Talking Parsha

Talking Parsha - Bechukotai: Why so harsh??

What is the significance of the number seven in a parsha about rebuke? And what does the phrase 'seven on your sins' truly mean?

Talking Parsha - Emor: No equality in the Mikdash??

Does physical condition matter in spiritual service? Shouldn't the focus for priests serving in the Temple be solely on one's spiritual connection??

Talking Parsha - Achrei Mot: We can’t eat meat??

Why regulate meat consumption when it's already permitted for Noah and his descendants and will be permitted when entering the Land of Israel?

Talking Parsha - Metzorah & Pesach: What are Nega’im??

What is the significance of the emphasis on curing the tzara'at instead of the person? And how does it connect to the plague of the firstborn, and the seder night itself?

Talking Parsha - Shemini: Why can’t they mourn??

Why are Aharon and his sons not allowed to mourn the deaths of Nadav and Avihu? Why is it different than the customary practices of kohanim who must mourn their seven close relatives? And how is this relevant to what our nation has faced for the past six months?

Talking Parsha - Parashat Tzav: What’s Torah??

While the Torah does introduce new aspects, the repetition prompts us to question the Torah's approach - why does it not consolidate these discussions into a single section?

Talking Parsha - Vayikra & Zachor: Why 'call' Moshe??

How does the small 'aleph' in the first work of Vayikra - a minor nuance - contribute to the deeper meaning? And why is the book named after its first word? Join us as we uncover the connection between Vayikra, Shabbat Zachor, and Purim.

Talking Parsha:

Pekudei: Why "Set up" the Mishkan??

As we conclude the book of Shemot and the construction of the Mishkan, Hashem instructs Moshe to set it up. A notable emphasis is placed on the verb "setting up" (קום) in the Torah.

Talking Parsha:

Parashat Vayakhel: Why was Bezalel chosen??

Why does Moshe introduce Bezalel by saying, 'Look?' Where was Bezalel summoned, and what meaning does his summoning have for us today?

Talking Parsha - Ki Tisa:

Moshe's mask - what's the story??

In the final passages of the Parsha, Moshe descends from Mount Sinai carrying the new Luchot. However, his return is marked by a striking physical transformation.

Talking Parsha - Tetzaveh: Stones of Remembrance??

The stones on the shoulders of the apron, and the stones on the breastplate, both serve as reminders. What significance does this hold? And why the emphasis on remembrance?

Talking Parsha

Truma: What's this vessel about??

This week, we embark on constructing the Mishkan as Hashem instructs Moshe on crafting its various vessels. Amidst the holiest sanctuaries, besides the Ark and Kruvim, we encounter a lesser-known vessel: the Kaporet.

Talking Parsha

Mishpatim: Who's the angel of Yisrael?

After the Torah is given, G-d mentions sending an angel to lead the Jewish People. But after the Golden Calf, the same offer is made, and the Jewish People respond with an outcry. Why does the mention of an angel evoke varied responses? What is this 'malach' about?

Talking Parsha - Yitro

Are there '10 Commandments'??

If these are commandments, where is the command?

Talking Parsha - Beshalach:

Amalek - what's with Moshe's hands??

What prompts Moshe to raise his hands, and what significance does this gesture hold?

Talking Parsha - Bo:

Darkness - what's so scary??

As the plagues intensify in Egypt, the plague of darkness stands out as a unique phenomenon. Unlike the fiery hail or the me

Talking Parsha - Va'era:

Why did the magicians imitate Moshe?!

If the intention of Pharaoh's magicians is to demonstrate parity with Moshe, why don't they counteract his miracles instead of duplicating them?

Talking Parsha - Shemot

Parashat Shemot: Hashem wanted to kill Moshe??

As Moshe was returning from Egypt, Hashem tried to kill him. What prompted Hashem's initial intent? Why did circumcising his son save him?

Talking Parsha - Vayechi:

Parashat Vayechi: Yosef still hates his brothers??

After returning from burying Yaakov, the brothers worry that Yosef harbors resentment towards them. What led to this fear?

Talking Parsha - Vayigash: This is what Yehuda said??

This week, we delved into Yehuda's impactful speech as he approached Yosef—an address that moved Yosef to tears.

Talking Parsha - Miketz:

Who are the dreams for - Pharaoh or Yosef??

What makes these dreams particularly unsettling for Pharaoh? What elements within them shake him to the core?

Talking Parsha - Vayeshev: What did Potiphar's wife really want?

This week, we delved into the well-known narrative of Potiphar's wife and her desire for Yosef.

Talking Parsha - Vayishlach: Dina's story - what's it about??

Why is the story of Dina being taken captive different from those of Sarah and Rivka? What does it signify, and why does it differ?

Talking Parsha - Vayetze: The first antisemites?

Before Yaakov's return to Eretz Yisrael, the Torah presents several reasons influencing his decision.

Talking Parsha - Toldot: Does she have twins??

Why does Rivka, a righteous figure & a matriarch, question herself due to her pregnancy? Why is it a surprise when she gives birth to twins?

Talking Parsha - Vayera: Lot's wife - why pillar of salt??

Unravel the reasons behind why Lot's wife became a pillar of salt, and why her punishment was so severe.

Talking Parsha - Noach: Why have a rainbow??

What is the significance of the rainbow? What purpose does it serve, and what does it truly mean?

Parashat Bereshit: "Let's" create humankind?? (Talking Parsha - Bereshit)

This week for Bereshit, we tried to understand, when Hashem says "let's create a man in our image" - who's He talking to?

Talking Parsha: Vezot Habracha

Simchat Torah: These are Moshe's final words?!

