Torah Portions Unknown

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Naso or “take the sum.” In this portion, the text continues to describe the division of the Levitical families and their duties concerning the transport of the Sanctuary. It also introduces us to the Ordeal of Jealousy and the vows of a Nazirite. In these two […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Bemidbar or “in the wilderness.” In this portion, we see how the tribes were numbered and assigned into four different camps. These camps with their respective standards are seen as the equivalent of the four living creatures who surround the Throne of God. We also how […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Bechukotai or “in my statutes.” In this portion, the Scripture describes the blessings that come with obedience and details the judgments that come with disobedience. In this sidrah, Israel is warned that blatant disregard for God’s commands have terrible consequences, in fact, five groups of seven […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Be’har or “on the mount.” In this portion, the Scripture details two other commands of rest – the sh’mittah (sabbatical year) and the yovel (jubilee). One of the prevailing concepts in this sidrah is that the land is God’s and is, therefore, expected to be in […]

This is a commentary on the Torah portion Emor – “say.” This torah portion turns its attention back to the priests and their responsibility to maintain higher standards of purity. Though addressing the priests, we who have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light to be a royal priesthood should take note of the […]

This is a commentary on the Torah portion Kedoshim – “Holy.” If  the previous portion begins what is regarded as lev ha’torah (the heart of the Torah), this portion is the “heart of the heart.” This sidrah defines the call to Israel to be holy “because I the LORD your God am holy.” This portion emphasizes the […]