In this conversation on parashat Va’etchanan, Shlomo Godsi of Alshech Academy and I take a deeper look at the Ten Commandments and the Shema, explore prophecies of the “End of Days”, outline the true borders of Israel, discuss the power of prayer, why monotheism is so important to the world, and what it really means to be the “chosen people”.
Tag Archives: Nile
Parasha Deep Dive: Shemot
In conversation with Shlomo Godsi of Alshech Academy in Tzfat, answering difficult questions and mysteries of Parashat Shemot, including why Israel had to be enslaved specifically in Egypt, the meaning of God’s name Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh, secrets behind Moses’ “three signs”, and why the Torah strangely says that “God wanted to kill Moses”.
What are the True Borders of Israel?
This week we read another double portion, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim. The latter, literally meaning “holies”, instructs us on the key mitzvot that make us especially holy. Of course, while all of the Torah’s mitzvot serve to make us holier, the ones in Kedoshim particularly have special merits. The list starts with revering one’s parents and observing the Sabbath (Leviticus 19:3). It peaks with the famous mitzvot of judging others favourably (v. 15), not gossiping (v. 16) nor bearing a grudge (v. 18), and loving your fellow as yourself. Other big mitzvot include not wearing shaatnez (v. 19, a mixture of wool and linen), and not getting tattooed (v. 28). Finally, there is a list of prohibited sexual relationships, before God says: Continue reading