Bnei Yisrael were living a life of open miracles in the desert.They were surrounded by Divine protection—clouds by day, fire by night, manna from Heaven, clothing that never wore out. It was a life completely enveloped in Hashem’s presence. So when it came time to enter Eretz Yisrael, they hesitated.To them, it felt like a…
In this week’s parsha, we learn something surprising:When Bnei Yisrael enter Eretz Yisrael, Hashem tells them that tzara’at will appear on the walls of their new houses. It sounds like a punishment—but Chazal reveal a deeper story. Rashi, quoting Vayikra Rabbah, explains that when the local nations heard Bnei Yisrael were coming, they hid their…
This week’s parsha begins with a moment charged with destiny:“Vayehi bayom hashmini”—And it was on the eighth day.It was the first of Nisan, but more than that—it was the eighth day since Moshe began erecting the Mishkan.For seven days, Moshe built it, served as the Kohen Gadol, performed the Avodah, and disassembled it each evening.But…
Most of us aren’t being chased by taskmasters or whipped into labor. But the truth is—we’re still enslaved. Not physically. Mentally. We live with chains you can’t see: fear of failure, low self-worth, and the inner voice that whispers: “You can’t.” “You shouldn’t.” “You’re not enough.” This isn’t just psychology—it’s Mitzrayim. The Hebrew word Mitzrayim comes from meitzar—a…
The Double Mishkan: A Promise of Redemption This week’s parsha begins with a curious phrase:“Eileh Pekudei HaMishkan, Mishkan HaEidut…”Why the double language—Mishkan, Mishkan? Rashi, quoting the Midrash, explains that the repetition hints at something deeper.The word Mishkan can also be read as Mashkon—a collateral. This teaches us that the two Batei Mikdash in Yerushalayim were…
Parshat Vayakhel begins with Moshe gathering kol adat Bnei Yisrael—every single Jew: men, women, and children. This wasn’t just another speech. It was a moment of unity. The Mishkan would be built through the collective effort of Am Yisrael, but before any work could begin, Moshe emphasized one crucial point: Shabbos. The connection between Shabbos…
Sometimes, the smallest act of kindness can change everything. A warm smile, holding the door for someone, offering a kind word—these simple gestures may seem insignificant, but they have the power to create connection, uplift others, and bring unity to our world. In this week’s parsha, the Torah warns us:“Do not take bribes, for bribes…
In Parshat Yitro, just before Matan Torah, the Torah describes Bnei Yisrael’s encampment at Har Sinai: “וַיִּחַן שָׁם יִשְׂרָאֵל נֶגֶד הָהָר” – “And Israel encamped there opposite the mountain.” (Shemot 19:2) Rashi famously points out the unusual singular form of “וַיִּחַן” (they encamped), rather than the expected plural, explaining that Bnei Yisrael were united “כְּאִישׁ…