Ponderings on the Parsha with Selwyn Gerber

What is the connection between these two parshiot that are often read together? What is the meaning of the phrase "....to be Holy"? What is the Torah commanding when it says "You shall love your neighbor as yourself"? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

In this week's Ponderings on the Parsha, we compare the Corona pandemic to the laws of the Leper. Also, we reflect on Israeli Independence Day. All this and more! 

What is the significance of 8 in Judaism? Can we learn from Aharon's response to tragedy? What is the meaning behind the Kashrut laws? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

A special episode with additional ideas behind Pesach!

In this week's special episode, we go through the meaning of the seder and the month of Nissan. We also trace patterns and themes throughout Pesach. This episode will definitely have something for everyone to say at the Seder table! 

In this special episode, Selwyn shares with us his thoughts and main themes to someone turning Bar Mitzvah.

This week, we go through the various Karbanot and discuss their significance. What the meaning behind the details of the Korban Todah? Why was the fire constant on the altar? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

We start the third book of the Torah this week! What is the meaning of the word Korban? Why does the Parsha start with a small aleph? Also thoughts as we prepare for Pesach. All this and more on this week's Ponderings on the Parsha! 

What is the connection between the building of the Mishkan and Shabbat? Is the building of the Mishkan related to the creation of the universe itself? All this and more on this week's Ponderings on the Parsha. 

Why are Jews counted by the contribution of a half-shekel? What is the deeper meaning of the word "VaYinafash" "and He rested"? Why did the path to repentance include Moshe breaking the Tablets? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha! 

What are the similarities between Purim, Pesach and Yom Kippur? Why do we read the Megillah twice? Why does the seudah start during the day and not at night? All this and more on this special Ponderings on the Parsha for the holiday of Purim! 

Why is Moshe's name never mentioned in this Parsha? What is the meaning of the Kohen Gadol's vestments? Why do the Rabbis say that the verses about the daily sacrifice are the most important in the Torah? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha! 

What similarities does the structure of the mishkan have with our daily lives? Why does the Torah say "And you shall take an offering" - are they not giving? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

What is the essential aim of the Torah's legal system? What is the connection between Shmita and Shabbat? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha! 

Who is this strange fellow named Yitro and what can we learn from him? Can we compare and contrast the various statements and ideas in the Ten Commandments? What do they teach us about ourselves, the Jewish People and G-d? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

Why did G-d redeem the Jewish people through the splitting of the sea? What is the place of song and music in Judaism? What is the meaning of Shabbat in the context of dew and wandering in the desert? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha.

Are the last three plagues connected to each other? What is the full meaning of the Jewish calendar and the first commandment to "sanctify the new moon"? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

Why are there ten plagues instead of one big one? Why did Pharoah harden his heart? Are there 4 or 5 phrases of redemption? All this and more on this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

What can we learn Moshe as a leader from the Torah's description of him? What is the importance of names in Judaism? What is the meaning of the burning bush? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

What is the meaning of the blessing of Ephraim and Menashe? What can the last segment and conclusion of stories of Breishit teach us about the Jewish nation and ourselves? All this and more on this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

What are the main themes and lessons from the culmination of the story of Joseph and his brothers? What are the differences between Joseph's and Yehuda's character? All this and more on this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

How is Yosef's life a lesson and example for us? What is the meaning of his son's names? Also more on Hanukka! All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha

Why are there 8 candles? What is the main message of the Festival of Lights? All this and more on Ponderings on the Parsha!

What really happened with the selling of Yosef? Why was Yosef able to clearly see the meaning of dreams while others were not. Also more on Hanukka. All this and more on this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

What is the meaning of the name Yisrael? What was Yaacov so afraid of? What do we make of the ways in which way he tried to appease Esau? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!