“When you take the census of the children of Israel, each man shall give an atonement for himself to G-d so that the census does not lead to a plague. This shall they give, everyone who passes through the census, a half shekel…”
Among the priestly garments discussed in this week’s parsha are the Choshen (Breastplate) and the Ephod (Apron).
The Midrash connects the opening words of this Parsha, “Speak to the children of Israel, that they shall take for Me an offering…” with the response the Jewish people gave when they were offered the Torah.
The very first subject discussed in this week’s parsha (which comes on the heels of the parsha that describes the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and points to its centrality) concerns a Hebrew servant who is about to go free after serving his six-year term of indentured servitude.
The Ten Commandments (or more correctly, the Ten Statements) are not just a collection of disparate laws. There is a thematic connection between the commandments/statements.
One source for the requirement that we recline at the Seder as we eat the Matzah and drink the Four Cups of Wine is derived by the Midrash from this week’s parsha.
The Mitzvah of Pidyon HaBen-Redemption of the First-Born requires a father to give five sh’kalim-silver coins to a Kohen 30 days after the birth of a first-born son.
During the Passover Seder we drink four cups of wine. The Jerusalem Talmud cites several sources for this requirement.
The beginning of the Book of Shmos-Exodus describes the enslavement of the children of Israel in Egypt after the passing of Joseph and his brothers. Their enslavement continued for many years, but it came to a head when Pharaoh died.
The last parsha of the Book of B’Reishis-Genesis chronicles Jacob’s final words to his twelve sons in which he gave them a message that foreshadows the future Messianic Era.
After Joseph reunites with his brothers and before Jacob is brought to Egypt to reunite with his son, Jacob sends Judah ahead with a mission.
The Torah reading of Mikeitz always coincides with Chanukah. According to the 17th Century sage known as the Shaloh, one may always find a connection between a Holiday and the weekly Torah reading that coincides with that Holiday.
Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt, eventually to serve Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s ministers. The Torah relates how his master’s wife attempted to seduce him and how he resisted temptation.
February 21, 2019