The Torah portion depicting how Hashem provided manna for our forefathers in the desert is a well-known segulah for ample livelihood. However, as the Mishnah Berurah writes, it is insufficient to merely recite the words mechanically. As one reads this parshah, he must contemplate its significance.[1] He must realize and internalize how our livelihood does…
In this week’s parshah, we find the priestly blessing with which Aharon and his descendants are commanded to bless Bnei Yisroel throughout the generations: יברכך ה' וישמרך. יאר ה' פניו אליך ויחנך. ישא ה' פניו אליך וישם לך שלום. May Hashem bless you and guard you. May Hashem illuminate His countenance towards you and show…
In this week's parsha we learn about the special role of the Leviim, who served as the caretakers of the Mishkan and the assistants of the Kohanim in their service. The unique status of the Leviim was emphasized by the separate census that was taken of their Tribe alone. The rest of the Jewish people…
"אִם בְּחֻקֹּתַי תֵּלֵכוּ וְאֶת מִצְוֹתַי תִּשְׁמְרוּ וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֹתָם, וְנָתַתִּי גִשְׁמֵיכֶם בְּעִתָּם וְנָתְנָה הָאָרֶץ יְבוּלָהּ וְעֵץ הַשָּׂדֶה יִתֵּן פִּרְיוֹ." "If you walk in My statutes and guard My mitzvos to perform them, then I will grant your rains in their proper times. The land will give forth its produce and the trees of the field will…
1. Who is Mighty? In this week’s parsha we find the mitzva of shemitta, which obligates farmers in Eretz Yisrael to let their fields lie fallow every seventh year, and allow passersby and wild animals alike to eat freely from their produce. In recognition of the strength of character demanded of the…
In discussing the laws of Jewish slaves and the special degree of compassion that their masters must show them, the Torah concludes with the explanation: כִּי לִי בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲבָדִים עֲבָדַי הֵם אֲשֶׁר הוֹצֵאתִי אוֹתָם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם אֲנִי ה' אֱלֹקיכֶם. "For Bnei Yisrael are My slaves. They are My slaves, whom I…
