“I will abide among the Israelites, and I will be their God.” (Exodus 29:46) Parashat T’tzaveh concludes the instructions for building the mishkan (Tabernacle) and describes in detail the priests’ clothes.  It closes by describing the ceremony to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests. It’s hard not to think of Albert Einstein when reading… [Continue Reading]

“And these are the gifts that you shall accept from them: gold, silver, and copper.”  (Exodus 25:3) Parashat T’rumah, the seventh parasha (portion) in the book of Exodus, introduces the detailed instructions for building the mishkan, or Tabernacle.  These instructions, along with the actual construction of the mishkan, occupy the rest of the book of Exodus… [Continue Reading]

“You shall not subvert the rights of your needy in their disputes.” (Exodus 23:6) Parashat Mishpatim begins a section of the Torah called sefer habrit, the Book of the Covenant.  It expands upon aseret hadibrot (the Ten Utterances) delivered last week in Parashat Yitro and presents the basic laws comprising a just society.  A just… [Continue Reading]

“The blare of the shofar grew louder and louder.  As Moses spoke, God answered him in thunder. “  (Exodus 19:19) Parashat Yitro (named for Moses’ father-in-law, Yitro, a Midianite priest) contains two remarkable events:  the creation of the Israelite judicial system and the revelation at Mt. Sinai.  The establishment of the judiciary is noteworthy because… [Continue Reading]

“Your right hand, Adonai, glorious in power; your right hand, Adonai, dashes the enemy to pieces.”  (Exodus 15:6) Parashat B’shalach describes a moment of exultation.  Finally freed from slavery, yet pursued by Pharoah’s army , the Israelites witness the miracle of the splitting of the sea.  In response Moses leads the people in celebratory song.  (Some… [Continue Reading]

“…Let the men go to worship their God.  Are you not yet aware that Egypt is lost?” (Exodus 10:7) This week’s Torah perspective comes from Carol Folkerth, Executive Director of the JCC of Greater Columbus. Parashat Bo introduces the ninth plague, darkness, with an odd statement:  “Then God said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand toward the… [Continue Reading]

“I have now heard the moaning of the Israelites, because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage, and I have remembered my covenant.” (Exodus 6:5) Many people wonder if the Torah is true.  The answer, of course, is…it depends.  It is hard to prove the Torah is historically accurate. That’s different than determining the truth… [Continue Reading]

“Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people: Behold, the people of the children of Israel are too many and too mighty for us.” (Exodus 1:8-9) Parashat Sh’mot, which opens the second book of the Torah, describes the change in status of the Children of Israel… [Continue Reading]

Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph.  Is my father still alive?”  (Genesis 45:3) Parashat Vayigash sees Joseph reveal himself to his brothers and reconciles with them.  Jacob comes down to Egypt and is reunited with his long-lost son as the entire family settles in Egypt.  The parasha (portion) describes the means by which… [Continue Reading]

“Pharoah further said to Joseph, “See, I put you in charge of all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:40) Parashat Miketz describes Joseph’s ascent to power and authority.  He correctly interprets Pharoah’s dreams and as a result, is elevated from the dungeon to the palace to manage Egypt’s economy.  The famine he predicts comes to… [Continue Reading]