Vayechi Text message

Parashat Vayechi (and he, Jacob, lived)

One of the words that scares the Jewish people the most is ASSIMILATION.

We  frequently hear about the rates, the danger and  who is responsible…

Let me share with you something you may have forgotten… After Jacob’s death, Chapter 50 of Genesis dedicates 12 verses to the Egyptian burial customs: the mummification that Jacob had and the rites, honors and mourning that followed the Egyptian rituals.

Only 4 verses are dedicated to the “Jewish” burial customs.

Maybe the secret resides in ASSIMILATING the good values, customs, and principles that others have to offer which will enrich our tradition. Being scared of the differences will make us fall, but learning from them will make us a better and stronger people.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Vayigash Text message

Parashat Vayigash (He approached)

The story of Joseph and his brothers continues.
When they discover that the viceroy of Egypt, the person in front of them, the person who had their lives in his hands, was Joseph, we read the following:
Genesis 45:3 “Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless, for they were stunned and dismayed by [the fact that they were in] Joseph’s presence.”
Here the brothers are speechless because they fear Joseph. The fear was the cause.
This is not the first time the brothers couldn’t speak with Joseph. We read earlier that when Joseph was a young boy, his brothers hated him and would not talk to him. The hate was the cause.
No matter what moves us, it is time to overcome our feelings and start talking to our brothers and sisters.


In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Text message

Parashat Vayeshev (and he sat down)

One of the most tragic images of the whole Bible is described in this section.

Genesis 37:23-25 “And it came to pass, when Joseph had come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph of his coat, his coat of many colors that was on him; and they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.  And they sat down to eat bread…”

There is no need to add any other words or interpretations.

Every time we sit down to eat, we need to remember there are brothers and sisters down in the pit, suffering, screaming and asking for help.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Text message Vayeshev

Parashat Vayeshev (and he sat down)

One of the most tragic images of the whole Bible is described in this section.

Genesis 37:23-25 “And it came to pass, when Joseph had come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph of his coat, his coat of many colors that was on him; and they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.  And they sat down to eat bread…”

There is no need to add any other words or interpretations.

Every time we sit down to eat, we need to remember there are brothers and sisters down in the pit, suffering, screaming and asking for help.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Vayishlach Text message

Parahsat Vayishlach (and Jacob sent)

In this section we find many interesting stories.

One of them is the story about Jacob wrestling with an angel.

Pop culture teaches us that there always (or almost always) should be a winner, and therefore… a loser.

The most popular American sports do not have the possibility of a tie.

In American Football (we can argue about this one, but it is really not common), Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Tennis, Volleyball, etc. games there is always a winner and a loser.

What was the result of Jacobs wrestle with the angel? A tie.

Jacob got hurt, but also he got a blessing from the angel.

The Torah teaches us that a tie is also an option and I would like to add: “Be selective in your battles. Sometimes peace is better than being right”.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Vayetze Text message

Parashat Vayetze (And he [Jacob] left)

Jacob leaves his parents’ home and goes to Haran, where his uncle lives.

He will have to work a lot in order to get married to Leah and Rachel. The story is well known. Laban, Jacob’s uncle, tricks Jacob and changes Leah for Rachel, therefore he will have to work longer in order to marry Rachel.

Genesis 29:20: “Jacob worked for Rachel for seven years, but it seemed in his eyes like a few days because he loved her.”

Maybe the time passed in Jacob’s body - he work hard, he grew older - but the time did not pass in his eyes. He was able to “see” that, when you are in love, “time never passes”.

Love can be such a powerful blessing that those who love each other may consider a long time just a blink of the eyes.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Chayei Sarah

Parashat Chayei Sarah (the life of Sarah)

Words in the Torah always have a special meaning.

In this section, Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son, Isaac.

It is important to mention that the Torah frequently uses the word “servant” and never calls him by his name, even though we all know the Torah is talking about Eliezer.

