This weeks sedra marks the end of an era as the Jewish people make the transition from being a family to a nation. It is interesting to note that throughout the Torah we are always referred to as bnei yisrael. Despite the population explosion that takes place in next week’s sedra we are always one … More A Thought for Parshas Vayechi

The Malbim explains that this chapter and the one that follows it have the same theme. They both talk about how Hashem runs this world via the laws of nature. The laws of nature are nothing less than a concealed miracle and are arranged in such a way as to bring about the ultimate redemption … More Shir Chadash – The Song of Renewal

Rav Hirsch develops this idea by saying that any song that stems from this contemplation of this state of the future is called a שיר החדש. This is based on the Pasuk in Tehillin 33:3 which says שירו לו שיר החדש היטיבו נגן בתרועה , which he translates as, ‘Sing to Him a new song, … More Shir and Shira

Everyone says that today is the ‘easy’ fast. In most countries it comes in relatively late as we can manage breakfast beforehand if we wish, and it ends in time for supper. In fact today is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. So in reality we are just skipping lunch. Perhaps we … More The 10th of Teves – Thoughts For Lunchtime

Rav Hirsch continues his introduction by saying that it is the Jewish people’s task to enter into the midst of the nations with a ‘new song’, to ‘behold’ Hashem’s greatness. The newness of the of the song lies in the call שירו לה’ כל הארץ, a summons to all of mankind to unite in beholding … More The ‘new’ song of unity

Rav Hirsch continues his introduction by saying that it is the Jewish people’s task to enter into the midst of the nations with a ‘new song’, to ‘behold’ Hashem’s greatness. The newness of the of the song lies in the call שירו לה’ כל הארץ, a summons to all of mankind to unite in beholding … More The ‘new’ song of unity

א) שִׁירוּ לַה’ שִׁיר חָדָשׁ שִׁירוּ לַה’ כָּל הָאָרֶץ: Sing to Hashem a new song, sing to Hashem, all the earth.   The start of a new chapter allows for a different mood and tone. The previous perek ended off on a negative note, relating how the Jewish people rebelled against Hashem during the forty … More Chapter 96 – Time for a new song!

This week’s parsha is full of drama and emotion, starting with conflict and ending with reconciliation. Whilst there is much to say on every aspect of the parsha, one theme that is very significant is that of unity. Regardless of the greatness he has achieved in his role in Egypt he knows that his real … More Parshas Vayigash – Together Forever!

יא) אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי בְאַפִּי אִם יְבֹאוּן אֶל מְנוּחָתִי: So that I swore in my wrath: ‘They shall not enter into my rest’. Rashi notes that the word מנוחתי, ‘My rest’ is a reference to the Land of Israel and Yerushalayim. He bases this on a pasuk later on in Tehillim 132:14 that says זֹאת מְנוּחָתִי … More Israel – Home Sweet Home!

יא) אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי בְאַפִּי אִם יְבֹאוּן אֶל מְנוּחָתִי: So that I swore in my wrath: ‘They shall not enter into my rest’. Rav Hirsch sums up the chapter as follows: This survey in retrospect of the experiences of the people of Israel gathered in the wilderness of Egypt is of great significance to our journey … More A 40 year warm up for a 2000 year journey