Rabbi Chanan Morisson A Paradoxical Blessing After Abraham passed the test of the Akeidah, the Binding of Isaac, an angel called out to him: “God states: I have sworn by My Essence, since you performed this act and did not withhold your only son, I will bless you greatly and increase your descendants like the … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison. When Abraham was 99 years old, God appeared to him, announcing the mitzvah of brit milah (circumcision). “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be complete. I will make a covenant (brit) between Me and you.” (Gen. 17:1-2) What was Abraham’s immediate reaction? He literally fell on his face. The … Read more
Haazinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-52) — G-d’s language of rebuke and blessings. The Shorashim Torah Study and Overview Guide The greater part of the Torah reading of Haazinu is a song, but it is a song of rebuke. Why would Moshe use his last day to rebuke his people and do it as a song? The song … Read more
Nitzavim-Vayelech (Deut. 29:9–31:30) — The Torah portion of teshuva, returning to one’s core. The portion gives directions and tools for both the private and the national spiritual return. The Shorashim Torah Study and Overview Guide The Parshah of Nitzavim, which comes before Rosh Hashana, prepares the people for individual and national repentance. The code word … Read more
Parshat Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8) — This portion focuses on the centrality of joy in our lives and in our walk with our Creator. The Shorashim Torah Study and Overview Guide Moshe tells the people that when you enter the land and begin to settle and cultivate it you must bring the first ripened fruits … Read more
Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19) — The battles around us are intimately connected to the battle within us. The Shorashim Torah Study and Overview Guide. This Torah Portion returns to enumerate an array of differing commandments. In fact, this Torah portion includes seventy-four of the Torah’s 613 commandments. Why would Moshe interrupt his narrative of the … Read more
Parshat Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9) — The struggle between thejudgment of the heavenly court and the final judgments of G-d. The Shorashim Torah Study and Overview Guide Moshe teaches the people of Israel to appoint judges and law-enforcement officers in every city. “Justice, justice shall you pursue,”That is to say that the important characteristics of a … Read more
Parshat Re’eh (Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17 — Demonstrates the power of vision and free choice. The Shorashim Torah Study and Overview Guide Moshe tells the people to use their power of sight and “see that I place before you today a blessing and a curse.” Why dose G-d tell them to use the power of sight if … Read more