Here lies a very important lesson. Eliezer could have presumed or faked his trip. He could have gone to a different place or even taken a shorter trip and returned later just to tell Abraham that he failed and therefore Eliezer himself would become Abraham’s heir.

But he didn’t.

We have so many “anonymous” people in our society that serve us with loyalty and devotion.

Police officers, firefighters, nurses, trash collectors… You name them…

This Shabbat let’s think of them and remember their devoted work

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Vayera Text message

Parashat Vayera (Hashem appeared)

This section opens with the messengers (angels) visiting Abraham.
According to Rashi, each of them had a task to perform. “One to bring the news [of Isaac’s birth] to Sarah, and one to overturn Sodom, and one to heal Abraham, for one angel does not perform two errands (Gen. Rabbah 50:2).”
Why it is necessary to remark that one angel does not perform two tasks? At the end of the day, they were angels, and one would have been enough. We may assume an angel could multitask…
It seems like neither angels nor human beings are very good at multitasking.
It is always better to perform one task correctly than many incorrectly.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Text message Lech Lecha

Parashat Lech Lecha (Go for yourself)

The Torah doesn’t like to “waste” words. Every single word has an important meaning and we need to learn from each of them, especially when there is repetition within the same verse or the same idea is being expressed.

Genesis 12:10 tells us: “And there was a famine in the land. And Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was grievous in the land.” Why it is necessary to repeat that there was a famine?

An interesting interpretation is that there were two types of famine: one a physical famine and the other, a spiritual famine.

One of the most common mistakes we make in modern times is to provide a material answer to a spiritual problem.

Let us think seriously about what type of famine we are facing and how we are going to respond to it.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Noah Text message

Parashat Noah

This week’s section starts with an introduction of Noah and then the following verse: (Genesis 6:10) “And Noah begot three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”

We all know the story of the flood, the ark, and the dove with the olive branch.

After the flood was over, we find the following verse: (Genesis 9:18) “ And the sons of Noah who went out of the ark were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth…”

It may seem that these words do not add a lot of information. Maybe the Torah is telling us that Noah didn’t have more kids in the ark. Or maybe the Torah is trying to tell us: The names are the same names but the people are different people.

They experienced “something” that changed their lives. Even though we know their names, they are different people. In fact, the verse ends telling us: “And Ham is the father of Canaan”.

It is not just about them themselves now, it’s about continuity and taking advantage of the experiences that change lives.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Bereshit Text Message

Parashat Bereshit (Genesis)

The first parasha of the Torah ends with a very interesting verse. It is a prelude to what we will be reading in the following parasha, Noah.

It is written (Genesis 6:8) “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord”; in Hebrew, ונח מצא חן בעיני ה"

If you carefully read the Hebrew, Noach was able to find his opposite; in Hebrew, “favor” is “Noach” written backwards. He is the only character in the Bible who found his “opposite.”

Think for a minute who or what is your exact opposite, your “rival”.

If you found your opposite, now find favor in his/her eyes and you may save the whole world.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Text message Haazinu

Parashat Ha’azinu

This section has a very particular layout in the Torah scroll. Most of the text of this parasha is written in two columns.

This is a song, Moses’ final song before his departure to Mount Nevoh where he will die.

The first verse that comes after the song (and here the text returns to its normal layout) says:  “And Moses spoke all the words of this song for the people to hear.”

Was it a song or maybe a poem? But Moses spoke the words to the people rather than singing them or reciting as one might for a poem.

Sometimes the right words may resonate better than the best melody and, on other occasions, the sound of a good melody can be better than thousands of words.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Vayelech Text message

Parashat Vayelech (Moses went)

One very special mitzvah is added towards the end of the book of Deuteronomy. It is called “Hakhel”.

The leader (king) of the Jewish people should gather all the people during the festival of Sukkot, once every seven years in the year after the “shmita”.

Once they are all together, the king should read aloud the Torah.

