Parshah Fine Print

Analysis of Rambam’s statement about the specialty of the mitzvah of Bris Millah.

The Rebbe Rashab as a young child cried to his grandfather that Hashem doesn’t reveal Himself to him like to Avraham—as he learned in parshas Vayeira. In truth, Hashem already appeared to Avraham in last parsha, so why did the Rashab only cry now?

For the deeper connection between the parsha and the 19th of Kislev, explore how the liberation of the Alter Rebbe was a redemption through peace.

When Yaakov instructs Yosef to have him buried in Israel, he insists Yosef swears.

Learn about the special power of Moses’ birth and how it absolves death.

The four cups of wine at the Pesach seder correspond to the four expressions of Redemption in the Torah. So why not four matzahs too?

When one becomes Bar Mitzvah between the first and second Passover, does he need to do the Pesach offering again? Get ready for a beautiful Talmudic style analysis.

There are three views on how the people joined Moshe in song at the splitting of the sea. Learn how these differing opinions correspond to three levels of unity.

The Rambam details three steps needed for conversion, including bringing a sacrifice in Temple times. So what is the convert’s status today when no sacrifice can be offered?

How is there doubt in the interpretation of the verse, yet we seem to know clearly how the Temple menorah was fashioned?

The name of Moshe isn’t mentioned in the portion of Tetzaveh, hinting to his passing, which is this time of year on the 7th of Adar. But Moshe was also born on the 7th of Adar, so where’s that alluded to in the parsha?

In answering how the Jews “enjoying the king’s banquet” can be the reason for Haman’s horrific decree of total destruction, we gain incredible insight into the critical interplay of human effort and Divine blessings, and the natural and the miraculous.

Shortly before his passing, the Fifth Chabad Rebbe (known as Rashab) said: I go to heaven, the writings I leave you. Discover the deeper meaning of these powerful words.

The Rebbe zooms in on key passages in the haggadah and asks many pointed questions. In classic Torah brilliance, he uncovers the overarching theme of the Passover liberation, which beautifully resolves all these questions.

The name of the parsha Shemini, contains the primary theme of the entire Torah portion. The number eight represents Divine transcendence that is beyond nature. Yet eight denotes a continuation of the natural order of seven.

Talmudic style analysis of Rambam’s rulings on when a rich man vows to bring a poor man’s offering or vice versa. In resolving what appears as conflicting rulings in two sections of Rambam, we see how one’s monetary commitment to atone for another, enriches oneself.

Learn why Rashi interprets the mitzvah of not placing an obstacle before the blind, as a metaphor for not giving improper advice.

In deviating from the standard order of the holidays, Rambam teaches a novel insight into how the holidays have a continual effect.

The Torah addresses the logical question of how will we have food, if we observe Shemitah and don’t work or harvest the field that year. What’s curious is where in the Torah this question is raised.

Our Sages say: “Woe to the wicked and woe to his neighbor” in reference to the tribe of Reuven being affected by Korach’s rebellion. A closer look at three different sources for this teaching, offers three ways to understand a neighbor’s impact.

From everything that happened the day prior to the Giving of the Torah, the Talmud singles out one detail: Moshe built an altar and offered a sacrifice.

The spiritual dimension of the Levites transporting the Mishkan in the desert is a model for our spiritual mission today.

Who can be a prophet? Explore the Rambam’s requirements for one to attain prophecy, and why it looks different from the description in the Talmud. This insight elucidates why prophecy is a fundamental of our faith.

Delving deep into the perplexing story of the spies is a perfect template to examine the interplay of a Jew’s unquestioning faith and commitment, with the process of logic to make it your own decision.

Explore Rambam on the three crowns of priesthood, kingship, and Torah—and how the Torah is the greatest of them all. Compare and contrast Rambam’s text sources and uncover our essential relationship with the crown of Torah.

Though the Parah Adumah (the red heifer) is prepared by the Kohen, it’s very much associated with Moshe. Learn why is this mitzvah linked to Moses, and what is its spiritual application today?

The sons of Korach were part of the original rebellion and hence swallowed up by the ground with Korach, yet in the end, they mysteriously survived. Learn how it all correlates to the nature of their teshuvah.

The Torah lists the 42 places where the Jewish People journeyed to in the desert. Why does the Torah refer to the destinations where they encamped as journeys? Learn a profound message regarding our mission to always travel higher.

On the Shabbat prior to Tisha B’Av, known as Shabbos Chazon, everyone is shown a vision of the future Holy Temple. The Chassidic masters offer a parable of a precious suit to clarify the significance of this vision. Why does a garment fit better than a home to explain the house of Hashem?