The Exodus is mentioned numerous times in the Torah, and our calendar is based on the first month (Nissan) as the month of the Exodus. The Torah tells us not to oppress the stranger because we were strangers in Egypt, do not hurt the downtrodden, do not cheat in business etc. because we were slaves in Egypt. The Ramban (Shmot 12:12) says that the reason there are no names for ...
Read MoreSpringtime is the season of redemption, and that is why the Jews were redeemed in the spring. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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Passover is always observed in spring, on the fifteenth day of the month of Nissan (around March or April). The Torah describes the month in which Passover falls as the first month, and emphasizes several times that Pesach occurs in the springtime: God said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying: This month shall be for you the beginning of the months; it shall be for you the ...
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As we are no preparing for Passover, of course, we begin to think about the exile in Egypt and about exile in general. When one becomes familiar with the Torah and with Judaism, one will observe that exile features frequently in the Torah. Adam and Eve are exiled from the Garden of Eden, Cain is exiled, Abraham has to go into exile in Egypt and Jacob and his sons also ...
Read MoreG-d spends two full parshiot discussing physical blemishes that occur on individuals due to moral blemishes. Rabbi Becher suggests that perhaps we should spend more time helping others in need, both spiritually and physically. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Read MoreIn order to understand the commandments surrounding Pesach, one must study the laws. The second law is that we must imitate G-d and redeem someone else from their suffering. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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What Kashrut Is Not This week’s parsha, Shemini, contains most of the laws of Kashrut, the dietary code of Judaism. Anthropologists have viewed the laws of kashrut as superstitious taboos, or a reflection of the eating habits and norms of the ancient Near East. One author explained the prohibitions of kashrut as purely a matter of economic necessity. A number of scholars explain the laws as being an ancient attempt at ...
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Laws and Customs of Purim (From Gateway to Judaism, Mordechai Becher, Mesorah-Artscroll) Purim is preceded by the Fast of Esther on the 13th of the Hebrew month of Adar (usually corresponding to late February or early March). The fast begins at dawn and ends at night. It commemorates the fact that Queen Esther and the Jews of her city fasted before she entered the king’s chambers to ask him for ...
Read MoreRabbi Becher shares some items in his personal artifacts collection and explains how they relate to the Purim story. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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Very soon Jews all over the world will celebrate the festival of Purim. Our Temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, and we were exiled to Babylon and Persia (modern day Iraq and Iran). Haman ascended to power under the Persian Empire and was at the peak of his political influence and wealth. As we know, Haman hatched a plot to destroy all the Jewish people, something with ...
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