Close To Torah

Hashem told Moshe to count the Jews, “B’Mispar Sheimos, count their names (Bamidbar 1:2).” This language seems odd, counting implies numbers not individual names? Rabbi Shimshon Pincus zt”l tells us that this shows how dearly important we are to Hashem in two ways. A brick in the wall is only important because without it the wall will fall. The brick itself has no individual importance. Similarly, when Bnei Yisrael went… Continue reading

נודע בשערים בעלה בשבתו עם זקני ארץ.

“Her husband is distinctive in the counsels, when he sits with the elders of the land.”
This verse is different from all of the others in the entire song in that it does not seem to focus on the Aishes Chayil. The preceding and following verses all extol the virtues of the Aishes Chayil herself whereas this verse seems to talk about… Continue reading

After the hair-raising curses found in our Parsha, the Torah discusses the laws of Erachin, giving the Torah set value of a person to the Beis HaMikdash. The commentators point out that this is found right after the curses and rebuke of Hashem in order to stress to us that one should not get disheartened by the curses and feel that he is not worth much. Each person is precious… Continue reading

מרבדים עשתה לה שש וארגמן לבושה.

“She made for herself luxurious bedspreads; linen and purple wool are her attire.”
The Midrash (Mishlei 31) states that the royal clothing mentioned in this verse refers to the great mother of the King Solomon, BasSheva. She was the mother of the entire Davidic line of royal heirs. The Batei Midrashos (16:15) states that this verse refers to Tzlafonis the mother of Shimshon… Continue reading

What’s the connection?! This is Rashi’s most famous question that begins our Parsha. Why is Shemittah connected with the concept of Har Sinai?

The theme of the Parsha is one: unrelenting faithfulness and connection to Hashem. A farmer worked hard to cultivate his field and support his family and then the seventh year arrived. He was now expected to refrain from working in recognition that Hashem is the provider… Continue reading

Parshas Behar opens as G-d says to Moshe, “Speak to the Children of Israel and say to them: When you come into the land that I give you, the land shall observe a Sabbath rest for Hashem.”

G-d then clearly spells out the details of this Sabbatical year saying: “For six years you may sow your field and for six years you may plow your vineyard; and you may

This week’s Parsha, Parshas Behar, begins with a very surreal scene. G-d speaking to Moshe on Mount Sinai itself. Could one imagine a more powerful set?

G-d says to Moshe, “Speak to the Children of Israel and say to them: When you come into the land that I give you, the land shall observe a Sabbath rest for Hashem.”

G-d then clearly spells out the details of this Sabbatical… Continue reading

In our parsha we have the commandment to make a Kiddush Hashem. This Mitzvah is one of the most fundamental in the entire Torah. Hashem created us to be His representatives on earth. When we act properly, people see us and learn how the Torah dictates that we should act. Ethicists have studied the impressive moral standards of Jewish businessmen and have stressed how impressed they were with Jewish honesty… Continue reading

מרבדים עשתה לה שש וארגמן לבושה.

“She made for herself luxurious bedspreads; linen and purple wool are her attire.”
The Aishes Chayil is a classy dresser who takes pride in her meticulous wardrobe. She designs bedspreads and clothing and enjoys wearing them. The Ralbag interprets the entire theme of Aishes Chayil to refer to a person who chooses to live life according to the Torah. He says that this… Continue reading

It is interesting to note the words which Chazal state regarding why the Torah puts the father before the mother when commanding us to honor our parents and the mother is placed before the father regarding fear. In our Parsha it states: “A man shall fear his mother and father (Vayikra 19:3).” In the Aseres HaDibros it says, “Honor your father and your mother (Shemos 20:13).” Chazal (Kiddushin 30b) state… Continue reading