A pivotal event in the Purim story is when Mordechai refused to bow to Haman. Why did Mordechai refuse to bow?
king – melech
A king (Hebrew: melech) is a sovereign ruler over a country with vast powers over his subjects. The first Jewish king was Saul followed by David.
Genesis 49:10 – Until Shiloh Comes
Jacob on his deathbed blesses his son Judah that his sons will be kings over the Jewish people “until Shiloh comes.” What is the meaning of Jacob’s blessing?
Deuteronomy 17:16-17 – Three Prohibitions
In Deuteronomy 17 Moses discusses when and how the Jewish people can chose a king. Though the Jewish king has great power and authority, there are 3 things prohibited to him.
Esther 1:4 – 180 Days
Megillat Esther begins with King Ahasuerus hosting a massive banquet for 180 days. Or maybe it was only 7 days?
Deuteronomy 12:10 – Duties in the Land
Moses is teaching the people about to enter the Land of Israel their duties once they arrive.
Houses for Midwives
This week we are studying the story of the midwives in Egypt.
This incident is recorded in Shemot / Exodus 1:15-21.
How Many Midwives Were There in Egypt?
Parshat Shemot 5772
Summary
This week we begin reading Sefer Shemot – Exodus, the second book of the Chumash.
At the beginning of Shemot the Jewish people are living contentedly in Egypt. However, very quickly their circumstances change into slavery and persecution.