Sh’mot 5774

February 28, 2014 by Rabbi Yaakov Grunewald

In his introduction, Nachmanides describes the Book of Exodus as the Book of Exile and Redemption. The Exile began when Jacob’s family went to Egypt and the moment of the Redemption was reached when the erection of the Tabernacle was completed and the glory of the Lord rested within its precincts. The first paragraph in […]

Chaye Sarah 5774

October 25, 2013 by Rabbi Yaakov Grunewald

The Sidra of Chayye Sarah can be divided into three distinct sections. The first section deals with Sarah’s death. The second very long section tells us the interesting and detailed story of the search and process of selection of a wife for Isaac, which was entrusted to Abraham’s loyal servant. The third section of the […]

Chayei-Sarah 5773

November 9, 2012 by Rabbi Yaakov Grunewald

This Sidra focuses on Abraham’s private life. It mentions three funerals and two marriages. The funerals are those of Abraham, Sarah and Ishmael. The marriages are those of Isaac who married Rebecca and Abraham who married his second wife, Keturah, who, some rabbis thought, was Hagar. The Sidra begins with Sarah’s death at the age […]