Torah Portion

Some people have seen their homes consumed by fire or shattered by bombs, their loved ones taken captive or fallen in battle as a “kapparah,” giving their lives up for all Israel.

Man is not required to do what is beyond his abilities, but he is also not exempt from doing what is possible for him – and the rest we leave to the creator of the world to accomplish.

The prohibition of work on Shabbat for the construction of the Mishkan underscores the importance and elevation of Shabbat.

A person seeking a religious experience may resort to ecstatic experiences that lead him to a feeling of divine attainment. But this is a mistake.

The same object – gold donated by the nation – can bring the divine presence to rest among us, or it can lead us to the brink of religious annihilation.

The more we remember that the role of a teacher, educator, and public figure is not to rule but rather to serve, the better we will fulfill our roles faithfully and successfully.

The cherubim are also woven into the fabric of the Tabernacle curtains and also of the parochet, the “veil” that divides the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Tabernacle.

The aspiration to build the Temple and fulfill the commandments has accompanied the people of Israel since the destruction of the Temple almost 2,000 years ago.

The portion of Mishpatim, which deals with human relationships, highlights the significance of social trust and the severe consequences of its absence.

The indelible impression made by this encounter keeps alive the knowledge of our uniqueness and closeness to God, and of the promise that will be kept.