Torah Portions

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the concluding Torah portion of B’midbar, Massei – “journeys.” This portion gives an overview of Israel’s journeys through the wilderness, from the departure from Egypt until the encampment on the plains of Moav. Also included are instructions to Israel to drive out all the inhabitants of Canaan; the […]

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the Torah portion, Mattot. As this portion begins, it focuses on the sacredness of vows. This principle becomes very important as the portion unfolds for the tribes of Reuben and Gad. We also see in the war against Midian that Israel must learn the importance of destroying that […]

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the Torah portion, Pinchas. The beginning of this sidrah continues the narrative of Pinchas’ actions as a result of the sin of Ba’al Peor. As a reward for his righteous zeal, he is promoted from Levitical status to that of priest. We also read of Moses’ impending death […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Balak.  In this portion we see that, despite his best efforts, the Adversary can’t curse what the Father has blessed. However, we also learn that, when we let our guard down, he seduces us into behavior that will do to us what he doesn’t have the authority […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Chukat.  Who can render something pure from something that is impure? This is the prevailing theme in this Torah portion. In the ritual of the Red Heifer and again in the Brazen Serpent, we see this paradox. Ultimately, what we are supposed to see is the nature […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Korah. Rather than complaining about a lack of food and water, this portion describes a full scale revolt against Moses and Aaron coming from two different factions – one led by Korah the Levite and another led by chief men of the tribe of Reuben. As we […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, shelach l’cha or “send for yourself.” In this portion, Israel is at the threshold of crossing into the land of Canaan. However, an expedition of twelve scouts intended to discover how to take the land turned into an evil report that concluded, “we are unable to take […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Beha’alotcha or “when you kindle.” In Leviticus 8, the Torah teaches of the consecration of the Kohenim. In Numbers 8, the Torah teaches of the consecration of the Levi’im (Levites) as they assume the position of the “firstborn” of Israel. In this torah portion we also learn of […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Naso or “take the sum.” In this portion, the text continues to describe the division of the Levitical families and their duties concerning the transport of the Sanctuary. It also introduces us to the Ordeal of Jealousy and the vows of a Nazirite. In these two […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Bemidbar or “in the wilderness.” In this portion, we see how the tribes were numbered and assigned into four different camps. These camps with their respective standards are seen as the equivalent of the four living creatures who surround the Throne of God. We also how […]