Parshas Bo

BO I. Truth 1. ‘And against the children of Israel no dog [Heb. kalev] shall wag it’s tongue.’ (Shemos* 11.7) We can explain this verse in our usual manner. [It is known that] the Torah* was given without any vowels. [For that reason] we are allowed to assign each vowel as we wish according to …

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Parshas Bereishis

Bereishis * I. The wicked and the righteous 1. ‘And it was evening and it was morning…’ (Bereishis 1.5) The *Midrash says, ‘”And it was evening” these are the deeds of the wicked, “and it was morning” these are the deeds of the *Tzaddikim…’ I heard my master *ZT’L [the Baal Shem Tov] explain this …

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Parshas Beshalach

Beshalach I. The greater miracle 1. ‘The water return before morning to its strength.’ (Shemos* 14.26) The following story occurred with the Baal Shem Tov. There was a person who had learned books of philosophy and science. He wanted to go to the Baal Shem Tov with a serious question he had. According to his …

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Sheva Brachot – Seven Blessings

Transliterated and Translated Sheva Brachot * Please consult with your rabbi regarding the use of the word HaShem and the correct pronunciation of the spoken name. 1. Baruch Ata HaShem Elokainu Melech HaOlam, SheHakol Barah Lichvodo You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, who created everything for his glory. ********************************************************* 2. …

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Parshas Behar

Behar I. A higher level of service 1. ‘When you will make a sale to one of your people or you will purchase something from the hand of one of your people’ (V’yikra* 25.14) Being occupied with one’s livelihood as also considered a service of HaShem* and [is a part of the] Torah*. The reason …

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Some Laws Concerning Mezuzah

Before being affixed, the Mezuzah is placed in a cover or case, made of glass, wood, metal, plastic or any other material. Care should also be taken not to put the Scroll of the Mezuzah in the case upside-down.