torah

It was a battle for the ages. As the Jews departed Egypt and miraculously crossed the Red Sea, they were brutally and savagely ambushed by… Read More »Clear Intructions

The Torah scholar provides for his needs justly. He eats, drinks, and supports his household according to his means and prosperity. He should not burden… Read More »Chapter 5, Law 10 – Is Poverty the Ideal?

Rabban Yochanan ben (son of) Zakkai received [the transmission] from Hillel and Shammai. He used to say: If you have studied much Torah do not… Read More »Chapter 2, Mishna 9: Just Following Orders

This week’s Torah reading highlights the final contentious debate between Moshe and the Pharaoh of Egypt. The opening sentence that introduces the drama describes that… Read More »Stubborn Refusal

BS”D Volume 36, No. 15 6 Shevat 5782 January 8, 2022 Sponsored by Mrs. Faith Ginsburg on the yahrzeits of her mother-in-law Sarah Ginsburg (Sara… Read More »The First Month

Speak to the entire community of Israel, saying, “On the tenth of this month, let each one take a lamb for each parental home, a… Read More »A Family

These divrei Torah were adapted from the hashkafa portion of Rabbi Yissocher Frand’s Commuter Chavrusah Tapes on the weekly portion: #1190 Kiddush Levana Issues Good… Read More »The Highest Form of Divine Service Is Going Against Your Nature

I have hardened his heart…[2] Chazal[3] pounce on the similarity between the words “hardened”/ hichbadeti and “liver”/kaveid. How was Paroh’s heart hardened? Hashem made it… Read More »Have a Heart

Friday Night The pain was excruciating, the worst I ever experienced. It began the day before in my lower back, and I thought I had… Read More »Emotional Investment

The Mitzvah: The Torah commands an Israelite to redeem the first issue of his donkey with a lamb or kid. The owner “redeems” his animal… Read More »Petter Chamor: Drop the Dead Donkey