The opening commandment in the Sidra of Ki Tissa instructs Moses to conduct the census which took place by means of a contribution of half a Shekel from each person over the age the 20. The age of 20 was the military age in ancient times. Therefore, it is to be assumed that Moses […]
The Sidra of Tetzaveh is unique in that it does not mention the name of Moses. All other Sidrot, since his birth, mention him. However, in this Sidra, Aaron is at the centre of our attention and his name is mentioned many times. The Almighty’s decision to omit Moses name comes to stress the two […]
The name of the Sidra means LAWS. We shall also read, today, for the Maftir, a small section from the beginning of the Sidra of KI TISSA, which is called Parashat Shekalim. This is always read on the Shabbat which precedes the New Moon of Adar and it is the first of four special portions […]
The Sidra of T’rumah is devoted, in its entirety, to the building of the Tabernacle and the furniture that stood in it. It existed for 479 years. After travelling in the desert with the Israelites for almost 40 years, it continued to be the centre of worship until King Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem. […]
The Sidra of Mishpatim, which means social laws, is a logical sequence to the 10 Commandments which precede it. In fact, it is a commentary on them. The mediaeval commentator, Nachmanides, says that it is, particularly, a continuation of the 10th commandment which commands us not to be envious. If a person does not have […]
The Sidra this week is named Yitro, who was Moses’ father-in-law. Perhaps, it was intended to honour him for the good advice which he offered to Moses in the course of his visit. The Torah tells us that he heard that the Israelites had been liberated from Egypt. It also tells us that he brought […]