Dvar for Nitzavim-Vayelech (Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30)
Parshat Nitzavim starts by proclaiming that “you are all standing here today” (29:9), and then proceeds to use the words “this day” two more times in the next 3 verses, none of which were actually...
View ArticleDvar for Haazinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52)
Parshat Haazinu is Moshe’s last speech, delivered as a song because songs reach deeper into our souls. In the beginning of the song (32:4), it says “The Rock! – Perfect is his work, for all his paths...
View ArticleSpecial Dvar for Yom Kippur 5771
As Yom Kippur nears, one might be thinking, “But I’m so far away from G-d. I don’t even know where to start. I’ll never be able to change. It’s not even worth trying.” Nonsense! G-d knows it’s not...
View ArticleSpecial Dvar for Sukkot 5771
Sukkot is a happy time. In fact, it’s so happy that the Torah says it is! It’s called Zman Simchateynu (the time of our happiness). But it’s even more then that. The Torah COMMANDS us to be happy. So...
View ArticleDvar for Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8)
In the beginning, starts the Torah in Bereishit, G-d created the heaven, earth, and everything in between, all by Himself. Then, when it came time to create man, G-d asked his council about it, as it...
View ArticleDvar for Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32)
The Torah introduces the episode of the building of the Tower of Bavel with a description of the building materials which were used. Rashi comments that since Bavel was a plain, having no mountains and...
View ArticleDvar for Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27)
We are introduced to Avraham in this Parsha. In this and the next Parsha, Avraham goes through his Ten Tests. Initially, when G-d tells Avraham to leave his birthplace, he goes to the land of Canaan....
View ArticleSpecial Dvar for Yom Kippur 5772
Rabbi Abba (the scribe of the Zohar) once sat at the gateway of the Town of Lud, where he saw a traveler sit down on a pile of rocks at the edge of a mountain overlooking a cliff. The man was exhausted...
View ArticleDvar for Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23)
Among many things, Parshat Emor lays down instructions for the Kohanim (Priests) to remain holy. Instructions include not coming in contact with dead bodies, and growing their beards and hair (21:1-5)....
View ArticleDvar for Behar-Bechukotai (Leviticus 25:1-27:34)
One of this week’s Parshiot, Behar, relates that G-d spoke to Moshe (Moses) on Mount Sinai, saying that for six years you may plant your fields, but the seventh year is a Sabbath for the land. Why does...
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