The Loyalty of Jerusalem
Our parsha opens with a command to Moshe to “pure oil of beaten olives for lighting for kindling lamps regularly”…
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The Song of Zion
This Shabbat is known as “Shabbat Shirah” or the Shabbat of Song, due to the fact that our parsha records…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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The Waters of Jerusalem
An observant Jew washes his or her hands many times throughout the day: upon waking up in the morning, before…
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Jerusalem The Beautiful
In the beginning of the celebratory song sung by the Jewish people on the shores of the Yam Suf, they…
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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…
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