Female LessonParashat HashavuaSeries'LibraryPiskei Din (Hebrew)Test YourselfShorts AreaOur Sedra ends with Hashem telling Am Yisrael about the Mitzva of Tefilin. He says that the Tefilin shel Yad serves to remind us that He took us out of Egypt with a strong hand. Thus this Mitzva – unlike almost all the rest – is given before we receive the Torah! It is meant to accentuate the crucial importance of the Exodus, which is also featured in our Tefilot, in the Kiddush each Shabbat & Chag, & in the Birkat HaMazon. Why is Yetziat Mitzrayim so vital? First, it highlights the fact that G-d will go to any lengths – even changing the course of nature – in order to guard & redeem us. It also sends the message that Hashem is the G-d of Justice, who cannot tolerate innocent people being oppressed & subjugated by others. Most importantly, it is a dramatic proof that Hashem did not just create the world & let it run by itself with no Heavenly direction. Hashem is prepared to intervene in history & alter the affairs of Mankind when He deems it necessary – particularly as it affects the Jewish People.
Many have attempted to solve the question, what is THE difference which can find the common denominator between all 31 differences between the 2 versions of the Ten Commandment? This innovative article suggests that our sages already answered this with one sentence in a well-known Midrash, just most never noticed that seemingly innocent sentence. It deals with the basic difference between the masculine side of the Torah and the feminine.
Rav Kook makes some very interesting "diyukim" (deductions) from this passage in the Talmud about when to wash or moisterize (with oil) right before left, and regarding anointing one's entire body, and relates to small "timely" fixings, as opposed to general improvement.
"FREEDOM CAME WITH A FLAG”- The First Flag of Israel
The Ramban explains that the exodus from Egypt was led by the first flag of Israel. This short article brings many unknown historic and halachic proofs of the importance of the Israeli flag.
Rav Kook makes some very interesting "diyukim" (deductions) from this passage in the Talmud about when to wash or moisterize (with oil) right before left, and regarding anointing one's entire body, and relates to small "timely" fixings, as opposed to general improvement.