Wasn’t the Torah already read on Shabbat and Mondays and Thursdays? What is the point of reading it again?

The point is not only to listen to the Torah, but also to see others doing the same thing you are doing and knowing you are not alone.

On days when we see synagogues filled with people, we need to remember those who cannot attend and may feel lonely.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Nitzavim Text message

Parashat Nitzavim (Firm)

This short section of Deuteronomy has the longest series of dots on top of letters in the Torah.

In 10 different places in the Torah scroll, letters get dots on top of them.

In this section there are 11 letters next to each other with dots on top of them.

This section is always read the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah.

Perhaps the 11 dots remind us of the 11 months of the year we didn’t behave very well, but now, with the arrival of Tishrei and a new year, we look for a new opportunity.

A new beginning without black marks, without stains. That may happen only if we remember the previous 11 dots.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Ki Tavo text message

Ki Tavo      

The image is very powerful.

Moses and the Levites said in a loud voice: Cursed is the person who does such and such thing against G-d (several times).

And the people of Israel answered altogether “Amen” (several times), validating what Moses and the Levites said.

Sometimes we agree with what has been said, not because of the content but because of the authority of the person who said it.

Our task is not to question the authority of Moses or the Torah, but to question whether we are saying Amen to words we have not seriously thought about and are just agreeing with because of the authority of the person who spoke them.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Ki tetze Text Message

Parashat Ki Tetze (When you go out)

This section contains several rules not necessarily related one to the other.

Towards the end of the parasha, there is a paragraph that became a mitzvah, Zachor. We are commanded to remember what Amalek did to us when we left Egypt,  when they attacked the Israelites from the back.

Before that, we are also reminded (with the same verb, Zachor) that we had been slaves in Egypt and, therefore, need to treat strangers nicely.

Also before that, we are told to remember what happened to Miriam in the desert when she got sick with leprosy.

Three sad episodes that happened to the people of Israel. Our memories sometimes are very selective and we may easily forget or remember things that happened long ago.

At this time of the year, it is important to remember what we easily forget, and to forget (and forgive) what still hurts and disturbs.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Shoftim Text message

Parashat Shoftim (Judges)

The Torah says “Tamim tiyieh im Ad-nai Elo-cha”

The word Tamim is a very challenging one when we try to translate it.  Perfect, blameless, never guilty, and innocent, are some of the words I found in different translations.

I would like to suggest that all those translations are incorrect.

The right translation should be: “with the capacity of being surprised”. You should be able to be surprised. The context is the prohibition of going to palm readers, magicians, or fortune tellers, so therefore I strongly believe the translation I proposed is the right one, especially if we learn that “Tamim” comes from the word “Tmihah”; in Hebrew that means surprise.

Sometimes with all the technology we have handy, we believe we know everything and we forget we can still be surprised.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Text message Ree

Parashat Ree (you shall see)

This section reviews the laws of kashrut.

We learn once again about the animals that are forbidden and those we can eat.

For animals that walk on four legs, we have two simultaneous conditions in order to be kosher. Same thing happens with fish.

But with birds, there are no special rules but rather a list of those that are permitted and those that are not. Why?

Birds are the only animals that can see the rest of the creatures from above.

Maybe the Torah is telling us that those who look at the rest from above will be, at some point, singled out.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Pinchas Text message

Parashat Pinchas

It is time for Moses to find a successor before he passes away. Moses doesn't know whom to choose so he asks G-d to help him.

And Moses spoke unto the Lord, saying, “Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation."

Moses could not choose someone to replace himself.

This shows us one more time Moses' humility. By asking Hashem to find the right leader, he is admitting it is time for a new leadership.

Moses gives up even that privilege because he understands the best for him may not be the best for his people.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Balak Text message

Parashat Balak

When Balak saw that two mighty kings, Sichon and Og, could not stand up against Israel, he grew terrified.

