Although our parasha, Ki Tisa, contains numerous themes, it is preeminently associated with the Chet Haegel (the Sin of the Golden Calf). How could our ancestors could have participated in such a … more

At least since the sixteenth century, Purim celebrations have included costumes and masquerade parties. Various explanations have been given. The Purim story is replete with surprises. Things … more

The final five pasukim of Parashat Tetzaveh focus our attention on the underlying purpose of the Ohel Moed: “… at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting before the … more

Anyone acquainted with the Torah reading we hear each Rosh Chodesh will find themselves in familiar territory as we read in this week’s parsha Tetzaveh (29:38-46) of the daily tamid offerings … more

It was known as shavua Tirgolot, the week of training drills. It sounded pretty innocuous, but as it turned out, it was a week of hell. The IDF prides itself on being prepared for any eventuality, … more

The most celebrated pasuk in our parasha, Terumah, is, “And they shall make Me a sanctuary (Mikdash) and I will dwell in their midst” (Shemot 25:8). It is followed by a great many verses … more

One of the more destructive qualities of any leader, teacher, mentor is being hypocritical. Anyone who looks up to someone else can easily be disenfranchised when they catch the person they admire … more

A story is told of a man who stopped attending his usual synagogue and was now frequenting another minyan. One day he happened to meet the rabbi of his previous synagogue, and the rabbi asked him … more

The mishpatim are most often viewed as a category of laws the Jewish people theoretically could have formulated on their own. In many instances, Torah contrasts these with the term chukim, as we find … more

According to the Sefer HaChinukh, there are 53 mitzvot in Parshat Mishpatim. Other than in similarly mitzvah-laden parshas (such as Re’eh, Shoftim, Ki Tetze, and possibly Kedoshim) it is hard … more