Weekly Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 22

March 18, 2023; 25 Adar, 5783

Parsha “And the princes brought the Shoham stones and filling stones for the Ephod and for the Choshen.” (Shmos 35:27)

Rashi quotes a Midrash, that the princes (“Nesiim”), pledged to donate whatever would be missing after the rest of Bnei Yisrael finished giving to the construction of the Mishkan. They underestimated the peoples’ generosity and enthusiasm. The only things left to be donated were the precious gems needed for the Kohen Gadol’s breastplate and garments. These are the precious stones referenced in the Possuk above that were given by the Nesiim...

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Weekly Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 21

March 11, 2023; 18 Adar, 5783

Parsha Bnei Yisrael had sinned by worshiping the golden calf. Moshe Rabbeinu interceded on behalf of Bnei Yisrael and begged Hashem for forgiveness. The Pasuk states: “And Hashem passed before him and [Moshe] proclaimed: Hashem, Hashem, benevolent G-d, Who is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness and truth…” (Exodus 34:36)

Rav Yitzchok Hutner ZT”L, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin, poses a fundamental question. Why did Moshe appeal to Hashem’s attribute of Emes – truth, when asking for forgiveness? In truth, from a strict justice perspective, people do not deserve to be forgiven. When dealing with forgiveness, we ask for Hashem’s kindness and mercy. Why did Moshe include Hashem’s attribute of Emes when praying for their forgiveness? ...

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Weekly Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 20

March 4, 2023; 11 Adar, 5783

Parsha Parshas Tetzaveh is the only Parsha in the Torah after the birth of Moshe that does not mention his name. Why does Moshe’s name not appear in this week’s Parsha?

To help us answer the question, let us discuss an interesting Midrash. The Pasuk tells us (Exodus 28:1), “And you, bring close Aharon, your brother, and his sons… to serve as priests for me.” The Midrash Rabbah explains that when Hashem told Moshe to appoint Aharon as the High Priest (Kohein Gadol), he was displeased to a certain degree. Hashem saw his displeasure and responded, “The Torah is Mine, and I have given it to you.” What is Hashem trying to tell Moshe with this response and why was Moshe displeased to begin with? Was Moshe jealous that Aharon was chosen to be the Kohein Gadol instead of him? ...

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