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The tenth plague: Enter G-d, front and center: Without emissary, human or angelic, G-d delivers His first born Israel from the Egyptian overlords.
Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:6)
Parashat Bo is read on Shabbat:
Shvat 3, 5771/January 8, 2011
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Parashat Va’era traces the steps of the emergence of the children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt, for which we thank G-d every day, and celebrate on the seven days of Passover. True, we are no longer slaves in Egypt, but how free are we?
Va’era (Exodus 6:2-9:35)
Parashat Va’era is read on Shabbat:
Tevet 25, 5771/January 1, 2011
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A new Pharaoh arose “who didn’t know Yosef“. That’s outrageous! After all Yosef had done on behalf of Egypt, to be unceremoniously expunged from Egypt’s national narrative is unthinkable. Yet it was Yosef’s own brothers who, not so long before, “didn’t know Yosef” – not his face, and not his understanding as to how to bring about the redemption. Their animosity toward Yosef eventually engendered Pharaoh’s animosity.
Shemot (Exodus 1:1 – 6:1)
Parashat Shemot is read on Shabbat:
Tevet 18, 5771/December 25, 2010
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Ya’akov desires to bless each of his children before he dies and to share with them holy insights into their future. It is at this moment that he and we learn that the Divine promise of redemption which Ya’akov wished to introduce to his children can only become a reality when the entire nation of Israel is included. Not only those who are near to G-d and in touch with His Torah, but also, and especially, those of us who feel distant and disconnected must be brought close to the legacy of Ya’akov avinu – our father Jacob, in order for the redemption to transpire.
Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26)
Parashat Vayechi is read on Shabbat:
Tevet 11, 5771/December 18, 2010
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When Ya’akov and Yosef reunite after seventeen years of separation, Yosef weeps while Ya’akov recites the shema prayer, (“Hear O Israel, HaShem our G-d, HaShem is One”). Was Ya’akov being distant? Cold? On the contrary. By saying the shema at the moment of his reunion with his son, Ya’akov was including his love for G-d with his love for Yosef. For there is no love outside the love of HaShem. HaShem’s love encompasses all.
Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27)
Parashat Vayigash is read on Shabbat:
Tevet 4, 5771/December 11, 2010
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How strong is the bond between a parent and a child? A father and a son? Ya’akov could not be comforted by Yosef’s loss. Just what did Ya’akov know concerning Yosef’s apparent demise? Why was there a “conspiracy of silence” surrounding Yosef’s disappearance?
Miketz (Genesis 41:1-44:17)
Parashat Miketz is read on Shabbat:
Kislev 27, 5771/December 4, 2010
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Biblical Faith – with Shmuel “Sam” Peak
Weekly series with new shows available every Tuesday.
Mishnah 10 and 11a
Rabbi Yishmael his son says: Do not act as judge alone, for none judges alone except One – HaShem; and do not say, “Accept my view,” for they are permitted to, but not you.
The Torah demands a fully impartial system of justice; judges and witness must be separate from the litigants.
The mishnah uncharacteristically refers to HaShem as “One,” to draw our attention to the point of judicial detachment. He can judge alone and still maintain the demands of judicial process, because in His Oneness He is certainly distinct and separate from people.
Rabbi Yonasan says: Whoever fulfills the study of Torah despite poverty will ultimately fulfill it in wealth; but whoever neglects the study of Torah because of wealth will ultimately neglect it in poverty.