Shabbat Chukat Readings and Commentary...

Numbers 19:1 – 22:1; [Rosch Chodesh Isaiah 66] Judges 11:1-33 by Michael Schneider, Israel today, Jerusalem In many Synagoges the Shabbat service ends with the Sabbath Song “Adon Olam” [He reigns] Commentary: This week’s Torah portion Chukat / Hukkat contains further “ordinances” (Hebrew: hukkim). First, we read about the “water of cleansing,” an atonement mechanism made from...

Shabbat Korach Readings and Commentary...

Numbers 16:1 – 18:32; 1 Samuel 11:14 – 12:22 Abstract of the Commentary by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem: This Shabbat’s Torah reading is about Korah’s rebellion. Korah descends from the Levitical family of Kehat. Altogether, there were 250 renowned men that “rose up” against Moses by doubting his and Aaron’s authority as the chosen national leaders. As if the separation of the Levites...

Shabbat Shlach Lecha Readings and Commentary...

Numbers chapters 13:1 – 15:41; Haftara: 2:1-24 by Michael Schneider, Jerusalem Commentary: On this Shabbat, we find the story of the 12 spies (Numbers 13:1 – 15:41), the first Mossad. Moses sent the spies to scout the Promised Land. How many people are there? What are their military capabilities? Is the land fruitful? (13:18-20). Those are legitimate questions that responsible people should and have to know. Ten...

Shabbat Behaalotcha Readings and Video Commentary...

Numbers 8:1 – 12,16; Zechariah 2:14 – 4:7 Video Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman, The Temple Institute, Jerusalem: Israel’s desert experience, as described throughout the book of Numbers, is a reality created by G-d in which He tends to their every need, but at the same time teaches them how to take responsibility for themselves as individuals and also as a nation. When they shy away or shirk their responsibility,...

Shabbat Naso Readings and Commentary...

Numbers 4:21-7:89; Judges 13:2-25 This parashat Naso tells us about to treat jealousy in a marriage, about tests between husbands and wives. Next theme is the Priestly Blessing saying (Birkat Kohanim – Numbers 6:24–26): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insert Priestly Blessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Jewarechecha Adonai we-jischmerecha. Yewarechecha Adonai we-yischmerecha. Ya’er Adonai...