"The Daughters of Zelophechad" - Leumit Iris Wexler (Israel) This week's parashah is Pinchas, Bamidbar/Numbers 25:10-30:1. It includes the brave daughters of Zelophechad, who went before Moses to ask that they be allowed to inherit the estate of their late father, who died without a male heir. Aviva and Yeuhdah Plaut lead our Torah study, Continue Reading »

Matot מַּטּוֹת(“Tribes”) Bamidbar/Numbers 30:2-36:13 opens with laws about vows, and continues to describe the Israelites’ war against the Midianites and the allocation of spoils. The tribes of Reuben and Gad request to dwell outside of the Land of Israel, and Moses acquiesces on the condition that they help conquer it. Masei מַסְעֵי (“Travels”), the final Torah portion in the Book Continue Reading »

Vaetchanan וָאֶתְחַנַּן (“I Pleaded”) Devarim/Deuteronomy 3:23- 7:11 opens as Moses describes his pleading with God to be allowed into the Land of Israel. Moses warns the Israelites not to pursue idolatry and recounts the giving of the Ten Commandments. The portion also contains the Shema, a declaration of faith and a central text in Jewish prayer. We'll read and Continue Reading »