The Loyalty of Jerusalem
Our parsha opens with a command to Moshe to “pure oil of beaten olives for lighting for kindling lamps regularly”…
The Song of Zion
This Shabbat is known as “Shabbat Shirah” or the Shabbat of Song, due to the fact that our parsha records…
The Binding Walls of Jerusalem
Jewish unity is an important value in the Torah. God only rests his presence on the Jewish people when they…
Our Natural Connection to Jerusalem
Our parsha seems repetitive. Torah describes the events of Eliezer’s trip to Aram Naharaim in great detail. Then, when Eliezer…
The Communal Judgement of Jerusalem
Yerushalayim has a special status during the Days of Awe. Regarding Rosh HaShanah, the Mishna teaches us that when Rosh…
Creating Context by Remembering Jerusalem
Towards the end of our parsha, nestled between the mitzvah of Orlah and the prohibition against forms of witchcraft is…
A Growth Oriented City
In its list of sin-offerings, the Torah has a unique introduction. Instead of beginning with the usual contingent situation of…
The Waters of Jerusalem
An observant Jew washes his or her hands many times throughout the day: upon waking up in the morning, before…
Jerusalem The Beautiful
In the beginning of the celebratory song sung by the Jewish people on the shores of the Yam Suf, they…
Jerusalem As The Light Of The World
The holiday of Chanukah revolves around the fire and light of our Menorahs. Generally, light is understood to be a…