Vayakheil Pikudei 5778

Click for this TableTalk

SECURE INVESTMENT

This Shabbos, in addition to the weekly Parsha, Vayakheil – Pikudei, we will also read Parshas Para which contains the instructions for preparing the ashes of the Red Heifer. The Haftorah will be read from Yechezkal (Ezekiel) 36:16, in which the prophet tells his people how Ha-Shem will redeem them from the nations where they have been exiled.

Continue reading Vayakheil Pikudei 5778

Ki Sisa 5778

Click for this TableTalk

HALLOW THE HOLLOW

In this week’s Parsha, Ki Sisa, HaShem instructs us to keep the Shabbos by cease from doing any creative activity just as He ceased all of His creation before the seventh day of creation. When articulating this mitzvah the Torah writes the reason as being ‘because Shabbos is a sign that attaches HaShem to His people’.

The question is that all mitzvos attach us to HaShem. In what way is the Shabbos distinct?

To appreciate the beauty and the function of Shabbos let us use the following model as the Maharal explains.

Continue reading Ki Sisa 5778

Tetzave 5778

Click for this TableTalk

ICE WATER

In addition to the weekly Parsha, Tetzave, we will read Parshas Zachor. The purpose of this reading is to remember what Amalek did to us when we left Egypt, and to wipe out their memory. Since the Torah is eternal and she records Amalek’s attack on us how can we succeed in wiping out their memory? Rather, the intent of wiping out their memory is to erase their mark on society.

So, what was Amalek’s mark on society? Considering they attacked us 3,300 years ago is their mark still relevant?

Continue reading Tetzave 5778