Rabbi Shabbat Greetings

We begin the book of Leviticus quietly with the first portion, Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26). God calls to Moses, vayikra el Moshe, with a small voice, from within the Mishkan. After the drama of Exodus, revelation,…

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This week’s double portion, Vayakhel–Pekudei (Exodus 35:1 – 40:38), brings the book of Exodus to a close not with drama or miracles, but with details: measurements, materials, repeated actions, and careful accounting. After…

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This week’s Torah Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35) presents one of the most unsettling moments in the Torah: the sin of the Golden Calf. In Moses’ prolonged absence, the Israelites panic, seek certainty, and…

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Parashat Tetzaveh opens with an unusual command: “V’atah tetzaveh” — “And YOU shall command.” From this point on, Moses’ name disappears from the portion entirely. The leader who brought light to the world seems hidden, operating…

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This week’s Torah portion, Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19) opens with a surprising command: “V’yikchu li terumah” — “You shall take gifts for Me” (25:2). Not give, but take. The Torah then clarifies: the offering must come from “kol ish…

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This week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18), begins with a series of detailed civil and ethical laws: instructions on slavery, property, torts, and justice. Though these laws may seem ordinary, they teach…

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This week’s Torah portion, Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23), presents us with one of the most pivotal moments in the Torah: the revelation at Sinai. Amidst thunder, fire, and the shofar blasts, the Israelites receive…

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This week, the portion, Beshalach (Exodus 13:17–17:16) tells the story of a people in motion. The sea splits, the Israelites walk through on dry land, and suddenly slavery is behind them. But…

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Our portion this week, Parashat Bo (Exodus 10:1–13:16), brings us to the climax of the Exodus story: the final plagues, the first Passover, and the moment when a group of enslaved individuals…

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Our Torah portion this week, Vaera (Exodus 6:2–9:35), opens with God speaking to Moses at a moment of deep frustration. The Israelites are suffering more than before. Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. Freedom…

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