Ki Sisa - Receiving the 7th in the 6th

Why is the concept of Shabbos the introduction to the story of the Golden Calf? Why does Moshe study the Torah for forty days diligently, only to forget it and then receive it as a gift in the end? Why do the Jewish people use the Manna in their idolatrous worship of the Golden Calf? Why do they create the calf at the very moment Hashem is preparing the tablets of the law? What is the concept of extending the Sabbath - the 7th day - into Friday - the 6th? What is the concept of the number forty as it relates to six and seven weeks?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:15

Tetzaveh - Passageway to Eternity

Why is the description of the incense altar left until after the entire construction of the mishkan? Why does it only speak of Ahron, the high priest, if it is permitted for any Kohen to perform that service? What is the special power of the ketores to bring joy and banish the forces of evil? Why does the incense play such a central role in the Yom Kippur service? Why is it hidden in the Kodesh, away from sight?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:41

Terumah - Receving Torah, Receiving God

Why is the story of the revelation at Sinai placed immediately before the command to build a Tabernacle for Hashem's presence? Why is the center of the Tabernacle the place that houses the Ark of the Covenant and the Torah that is within it? Why does the Midrash introduce the command of building the Tabernacle with a description of the greatness of Torah? How is the Torah compared to a princess whose father, the king, comes along with it?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:48

Mishpatim - Angel of Redemption

What is the depth of the three different teachings about what the angel is that Hashem sends to lead the Jewish people - a literal angel, a prophet and the ark of the covenant? What is the concept of an angel? Why does Hashem tell Yaakov to climb the ladder he saw in his dream - the one the angels were climbing? When does Hashem send an angel, and when does Hashem Himself lead the Jewish people? Why is the presence of an angel always accompanied by Hashem's presence and a redemption?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:36