by Rabbi Chanan Morisson. Immediately before leaving Egypt, the Israelites were commanded to commemorate the final plague of makkat bechorot, the death of the firstborn, by consecrating their firstborn, saying: When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us leave, God killed all the firstborns in Egypt, both man and beast. I therefore offer to God all … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Why do we find different names for God in the Torah? Different names correspond to the different ways in which God reveals Himself in the world. The Tetragrammaton, the special name composed of the four letters Yud-Hey-Vav-Hey, corresponds to a level of Divine revelation that was concealed before Moses’ time. I … Read more
by Moshe Kempinski Are leaders destined for their role or are they self made? In truth it is a function of both. It is clear that G-d’s eternal plan will move towards the goals that Hashem has determined, regardless. This is true in spite of the fact that the leaders and kings of the world … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morisson Before his death, Jacob blessed each of his sons. He blessed his beloved son Joseph with: Blessings of heaven above, blessings of the abyss lying beneath; blessings of plenty and children. The blessings of your father are superior to those of my parents, until the desired hills of eternity.” (Gen. 49:25-26) … Read more
Rabbi Chanan Morisson We all have limited amounts of time and energy and must learn how to apportion these resources wisely. In particular, we need to find a balance between activities that are directed inwardly, for our own personal development, and those directed outwardly, for the benefit of others. As Hillel taught, “If I am … Read more
Moshe Kempinski In the text describing the creation of the world we read “And there was evening and there was morning.”(Genesis 1:5).Why does darkness always precede the light? In the Torah portion of Vayishlach we note that everything regarding the story of Yosef ( Joseph) becomes a dual level narrative. There is the pshat (revealed … Read more
Sheep and Oxen Moshe Kempinski Every event and challenge in the life journey of Yaacov ( Jacob) represents another rung in his ascent up the ladder to the heavens. He escapes the evil plans of his brother. He leaves his parents under the cloud of uncertainty and a sense of unworthiness. He escapes into a land … Read more
Moshe Kempinski Yaacov ( Jacob) was fleeing from a brother who was set to kill him. He was running away from the only home he knew.He was separating from a father who may have lost some measure of faith and confidence in his son. He was leaving without knowing when he was to return. He … Read more
