I created a program several years ago called ParshaDrama, in which I go to a school and present the weekly Torah portion to different grades through a combination of storytelling and dramatics, … more

Who doesn’t like the smell of freshly made popcorn? Many years ago I remember reading a comic book (I think it was Richie Rich) in which a character was looking to have a popcorn smelling … more

Pirkei Avot (5:22) contrasts the virtues of Avraham with the vices of Bilam: Whoever possesses a generous eye, a humble spirit and a meek soul is a disciple of our father Avraham; but one who … more

I’m certain that you have heard this saying before: “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.” It is attributed to all sorts of wise people from Benjamin Franklin … more

In his introduction to the Rabbinical Council of America’s version of the ArtScroll Siddur, Rabbi Saul Berman has a lovely essay on the opening word of this week’s sedra, Vayigash, … more

T he best-known pasuk in our parasha, Terumah, is this: “And they shall make Me a sanctuary (mikdash) and I will dwell in their midst.” It is followed by many verses that specify every … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Nov. 28, 2008 / 1 Kislev 5769 Sometimes a new point we’ve perhaps never considered becomes apparent and leaves us wondering: save for Rachel and Leah — who … more

Today we will devote our attention to two of the many midrashic passages on our parsha. After describing the clothes of the kohanim, the Torah tells us, “V’zeh Hadavar – and this is what you should do for them, to sanctify them to be kohanim for Me” — bring certain requisite animals as sacrifices. (29:1) more

When Rav Yitzchak Hutner (author of the Pachad Yitzchak) was learning in Slobodka Yeshiva in the early 1900s, one of the students went from Slobodka to Berlin to be with Rav Dovid Tzvi Hoffman. When … more

The final verses of our parasha focus upon the mitzvah of building a stone altar for the purpose of bringing korbanot (offerings) in the service of Hashem: “And when you make for Me an … more