Why is Sukkot the Most Joyous Time of the Year...

The Loving Embrace of the Sukkah Temple Talk Radio by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «Fresh from the high holy days and our rendezvous with the King, the nation of Israel prepares to celebrate the festival of Sukkot, called ‚the time of our joy.‘ What is the secret of Sukkot and why is it considered to be the most joyous festival of year? Why did the spirit of prophecy descend...

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...

Shemini and Tazria-Metzora Shabbat Video Commantar...

Israel: Lev. 12:1 – 15:33 || 2 Kings 7:3-20 Galut: Lev. 9:1 – 11:47 || 2 Samuel 6:1 – 7:17 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «The three Torah readings of Shemini,Tazria-Metzora, which form the heart of the book of Leviticus, which itself forms the heart of the Five Books of Moses, reveals a heightened spiritual consciousness, which emanates from the Shechinah –...

VAYIKRA – Shabbat Video Commentary...

Hallel; Lev. 1:1 – 5:26; Ex. 12:1-20; Num. 28:9-15 || Ez. 45:16 – 46:18 || Ps. 50 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «The book of Vayikra („And He called… „) is nothing less than the book of life, for it describes G-d’s gift to man, the inner workings of the Tabernacle/Temple, the Divine service at whose center are the korbanot offerings, whose proper...

TERUMAH – Shabbat Video Commentary...

Exodus 25:1 – 27:19 || I Kings 5:26 – 6:13 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «“As you have been shown on the mountain“ G-d tells Moshe three times concerning the commandment to build the Tabernacle and its sacred vessels. To what vision, what plan, what blueprint is G-d referring? Just what did Moshe and the children of Israel see on Mount Sinai, what did...

YITRO – Shabbat Video Commentary...

Exodus 18:1 – 20:23 || Isaiah 6:1 – 7:6; 9:5-6 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «After 200 years of slavery the children of Israel step into and readily accept upon themselves a new reality – the only reality – the reality of G-d – and the wonderful merit and gift to be His people – His treasure – in this world forever»…more: Shabbat...

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...

VaYechi – Shabbat Video Commentary...

Genesis 47:28 – 50:26 || 1 Kings 2:1-12 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «In his final moments Yaakov avinu gathered his children round him to reveal to them the end of days. While his words concerning this are not recorded in Torah, he did reveal to his sons the secret of receiving G-d’s blessing and bounty in the end of days: unity as brothers. Unity as a people»…more: Shabbat...

VAYEITZEI – Shabbat Video Commentary...

Genesis 28:10 – 32:3 || Hosea 11:7 – 12:12 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «Why was it so urgent for Yaakov to stop at that specific place at that specific moment as he was fleeing from his brother’s murderous wrath? Why did G-d warp time and space to make it happen? What happens when our path intersects with G-d’s will? »…more: Shabbat Shalom

Chayei Sara – Shabbat Video Commentary...

Genesis 23:1 – 25:18 || 1 Kings 1:1-31 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman for The Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel: «Old age, the blessing of wisdom conferred upon one who has lived his life with love and kindness towards others, a true recognition of G-d’s presence in the world, is a gift for all of us to acquire, thanks to Avraham, who beseeched G-d to grant him old age and the wisdom to recognize the...