Thoughts on the Parashah

Parshat Mishpatim – פרשת משפטים

Parshat Mishpatim – פרשת משפטים February 22, 2020 – כז שבט תשפ This essay is sponsored by Sisterhood in honor of the birth of Reuven Zalman Horowitz, son of Dr. Andrea & Josh Horowitz, grandson of David & Barbara Horowitz. Contradictory Verses The standard term of service for a Hebrew slave was six years. A slave who loved his...

by February 20, 2020 – 26 Shevat 5780

Parshat Bo – פרשת בא

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Bo – פרשת בא February 1, 2020 – ו שבט תשפ This essay is sponsored by Honey & Sol Neier and Claire & Sam Krumper in memory of Roslyn Levine. The Unbroken Bone The original Paschal Lamb was slaughtered on the penultimate

by February 1, 2020 – 7 Shevat 5780

Parshat Va’era – פרשת וארא

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Va’era – פרשת וארא January 25, 2020 – כח טבת תשפ This essay is dedicated in memory of Shlomo Scharf Z”L. Faith and Trust Moses’ popularity among the Israelites declined as his promise of national freedom from bondage failed to materialize...

by January 25, 2020 – 29 Tevet 5780

The Scepter Parted from Judah

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Vayechi – פרשת ויחי January 11, 2020 – יד טבת תשפ The Scepter Parted from Judah Jacob blessed his fourth son, Judah, with the promise of future leadership in Israel: “The scepter shall not pass from Judah, nor the mace from between...

by January 10, 2020 – 13 Tevet 5780

Life Interrupting Prayer

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Vayigash – פרשת ויגש January 4, 2020 – ז טבת תשפ Life Interrupting Prayer The reunion of father and son after a lengthy period apart will, inevitably, be an emotional moment for each. The commentators are, accordingly, baffled by the...

by January 4, 2020 – 7 Tevet 5780

Parshat Miketz – פרשת מקץ

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Miketz – פרשת מקץ December 28, 2019 – ל כסלו תשפ Leadership Change The sons of Jacob found themselves in an impossible situation. Having traveled to Egypt to buy food to sustain their families through the ongoing famine, they encountered...

by December 28, 2019 – 1 Tevet 5780