What is the essence of Moshe's farewell message to Am Yisrael just before his passing?

Talking Parsha: What's Sukkot really about?

In this week's exploration, we delve into a seemingly straightforward question: "Why do we sit in a Sukkah on Sukkot?"

Talking Parsha - Ha'azinu: God acquired us??

Venture into the depths of Shirat Ha'azinu, a poetic & profound masterpiece, & peel back the many layers & levels hidden in a single verse.

Talking Parsha

Rosh Hashanah: The Day of Judgment?? (Talking Parsha - Rosh Hashanah)

In this episode, we delve into the profound concept of Rosh Hashanah as the Day of Judgment.

Talking Parsha

Nitzavim Vayelech: What's hidden is only for God??

Why does Moshe posit that the surrounding nations will question, while Am Yisrael do not? And what does, 'the concealed is for G-d,' mean?

Talking Parsha - Ki Tavo:

Did Am Yisrael not understand??

Moshe discusses the miracles witnessed yet asserts that Hashem did not grant them the heart to comprehend and the eyes to perceive.

Talking Parsha - Ki Teitzei: Zachor? Here? Now??

The commandment to both remember and erase raises an immediate paradox. How can one remember while simultaneously erasing?

Parashat Shoftim: Is it "Justice"?? (Talking Parsha - Shoftim)

In this week's exploration, we delve into the initial verses of the Parsha, with a spotlight on the renowned proclamation to pursue justice.

Talking Parsha - Re'eh: This is our mission statement??

Moshe articulates our nation's mission statement - but associates it with apparently unrelated commandments. Why?

Talking Parsha-Ekev: Why "tie" Tefillin? What's Tefillin about?

In this week's Parsha, we encounter the renowned second paragraph of the "Shema" prayer—Parashat Ve'haya Eim Shamo'a.

Talking Parsha - Va'aetchanan: Honoring your parents?!

What lies at the heart of the relationship between Shabbat and honoring your parents?

Parahat Devarim: Wasn't it Yitro's idea?! Talking Parsha Devarim

In this week's video, we delve into Parashat Devarim, where Moshe revisits the story of establishing Am Yisrael's justice system.

Parshat Matot Masei: Half of Menashe?! (Talking Parsha - Matot Masei)

In this week's video, we delve into the story of the 2.5 tribes who approach Moshe with a request to settle east of the Jordan River.

Talking Parsha -Pinchas - Why Tzelafchad's daughters' names?

Uncover the profound lessons within their story as we explore the motivations and actions of these extraordinary women.

Talking Parsha - Balak: Who's Balak??

Why is this week's Torah portion named after Balak, when Bilaam is such a significant presence in the story?

Talking Paraha - Chukat: Copper Snake - isn't it an idol?

Delve into the captivating story of the Nachash Nechoshet, the Copper Snake, in this week's intriguing video.

Talking Parsha - Korach: The real story of Korach!

While Korach's name takes center stage, others, including Datan and Aviram, are also mentioned amidst the chaos. What makes them stand out?

Talking Parsha - Shelach: How's this connected to the Mergalim??

Why does the Torah present this seemingly random commandment immediately after one of the most well-known stories of sin and consequence?

Talking Parsha - Beha'alotecha: Who needs to hear you??

Why did Am Yisrael require trumpets for gathering and signaling their departure? How do the trumpets impact our relationship with Hashem?

Talking Parsha - Nasso and Shavuot: Hashem favors??

How can we implore Hashem to grant us favor when the Torah teaches us that He neither shows favoritism nor accepts bribes?

Parashat Behar: The Secrets of the Jubilee

What lies beneath the counting method for the Jubilee, the Torah's command to count seven cycles of seven years, culminating in 50 years?

Talking Parsha - Emor: Oil, bread, and holidays??

Why does the Torah discuss the holidays and then follow it with seemingly unrelated subjects? And what does this teach us about ourselves?

Parshat Acharei Mot: Yom Kippur now? Here?

Parshat Acharei Mot focuses on the holiest day in Judaism - Yom Kippur and the role of the Kohen Hadol.

Talking Parsha - Tazria-Metzora: The most important Mitzvah?!

Why does the Torah mention the commandment of circumcision only incidentally? Why not expand more on it, if it's so important?

Parshat Shemini - Moshe was wrong!! (Talking Parsha - Shemini)

In Parshat Shemini Moshe, Aharon, Aharon's sons and all of Am Yisrael celebrate the first day of the Mishkan - the inaugurati

Pesach Haggadah: This is the evil the Egyptians did?

Is this the most terrible thing the Egyptians did? Why does the HaHagaddah bring this Pasuk to explain the "torture" we went through?

Parshat Tzav: This is dramatic?

In Parshat Tzav we find one of the most unique Ta'amim (Trops) - a Shalsheles, which only appears when there is a very dramatic moment.

Parshat Vayikra - A sacrifice for stealing?

In parshat Vayikra we discuss a lot of the main Korbanot (Sacrifices).

Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei:

Why gather Am Yisrael?

Can't we assume that they were gathered like every other time Moshe spoke? Why is so important now to "gather" Am Yisrael?

Parshat Ki Tisa: How do you keep Shabbos?

This week we read “Veshamru Bnei Yisrael” which we say every Shabbos. These verses repeat an even stronger commandment that came just before

Parshat Tetzaveh: The secret backdoor of the Mishkan!

What's the (incredible) purpose of this Mizbe'ach? And how does this week's parsha connect with Purim?

Parshat Truma

Why cover the cover of the Tabernacle?

Why did the Mishkan have multiple covers? Why was the outer one made of rough - and perhaps ugly - material?