Rav Hirsch takes a slightly different angle on this pasuk asnd says that it is telling us to declare that only the gods of the nations are אלילים , ‘gods that deny’ that is, they are gods that withhold favour. The nations imagine that these gods to be inimical to the welfare of mankind. For … More We’re not into Voodoo

ה) כִּי כָּל אֱלֹהֵי הָעַמִּים אֱלִילִים וַה’ שָׁמַיִם עָשָׂה: For all the gods of the peoples are nought, but the Hashem made the heavens.   The Malbim explains that the nations of the world ascribe divine powers to natural forces, thinking that they are truly independent beings.   However, in  truth they are nothing but … More The Ultimate Super Power

כִּי גָדוֹל ה’ וּמְהֻלָּל מְאֹד נוֹרָא הוּא עַל כָּל אֱלֹהִים For Hashem is great and very much praised; He is feared over all divine powers.   The Malbim explains that the word גדול, great refers to that fact that Hashem is both first and last in all of creation, and also that His strength extends … More Total Control

    ד) כִּי גָדוֹל ה’ וּמְהֻלָּל מְאֹד נוֹרָא הוּא עַל כָּל אֱלֹהִים: For Hashem is great and very much praised; He is feared over all divine powers. Rav Hirsch explains that this pasuk is telling us to proclaim that only Hashem can be truly great. He is the One true G-d who holds all … More Don’t confuse Hashem with His creations

With the start of the book of Shemos , we enter into a new episode of the Jewish story, we start a cycle of exile and redemption that we still live with today.  These weekly sedras are actually the ideal time to prepare new material and ideas for Pesach, because in the lead up to … More Shemos – The Turning Point

The Malbim draws a distinction between goyim (nations)  and amim (people). The term goyim (nations) refers to those non Jews who have no knowledge or awareness of Hashem whatsoever. Those referred to as amim (peoples)¸ do know that there is one G-d who created the world. However, even those amim lack an awareness that Hashem … More Everyone gets an upgrade

ג) סַפְּרוּ בַגּוֹיִם כְּבוֹדוֹ בְּכָל הָעַמִּים נִפְלְאוֹתָיו: Tell of His glory among the nations, among all peoples His wonders. Rav Hirsch explains that with the unfolding of human power and force is demonstrated in the relationships of nation to nation, as closed entities opposing one another, you shall have the courage to stand up and … More Bringing Hashem into the Conversation

  ב) שִׁירוּ לַה’ בָּרְכוּ שְׁמוֹ בַּשְֹּרוּ מִיּוֹם לְיוֹם יְשׁוּעָתוֹ: Sing to Hashem, bless His Name, proclaim His salvation from day to day. The Malbim notes that the word בשורה (proclamation), from which the word בשרו (proclaim) is derived is a term that is used for something that is somewhat out of the ordinary. We … More As if that would ever happen…

  ב) שִׁירוּ לַה’ בָּרְכוּ שְׁמוֹ בַּשְֹּרוּ מִיּוֹם לְיוֹם יְשׁוּעָתוֹ: Sing to Hashem, bless His Name, proclaim His salvation from day to day. The Malbim explains that those who just see Hashem as the Creator of the universe may well praise Him, whereas those who realise that Hashem is also the Source of all goodness … More Daily Salvation

ב) שִׁירוּ לַה’ בָּרְכוּ שְׁמוֹ בַּשְֹּרוּ מִיּוֹם לְיוֹם יְשׁוּעָתוֹ: Sing to Hashem, bless His Name, proclaim His salvation from day to day. As is well known, the word  ברכה means more than just ‘blessing’. According to many authorities, it is a request that Hashem extend more of Himself into the world. Therefore when we make … More Recognising the (Super) Natural