Re’eh – Shabbat Video Commentary...

Hallel; Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17; Numbers 28:9-15 || (Rosh Ch.) Isaiah 66 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «As Moshe readies his people for their entry into the land of Israel and the establishment of a Torah-based just society, he introduces the concept of „the place which HaShem your G-d shall choose,“ suggesting that the location of the future Holy Temple...

DEVARIM – Shabbat Video Commentary...

Deuteronomy 1:1 – 3:22 || Isaiah 1:1-27 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «The Book of Deuteronomy is made up entirely of Moshe’s own words, spoke directly from his heart, which itself was filled with the voice of HaShem. Moshe’s words of gentle rebuke and steadfast encouragement for his people still ring true and relevant today. It is our duty to open our...

KORACH – Shabbat Video Commentary...

Numbers 16:1 – 18:32 || 1 Samuel 11:14 – 12:22 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «Twas arrogance and jealousy, pride and a lack of faith in either Moshe or HaShem which swallowed up Korach, causing his precipitous demise. Brilliant and charismatic, he could have been a contender instead of a poster boy for the sin of self aggrandizement, which is his sole claim to...

VaEra – Shabbat Video Commentary...

Exodus 6:2 – 9:35 || Ezekiel 28:25 – 29:21 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «What’s in a name? Absolutely everything and the Only thing: G-d’s absolute and indivisible Oneness. The is the answer to Moshe’s questioning why his attempt to deliver his people has only caused them greater hardship. „I am HaShem“ G-d says. That is the answer»…more: Shabbat...

Parashat SHOFTIM Video Commentary...

Deuteronomy 16:18 – 21:9 || Isaiah 51:12 – 52:12 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «“Be wholehearted with HaShem, your G-d,“ we are told. We need to be comfortable with our selves and confident that G-d has blessed us with all that we need for the moment that we are in. Tomorrow, when it arrives, will carry the same blessing we enjoyed today»…more: Shabbat...

Parashat SHEMINI Video Commentary...

Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47; (Para) Numeri 19 || Ezekiel 36:16-38 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: When „the glory of HaShem appeared to“ Israel „and all the people saw, sang praises, and fell upon their faces,“ they sang in one perfectly pitched, harmonious voice. How do we recreate that moment? How do we stay in tune with G-d, with our own true selves,...

Parashat Va’era Video Commentary...

Exodus 6:2 – 9:35; Ezekiel 28:25 – 29:21 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel „Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better!“ Thus spoke Pharaoh to Moses. „I Can Do Anything Better Than You!“ Thus spoke Pharaoh to the G-d of the Hebrews. Moses held the staff of HaShem. Pharaoh had necromancers and soothsayers, magicians, wizards and spell-for-hire sorcerers....

Shabbat Shoftim Readings and Video Commentary...

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9, Haftara Isaiah 51:12 – 52:12 Video Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman of Temple Institute, Jerusalem: You shall appoint judges and officers for yourself in all your portals (Deut. 16:18) We welcome the month of Elul, the month of taking stock and re-evaluating who we are and where we are in relationship to G-d. By appointing judges and officers over our eyes and ears, nose and mouth, we regain...