Sh’lach Lecha 5773

May 30, 2013 by Rabbi Yaakov Grunewald

The Sidra of Shlach-Lecha is devoted, mostly, to the grave sin which was committed first by 10 of the 12 spies that were sent by Moses to investigate the land. As a consequence, the entire nation sinned by rebelling against God. It turned out to be the second most catastrophic event in the desert, equal […]

Beha’alotecha 5773

May 23, 2013 by Rabbi Yaakov Grunewald

Today’s Sidra begins on a note of joy and happiness. It focuses on the light of the Menorah and tells us that Aaron was commanded to light its lamps so that six flames, three on each side, should be directed towards the central flame. According to another interpretation, he was instructed to ensure that all […]

Behar-Bechukotai 5773

May 8, 2013 by Rabbi Yaakov Grunewald

The Sidra of Behar is a relatively short Sidra and is devoted to holy periods of times which come only rarely. It speaks about the year of release, called Sh’mittah, which occurs every seven years and the Jubilee year, which comes every 50 years. During the Sh’mittah years all agricultural activities have to cease. […]