Articles

Parasha:  va Yeitzei – and he went outTorah:  Bereishit 28:10 – 32:3 Some find today’s lesson “questionable.  They find it hard to believe that Avinu can “manipulate” actual physical descendants of Avraham at this present time to be the “elect” of this generation.  I think that the Scriptures speak for themselves. 13  And behold, Avinu stood above it and said, I am Avinu, Elohei Avraham, avotekah and the Elohei Yitzak. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your seed. 14  Your … [Read more...] about The Mystery Of The Seed

Parasha:  Toldot – GenerationsTorah:  Bereishit 25:19 – 28:9 Did you ever pray for something that didn’t happen?  The Scriptures give us several examples of prayers that receive “No” for the answer.  This week’s Torah portion has several examples of prayers that were answered in a positive way. Here is the first one: And Yitzaak prayed to Avinu for his wife, because she was barren. And Avinu granted his prayer, and Rivkah his wife conceived. (Bereishit 25:21 ) Why did Yitzak get a … [Read more...] about The Secret to Successful Prayer

Parasha:  Vayera – And He appearedTorah:  Bereishit 18:1 – 22:24 This week’s parsha has a verse that caught my attention and provokes the question, “Did ancient humans use their “food” for it’s medicinal value more than nourishment?” Bereishit 18:5  And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort (refresh) you your hearts; Here are a couple of verses that may help us understand the role of “food” in their lives. And wine that makes glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to … [Read more...] about Bread and Life

Parasha:  Chayei Sarah – The Lives of SarahTorah:  Bereishit 23:1 – 25:18 The Scriptures teach us  many things. Today’s lesson on death, grief and mourning is conveyed to us through three different situations.    Let’s look at how Avraham dealt with the death of Sarah: 2  And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hevron in the land of Canaan: and Avraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. The initial shock of the death of a loved one brings on a deep feeling of … [Read more...] about Death, Grief and Mourning

Parasha:  Lech Lecha – Go to yourselfTorah:  Bereishit 12:1 – 17:27 Terach was the father of Avraham and Sarah. For an unknown reason he wanted to move his family to Canaan. So Terach,his three sons and a host of relatives and slaves began the trip from Turkey to Canaan. They stopped short of his goal and settled in Charan, a town located in what is now known as Syria.     31  And Terach took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son’s son, and Sarai his daughter in … [Read more...] about Terach’s Mission – One Step Closer

Parasha:  Ha Azinu – give earTorah:  Devarim 32: 1-52           When the Torah was written, most demon-idols were pretty simple. The sun, moon and stars were part of the pantheon.  This group included carved images, unique rock formations, some man made and others natural formations and, small and large hills and certain clusters of trees. Paro, the king of Mitzryim and the Roman emperors were also held in a position of being a god to their constituents.       This week’s Torah Lesson … [Read more...] about New Idols