Who were Sichon and Og? According to the midrash, they were brothers, descendants from giants.

Sichon brought all the hosts of this Amorite king together into Heshbon. Heshbon was an exceptionally well fortified city and the Israelites defeated them.

Og, according to a different Midrash, was Eliezer Abraham's servant who had grown in power and might. Another rabbinic explanation claims that King Og managed to escape the Flood by holding onto the outside of Noah’s Ark.

Balak was afraid of Israel and its victories; therefore, he hired Bilaam to curse Israel...

Sometimes we need to be very careful whom we ask for help. The solution can be worse than the problem.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Chukat Text message

Parashat Chukat (The laws of the red heifer)

Time flies. You close your eyes, you open them again and many things happened.

This week's section includes several topics, the red heifer, Moses and Aaron hitting the rock instead of talking to it, messengers are sent to Edom to make peace, Miriam and Aaron's death,  and more.

There is something that, if we read the text as it is, we will not be able to discover.

Between the end of chapter 19 and the beginning of chapter 20, there is a gap of 38 years.

Apparently nothing happened in those years. The Israelites were quiet in the desert.

A small gap in the text may mean many years with no news, a small blink of the eyes and the whole world changes.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Korach Text message

Parashat Korach

Korach, Datan and Aviram, together with 250 renowned people, started a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. But mainly against Aaron.

Their claim was, who said you have been chosen? Who said you are the right ones?

Hashem became furious against the people and, a couple of times, wanted to destroy the whole people and start a new nation with only Moses and Aaron and their families.

We know that Moses and Aaron were able to "calm down" Hashem. At some point Hashem started a plague that killed the rebels, and guess who is the one who stopped the plague? Right!!! Aaron.

He didn't want to see his people dying. The text tells us that he runs to save his people.

Aaron teaches us with his act that no matter how harsh people are, how badly they act against us, there is always room for love and compassion.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Text message Schlach Lecha

Parashat Schlach Lecha (Send messengers)

Moses had a plan.

He sent messengers to the land of Israel. The people received the Torah, they built a tabernacle, they were ready to conquer the land of Israel.

His plan was a very good one. He instructed the spies, gave them clear directions and guidance.

What could be wrong?

Everything was set and ready for a good end.

But... That is the word of this parasha... When the spies came back, they spoke nicely about the land of Israel, BUT... 10 of them used the word BUT and added not very nice comments.

When you have a good plan, you need to make sure you cover all your buts.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Beaalotcha Text message

Parashat Beaalotcha (When you kindle the lamps)

In this section we read about a group of people who were impure and could not eat the Passover sacrifice.

According to the Midrash, they were impure because they were carrying Joseph's coffin.

They became impure for fulfilling a mitzvah which is a little bit of a contradiction.

This teaches us that it is incorrect to think that having dirty hands always means you have been doing "dirty" tasks.

Sometimes those who have "dirty" hands and their feet in the mud are those who achieve a higher level of holiness.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Naso Text message

Parashat Naso (Count)

This is the longest parasha of the whole Torah. A great part of its length is due to the repetition of the offerings and gifts of the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel at the dedication of the Mishkan.

The last verse of this section is extremely interesting. Numbers 7:89 "And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with him, then he heard the Voice speaking unto him from above the mercy-seat that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim: and he spoke unto him."

Hashem is speaking with... Himself... Hashem is thinking aloud. It seems Hashem is doing self reflection.

Only after that does G-d speak to Moses. Self reflection is a great idea, especially if you are about to say something meaningful.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Bamidvar Text message

Parashat Bamidvar (In the desert)

This section, which opens the fourth book of the Torah, deals with the structure of the camp and the position of the tribes when the Israelites were encamping in the desert.

The tabernacle was in the center surrounded by the tribe of Levi  and there were three tribes in the north, three in the south, three in the east, and three in the west.

