniqueness of the Luchos and why Moshe Rabbeinu broke them.

What's the purpose of having a second mizbeach just for Ketores? And why are we commanded to bring the ketores offering each morning and each evening? Listen to this episode to uncover the deeper meanings behind the golden mizbeach and the mitzvah of ketores.

What is the mitzvah of lighting the menorah doing smack in the middle of the instructions for building the mishkan and the keilim? Perhaps we are understanding this all wrong. Listen to this episode to hear how the Kli Yakar explains the beginning of Parshas Teztzaveh.

The measurements of the Aron are all fractional, while those of the Mizbeach are whole. The Shulchan has both. What are the messages the Torah is teaching us?

A discussion of the great mitzvah of lending to a Jew in need, and the profound drasha of the Kli Yakar about the mitzvos of tzedaka

An exploration of the enigmatic story of the second half of kabbalas HaTorah which appears at the end of the parsha.

Why does the Eved Ivri get his ear pierced? And what relevant lessons can we learn from the whole parsha of Eved Ivri?

What explains the differences between the first recounting of the 10 Dibros in this week's parsha and the second recounting in Sefer Devarim? Listen to this episode to hear the Kli Yakar's amazing explanation.

What did Yisro hear that made him journey out into the wilderness to greet Moshe and Bnei Yisrael? According to Rabbi Eliezer, it was Kriyas Yam Suf. But what was it about this miracle specifically that spoke directly to Yisro? And why is this the impetus for Yisro to bring Moshe's wife and children back to him? Listen to this episode to hear the Kli Yakar's amazing insight, one he calls, a "peiru...

What was the test of the mann? And how is that test relevant to us in our own lives?

What was the lesson that Bnei Yisrael needed to learn at Marah?

The importance of a Jewish burial is paramount. This week, we witnessed the return of the body of Ran Gvili z"l back to Eretz Yisrael. Many made the connection to the pasuk in this week's parsha describing Moshe bringing Yosef's body out of Mitzrayim. But the Kli Yakar says that this goes both ways. Moshe took care of Yosef, and in return, Yosef took care of Am Yisrael. Listen to this...

A discussion of the first mitzvah given to Bnei Yisrael as a nation, the mitzvah of Kiddush HaChodesh.

Short but powerful thoughts from the Kli Yakar on each of the makkos in this week's Parsha - Arbeh, Choshech, and Makkas Bechoros. Arbeh - what was the urgency of Paroh to stop the Makkah? Choshech - what was unique about this Makkah as opposed to all the others? Makkas Bechoros - what's the significance of this Makkah starting in the middle of the night?

There are some peculiar elements in the conversation between Moshe and Paroh at the beginning of the Parsha. What was the conversation really about, and what can we learn about the uniqueness of the festivals of Bnei Yisrael vs. those of the other nations?

The Kli Yakar's explanation for why each of the 10 makkos was chosen

A discussion of the different names of Hashem used at the beginning of the parsha

Why did Hashem give Moshe 3 signs to show Bnei Yisrael? And what message was each of them meant to convey?

ויקוצו מפני בני ישראל What does this enigmatic statement mean? Who was a thorn in whose side?

The new Pharaoh “didn’t know Yosef”. What’s the deeper meaning behind this statement and what lesson did Pharaoh fail to learn?

ויקרא בהם שמי ושם אבותיהם אברהם ויצחק The Kli Yakar's explanation of the timeless Bracha that Yaakov gives Efraim and Menashe

Vayechi is unique in that it is a Parsha Stuma. Chazal learn several things from this, but how did they arrive at their conclusions? And what relevant messages can we learn?

Yosef sends wagons to pick up Yaakov and bring him to Mitzrayim. Rashi tells us that this was meant to be a message to Yaakov. But what exactly was the message, and how was it delivered? The Kli Yakar has an amazing take on this midrash, listen to this week's episode to hear what it is!