Parshat Vaeira is the 2nd parsha in Sefer Shemot (also known as Exodus).
This parsha is verses Exodus 6:2 – 9:35, or a total of 121 verses.
Here is a brief summary for each aliyah.
Aaron – Aharon
Aaron was the older brother of Moses and Miriam. He served as the first High Priest.
Parshat Bamidbar Summary
Parshat Bamidbar is the first parsha in Sefer Bamidbar (also known as Numbers).
This parsha is verses Numbers 1:1 – 4:20, or a total of 159 verses.
Here is a brief summary for each aliyah.
Parshat Shemini – Puzzle
The outline of this week’s parsha bothers me. Here’s the basic structure of the parsha following the breaks in the Torah text:
Leviticus 9:1 – 10:7
For the first time Aaron and his sons perform the priestly service.
In a burst of enthusiasm Nadav and Avihu bring “strange fire” and are killed.
Blessing the Trees
Birkat Ha-ilanot 5773
Today is Rosh Chodesh Nisan.
Rosh Chodesh Nisan has a special place in Jewish history.
We read at the end of Shemot / Exodus (Judaica Press translation):
The Mystery of the Cushite Woman
Parshat Behaalotcha 5772
This week’s parsha concludes with the incident of Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses.
The Priestly Garments – Honor and Glory
Parshat Tetzaveh 5772
I have a confession to make.
I feel like I’ve never understood the concept of honor (kavod) and glory (tiferet) with regards to the priestly garments.
The Priestly Garments
Parshat Tetzaveh 5772
Last week Parshat Terumah described the building of the Mishkan (tabernacle).
This week we read about the priestly garments and the process of preparing the priests to service in the Mishkan.
Why 1 Serpent is Better Than 100
This week’s parsha reminds me of the kid’s game rock-paper-scissors.
When I was growing up in Los Angeles, here is how we described the winner of each round:
- Rock breaks scissors
- Scissors cuts paper
- Paper covers rock
No matter what choice you make, you might win or you might lose. Sure, if you both make the same choice, then the game is a draw. But I always played to win :-).
What Does a Serpent Prove?
Parshat Va’eira 5772
The question is really quite simple.
Suppose I want to prove to you that I am the best at something. For an easy example, I claim to be the best at kicking a football.
We go out to a field and I kick a football 200 feet. You then call over five other people who all proceed to do exactly the same thing.
On what basis can I maintain my claim to be the best?