Parashat Hashavua: The Persian Empire, the Golden Calf, and the Divine Presence

Gold, Silver, Precious Stones – Closeness to Hashem – part III

“I Shall Dwell in the Midst of Bnei Yisrael” – part I

When we pray for the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash, we are in essence praying for the Divine Presence to dwell once again among us, especially in the Holy Temple.

Quality Over Quantity

“When you count (Ki tisa) the heads of Bnei Yisrael... and there should not be a plague" The counting reminds us of the upcoming elections and the plague reminds us of the not yet finished Corona pandemic.

On Nationalism and Sanctity– part VII

The Power of Forgiveness – Shechina!

Forty days before Yom Kippur, Moshe went up to Sinai, and after forty days he returned with the second set of Tablets and with Hashem’s announcement: “I have forgiven!” During Moshe’s “negotiations” with Hashem, Moshe was commanded twice (Shemot 33:21; ibid. 34:1-2): “v’nitzavta …” (you shall stand).

What is Special About the Aron? (part III)

We have mentioned in the past that according to some opinions, Bnei Yisrael actually had three aronot (arks). If so, these are the three: 1. The aron with the luchot (Tablets), which was wood encased in gold, with a kaporet and the keruvim above. 2. A wooden aron, which held the broken first set of luchot. 3. The aron mentioned in Parashat B’ha’alotcha, which traveled with the people into war. One can explain that it was the Divine Presence that accompanied the Israelite camp that ensured victory and the return of the multitudes that the pasuk (Bamidbar 10:36) refers to.

Censuses and Mikdash Throughout History

What’s a Sacred Purpose?

Clearing Up Some Misconceptions

“And Hashem Shall Cleanse, Not Cleanse”

Seeing the Face of the King

A Trustworthy Servant

The Brave of Strength Who Do His Will

Honor for Whom?

Parashat Ki Tisa

A Strange Replacement

Parashat Ki Tisa