Every machane (camp), N, S, W, E had a flag. The flag had a purpose. If you looked up, you knew where your camp was, where your tribe and your family were located.

But there is a deeper message in this description. If you are lost, if you lose your guidance, you need to know that always looking up, towards Avinu Shevashamai our G-d in heaven, helps us to find our place on earth.

So when you are lost, sometimes looking for Hashem is better than any GPS.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Behar Bechukotai Text Message

Parashiot Behar (at the mountain)  Bechukotai (If you follow my rules)      

These sections are the last two of the book of Leviticus.

The first one deals mainly with the rules of Shmita and Iovel, the seventh and the fiftieth year.

We read in chapter 26:20-21:  And if ye shall say, “What shall we eat the seventh year? Behold, we shall not sow nor gather in our increase. Then I will command My blessing upon you..."

Many times we ask and our kids ask: What are we going to eat today? And when we or they hear the answer... There is a complaint...

How should we react? How should we educate ourselves and our kids?

Hashem blesses us with the possibility of having food on our plates. Many times this is something we take for granted. It should not be that way.

Having a plate of food is a blessing that Hashem sends to us, hopefully every day.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Emor Text message

Parashat Emor (You shall tell)

This week's section starts with the following words: And the Lord said unto Moses, “Speak unto the priests sons of Aaron..."

There is another way to read this verse. (pay attention to the punctuation) And the Lord said unto Moses, “Speak unto the priests: sons of Aaron..."

Even though that is not the traditional way to read it, we can learn that the message the priests needed to hear was: you are the sons of Aaron.

Who was Aaron? He was Moses' oldest brother and even though he was the oldest, he respected, cared for, loved and esteemed his brother, the leader of the Jewish people.

We need to learn that following the leader with respect and admiration is also a great example for others.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Text message Acharei mot - Kedoshim

Parashiot Acharei Mot (After the death) and  Kedoshim (you shall be a holy nation)

The second section starts with a chapter that is among the richest in quantity and quality of laws. We read a very famous verse (we usually do not know how to quote its beginning and its end...)

Leviticus 19:18  ^"You must not take revenge nor hold a grudge against any of your people; instead, you must love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord."

Why do we only remember " you must love your neighbor as yourself" and not the rest of the verse?

Maybe because we forgot that we shall not take revenge with the people we love... and maybe because we forget who is the boss...

I hope that interpretation is incorrect and I am wrong.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Tazria Metzora Text message

Parashiot Tazria (When a woman conceives) and Metzorah (Leper)

Skin diseases for everybody!!!

These sections deal mainly with sacrifices and skin diseases.

The Torah (in the first parasha) starts describing the diseases that can affect a person (Adam) and ends with the diseases that can affect clothing (Begued).

This speaks about the downward spiral a person can experience.

Two interpretations.

At the beginning, a person is considered a person... at the end, a person is considered only what he or she wears.

Or all the way around... The decline occurs on those who judge others; one thing is to judge by who the person is and something completely different (and lower) is to judge someone by what he/she wears.

 

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Shemini Text Message

Parashat Shemini (The eighth day)

We read in Leviticus chapter 9:7 "Moses said to Aaron, 'Come up to the altar and perform your purification offering...' "

It was the day of the consecration of the Tabernacle and Moses tells Aaron:  "Come closer..." That is really weird...

Apparently, Aaron saw the horns of the altar and they reminded him of the horns of the Golden Calf and he felt ashamed. Therefore, he decided to keep some distance.

Aaron knew his faults and imperfections; he didn't very easily forget his mistake.

Sometimes mistakes are difficult to erase from our memories... When that happens, it is always good to keep some distance and react with humility.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Pesach Text message

Pesach eight day

When I was in Barranquilla, Colombia, it was extremely difficult to get Passover products.

Today the Passover products in Argentina are extremely expensive.

Here in the U.S., it is easier... The variety of products that is available is incredible and the prices are "reasonable."

