Category Archives: Uncategorized

Redemption of the Firstborn. The Three Pilgrimage Holidays Redemption of the Firstborn Moshe now reiterates the laws regarding the redemption of the firstborn cattle or flock. He says that one must not work the firstborn of their ox, nor shear the firstborn of their flock (nor may one work the firstborn of one’s flock norContinue reading “Re’eh, 7th Aliya”

Shmitta. Giving Charity. Hebrew Slaves. Shmitta Moshe now reiterates the laws regarding Shmitta. At the end of the seven year Shmitta cycle, all loans are to be voided if they were made to a fellow Jew. Loans made to non Jews do not have to be voided. Moshe declares that if they listen to G-dContinue reading “Re’eh, 6th Aliya”

Tithes Moshe now reiterates the laws regarding tithing the land. Rashi explains the reason why this section on tithing as well as the upcoming section on first fruits is written in here, right after the laws regarding cooking a kid in its mother’s milk as follows: Developing kernels of grain are like “kids” still inContinue reading “Re’eh, 5th Aliya”

Kosher and Non Kosher Animals Moshe instructs the Israelites not to make any cuts on their flesh nor shave any part of the head to the point of baldness as a way of mourning their deceased. This was an Amorite practice and as children of G-d it would not befit them to deface themselves inContinue reading “Re’eh, 4th Aliya”

Warnings Against Idolatry Moshe foretells of a time when G-d will expel the other nations from the Land of Israel and the Israelites will live there instead. He warns them not to then become drawn to and curious about those other nations’ idolatrous practices. They should understand that it was these practices which caused themContinue reading “Re’eh, 3rd Aliya”

Sacrificial Stipulations Before the Temple was built in Jerusalem, the Israelites would erect the more temporary Mishkan at their encampments. First in Shiloah, then Nob and then Gibeon. In between these encampments, they were permitted to offer some sacrifices on a bamah (see yesterday’s post for more info). Moshe teaches the nation that once theContinue reading “Re’eh, 2nd Aliya”

Blessings and Curses to Come Moshe predicts that there would come a time when the Levites would bless the nation if they they obey G-d’s commandments, and curse them if they instead worshipped idols. *Side note: Rashi extrapolates from this the teaching that whoever worships idols it is as if he denies the entire Torah.Continue reading “Re’eh, 1st Aliya”

Feared Among the Nations Moshe emphasizes that the Israelites must be extra diligent about learning Torah lest they forget. They should mirror G-d in being merciful as He is merciful. They should attach themselves to Torah sages and disciples and in so doing, G-d will consider it as though they are attaching themselves to HimContinue reading “Eikev, 7th Aliyah”

Preparations for Entering the Land of Israel Moshe tells the nation that Israel is a superior country to Egypt. Rashi explains how this is so by going into the origin of both countries: Both the cities of Zohan with Egypt and Chevron within Israel were built by Cham. Cham built Zohan for his eldest sonContinue reading “Eikev, 6th Aliya”

Moshe Beseeches the Nation Moshe beseeches the nation, saying that even after all of the things they did to anger G-d He still feels mercy and affection for them and asks only* that they fear Him, walk in His ways, love Him, and worship Him with all their heart and soul. *Side note: Rashi notesContinue reading “Eikev, 5th Aliya”