Parsha Vayetze: The Torah of Leah

The parsha (weekly Torah portion) for this week is about going out,  at least if you go by the name of the parsha. The name of a parsha comes from the first significant word of the parsha, which in this case is a form of the verb, “To go out.” Our parsha starts with Yakov (Jacob) going out from Be’er Sheva to Haran where his uncle lives.  On the way he has a dream of a ladder, with angels going … Continue reading

Parsha D’varim: Words Versus Actions in Torah

This shabbat we will read the fifth book of the Torah. It is called D’varim (Deuteronomy) which can either mean, “Things,” or “Speakings.” Our parsha (weekly Torah portion), is also called D’varim and begins by stating that, “These are the things/speakings that Moshe (Moses) spoke to all of Yisrael at the crossing of the Yardayn (Jordan) …” So, what did he say? We don’t know yet, because the Torah goes on describing the location and telling us that we are … Continue reading

Parsha D’varim: YOU and Torah

Hello everybody, This week we start the final chapter in the drama that we call the Torah.  The book is called D’varim (Deuteronomy) which means “words” in Hebrew, for these are Moshe’s (Moses) final words to the family of Yisrael before they go and take the land haShem (god) has promised them.  This week’s parsha (weekly Torah portion), btw, is also called D’varim. 🙂 So, what does Moshe tell the people?  Before I start, remember that he is talking, not … Continue reading