I know we are about to finish the Holiday and you may start thinking how tired we are of the matzoth and the Passover food.

Before you complain, think of all the blessings, opportunities and accessibilities  you have today in this country.

I am sure you will change your mind and will not complain, backwards, take advantage and thank G-d for all you have.

This is what Pesach is about, remembering things could have been worse and enjoying the present.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Pesach Text message

The Haggadah is one of these mysterious items our tradition has.

I still remember the Haggadah my mother's uncle brought every year to the Seder.

Even though he visited us very frequently and always brought presents, I looked at that Haggadah with curiosity and special interest.

Now that I think back to those times, I think I understand why that green book was so particular.

The Haggadah tells us where we come from. Two nights in the year we sit down around the table to talk about our origins.

It is a mitzvah to speak about our origins, not just a social act.

This Pesach think of the Sedarim you remember from your childhood and thank G-d for all the accomplishments you personally and we as a people made.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Tzav text message

Parashat Tzav (Command)

Sacrifices are all over the book of Leviticus. The details and repetitions may make it look an arid and "boring" text.

Part of the richness of the repetitions lays in minor changes that may happen and sometimes are "invisible."

In this section we find again a list of the sacrifices that were brought at the Tabernacle.

There is a common ground among all of them but one. All the sacrifices are to be eaten on the day (and the night) they are brought.

The only exception is the "Zevah Shelamim." For that sacrifice, people had two days and one night of time to eat it.

Shelamim comes from the word "shalem" and "shalom" - wholeness and peace.

Sometimes we need more time to achieve wholeness and to make peace.

It is just a matter of time.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Vaykra Text Message

Parashat Vaykra (G-d called Moses)

The Book of Leviticus starts with the word Vayikrah. That word has a parculiarity, the letter Aleph is smaller than the rest of the letter.

As you may imagine, many explanations were given.

The one I like the most is that when Moses was writing the Torah up in Mount Sinai, a little bit of the ink spilled on his face.

Therefore two things: 1) His face was shining 2) He had less ink and the Aleph became smaller.

It would be great if we realize that in our daily tasks, we can "spill" some holiness and shine.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Vayakel - Pekudei Text Message

Vayakel (Moses assembled) - Pekudei (The reckonings of the Tabernacle)

With this Torah sections, we conclude the book of Exodus.

Towards the end of the book, we find the following words: (Exodus 40:34)

"When Moses had finished all the work, the cloud covered the meeting tent and the Lord’s glorious presence filled the dwelling. Moses couldn’t enter the meeting tent because the cloud had settled on it, and the Lord’s glorious presence filled the dwelling."

Moses could have acted differently. It was just a cloud. Clouds are accessible, penetrable and, therefore, Moses could have entered anyway.

But Moses knew there are spaces we are not supposed to invade. There are private spheres we should respect and never try to occupy.

Those are usually called sacred spaces.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Ki Tissa Text message

Parashat Ki Tissa (When you take census)

Separations occur. This is not a secret. From the first day of creation, G-d made a clear distinction between light and darkness.

Moses separates for forty days from his people and when he returns, they are not the same people.

A Golden calf was built and worshipped, a huge symptom of immaturity.

This is inadmissible and Moses breaks the tablets.

Separations occur. Couples, parents and kids, teachers and students, departures of loved ones from life.

We need to learn to separate and adjust to being apart. That is the only way we won't break what we treasure the most.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Tetsave text message

Parashat Tetsave (You shall command)

Moses appears in the Torah since he is born in all the parashot but in this one.

Some explanations were given.

This section is read close the day of his death Adar 7th.

G-d listened to Moses' request to be erased from his book after the episode of the Golden Calf.

Or because all this section deals with the garments of the High Priest and Moses was not permitted to be High Priest.

I think the right question to ask is not why but what. What do we do with the fact that the leader is missing?

With the same Hebrew letters we form the word Tetsave, we can form the word Tzavta, unity.

