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 Metzora Readings and Commentary...

Leviticus 14:1–15:33; 2 Kings 7:3-20 Video Commentary of Rabbi Chaim Richman, The Temple Institute, Jerusalem: The individual suffering from tzarat can bear the affliction within the walls of their house, the clothing that they wear, or upon their own flesh. While the affliction causes a debilitating physical reaction, it is essentially a spiritual wake-up call. Acknowledging one’s shortcomings and approaching...

Shabbat SHMINI and PARA Readings and Video Comment...

Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47 [Para aduma Parasha: Numbers 19]; Haftara: Ezekiel 36:16-38 (in years without Adar II 2 Samuel 6:1-7:17) Video Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman of The Temple Institute, Jerusalem: Abstract of the Commentary by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem: This week’s parasha discusses two main issues: The first, the dedication of the Mishkan (tabernacle), which included sacrifices and the cleansing...

Shabbat VaYikra Readings and Video-Commentary...

Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26 and Isaiah 43:21-44:23 Video-Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman, The Temple Institute, Jerusalem: The book of Vayikra, (Leviticus), the most intimate of the five books of Torah, opens with a whisper. With the establishment of the Tabernacle, G-d is welcomed back into the world! Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat Parashat Ki Tissa Readings and Commentary...

Exodus 30:11–34:35; 1 Kings 18:1-39 Abstract of the Commentary by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem: This weekly portion (parashat) begins with ransom (kofer nefesh) and atonement money (kessef kippurim) in the value of “half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary” for every man over 20. “The rich shall not pay more and the poor shall not pay less than the half shekel, when you give the contribution...

Shabbat Vayigash Readings and Video-Commentary...

Vayigash Genesis 44:18 – 47:27; Ezechiel 37:15-28 The Temple Institute Jerusalem Rabbi Chaim Richman says: Reconciliation between brothers and sisters, parents and children, lovers and friends, all have their root in Torah. The root for the ultimate reconciliation, between G-d and man, can be seen in the story of Yosef reuniting with his brothers. Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat Vayetze Readings and Commentary...

Genesis 28:10–32:3; Hosea 12:13–14:10 Commentary by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem: Jacob begins his walk with God which was not so easy at the beginning, thus the emphasis is on “And he departed.” He left for a foreign country and place called Haran – far away from his father’s house. It was important that God reassured him of the promise: “…Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever...

Shabbat Toldot Readings and Commentary...

Genesis 25:19–28:9; Malachi 1:1–2:7 Abstract of the Commentary by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem: In this week’s Torah Portion we meet another childless couple: Isaac and Rebekah (25:21). We can read of several Man of God that shared the same fate like Abraham and later the parents of Joseph, Samuel and also Samson… After 20 years of prayer, when Isaac was 60 years old, the LORD in his sovereign grace...