Our haftarah, for parsah Vayelech, contains the famous declaration of the prophet Hoshea, “Return, O Israel, unto the L-rd your G-d (“Shuvah Yisrael od Hashem Elokecha”), for you … more

Our parasha, Nitzavim, contains a celebrated narrative passage that focuses upon the concept of teshuvah (repentance): “And you will return to the L-rd, your G-d (v’shavta od Hashem … more

Vidui ma’aser (the Declaration Concerning Tithes) is a mitzvah that appears in this week’s parasha, Ki Tavo: “When you have finished tithing all the tithes of your produce in the … more

Our parasha, Ki Tetze, contains two instances in which the term “zachor” (“remember”) is used — namely, Amalek’s attack and Miriam’s punishment. In … more

Our parasha, Shoftim, contains the pasuk: “Be wholehearted (tamim) with the L-rd, your G-d.” (18:13) This English version reflects Rashi’s midrashically-based comment on our verse: … more

The theme of the Chosen People (am hanivchar) is repeated in a number of places in the Siddur, becoming a universally accepted principle of Jewish thought: •From the blessing before … more

The expression, “And you shall love the L-rd, your G-d” appears twice in the Torah, the first instance in Parashat Vaetchanan (Devarim 6:5), and the second in this week Parashat Eikev … more

Our parasha this week, Re’eh, contains two seemingly contradictory pasukim. Initially we are taught, “However, there will be no needy (evyon) among you, for the L-rd will surely bless you … more

T his Shabbat is known as “Shabbat Chazon,” based upon the opening words of our haftarah: “The vision (chazon) of Yeshayahu (Isaiah) the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning … more

The final pasuk of our parasha is somewhat difficult to understand: “Moses spoke to the children of Israel in accordance with all that the L-rd had commanded Moses.” (Sefer Bamidbar 30:1) … more