When there is no leadership, stop arguing and get together.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Mishpatim Text Message

Parashat Mishpatim (these are the laws)

This section holds many rules and laws that were given to the People of Israel together with the 10 commandments.

It should not surprise us if we find many similarities with other ancient laws, such as the Hammurabi Code (which came before the time of the Torah).

Our sages tell us "Derech Eretz kadma laTorah." Being a good human being, a person who respects the civil laws comes before the Torah.

There were important people before the Torah was received - Adam, Noah, Shem, Ever, Chanoch - who contributed to preparing the ground for the revelation in Mount Sinai.

If we find the way to conduct ourselves correctly, it is going to be easier to receive the Torah and its laws.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Yitro Text message

Parashat Yitro

This week, we read some verses that can teach us a great lesson.

Exodus 18:5 and Jethro, "Moses' father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness where he was encamped, at the mount of Gd:

and he said unto Moses, I, thy father-in-law Jethro, am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and did obeisance, and kissed him."

 The first thing many of us may do after a long time without seeing our kids would be to kiss and hug them. And that is correct.

Moses teaches us we should not forget the elders. If we show respect to them, if we take care of them, our kids will do the same with us as we grow older.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Beshalach Text message

Parashat Beshalach (When Pharaoh sent out the people)

The Midrash tells us a very interesting nuance to the crossing of the Red Sea.

When Moses lifted his rod, nothing happened. He tries again and again, and nothing. Panic. Moses seems to be powerless. Suddenly, out of the crowd, comes Nachshon ben Aminadav. To the astonishment of the people, Nachshon jumps into the water. The Red Sea opens.

Nachshon understood that up to this point, all the redemption was performed by G-d. Moses was following G-d's commandments; G-d sent the plagues to Egypt. It was time for human beings to become partners of G-d in the redemption process.

Today it is our time to jump and take the plunge.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Bo Text message

Parashat Bo (Come to Pharaoh)                

Moses wants to go to the desert to worship Hashem. He wants to take everybody and everything they had.

Pharaoh answers: “Go! Worship the Lord! Only your flocks and herds need to stay behind. Even your children can go with you.”

Moses answers: "No, we need all our animals! We won’t know which to use to worship the Lord until we get there.”

Sometimes we need to wait until the last moment to make a decision.

Moses didn't have all the answers handy and he knew he had to wait until he got there to choose.

This teaches us that sometimes it is okay to take some extra time to choose correctly.

Why are you rushing? Take more time to choose correctly!!!

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Vaera Text message. Freedom

Parashat Vaera (Hashem appeared)

We do not have time. We are busy almost all the time. Working, studying, running errands.

It seems there is no freedom. It feels sometimes we are like in Egypt; we are slaves.

We read in Exodus 6:8 "I’ll bring you into the land that I promised to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I’ll give it to you as your possession. I am the Lord.” Moses told this to the Israelites. But they didn’t listen to Moses, because of their complete exhaustion and their hard labor."

They were not even able to listen to the good news.

Why is this so? Because sometimes we believe that freedom happens when we are on vacation, when we can relax...

The lesson we need to learn is that we are free people also during work, during errands, during the times of distress; otherwise, we will always feel like slaves.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Parashat Shemot. Text Message

Parashat Shemot (Names)

The second book of the Torah starts with the following words: These are the names of the Israelites who came to Egypt with Jacob...

All the names we will hear are names we already know (with the exception of the midwives who saved the Jewish boys...)

But the second chapter tells us a story without names... A man from the house of Levy (no name) married the daughter of Levy, they had a baby (no name), and his sister (no name) took care of him. Pharaoh's daughter (no name) saved him and called him MOSES.

There are names and names... Names who will be secondary actors and names who will make the difference.

As the famous Israeli poet Zelda wrote, Lechol ish yesh shem, every person has a name.

It is our task to decide what type of actor we want to be.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L