Corporate Torah

Parshat Pekudei – HaChodesh Dvar Torah Parshat Pekudei summarizes the 4 Parshiot documenting the construction of the  Mishkan  and in its 92 verses the phrase " כאשר צוה ה' את משה " “Like Hashem commanded Moshe” (or variation as such) appears a whopping 18 times. As we well know, even the best laid plans (que to MT) are subject to execution risks hampering the full potential impact. In the assembly of the Mishkan however, the fidelity of the execution to the plan was 1:1. Moshe, Betzalel (architect of the  Mishkan ), and the rest of Bnei Yisrael completely dedicated themselves to doing this holy work  exactly  as it was supposed to be done. Perhaps, this wholehearted and painstaking dedication is thus memorialized in this week’s parsha to serve as an inspiration for future generations. Trivia Personal one this time, I was born the week of Pekudei and am named after its two heroes – Betzalel and Moshe Shabbat in/out times Yerushalayim 18:20/19:34 Kfar G...

Shabbat Parshat Vayakhel – Parah Dvar Torah Out of the four  Parshiot  chronicling the planning and assembly of the  Mishkan  (Tabernacle), Vayakhel has the most extensive description (Exodus 35:4-36:7) of the spirit of activism and volunteerism the people showed in completing the Mishkan. Of note is that the men and women gave generously not just from their money (e.g. Ex. 35:21-24), but also their skills and time (e.g. Ex. 35:25-26). They did not give passively, but gave with such enthusiasm, that there were too many resources available (Ex. 36:5-7). Importantly, the volunteer movement was introduced and framed within the broader commitment of service to G-d (35:1-3), accentuating the importance of personal commitment to a spiritual cause over the spiritualization of personal commitments. Perhaps, the lesson of Vayekhel for us is to generalize this spirit of volunteerism into our own Judaism, investing not just our wealth but also our skills and time with enthus...

Shabbat Parshat Ki-Tisa First off, a Happy Purim to everyone! In the words of the Megillah, wishing us all light and joy on this special day Dvar Torah The Parshah opens up with the Mitzva of  machatzit hashekel  – the annual giving of half-shekel coins which doubled as a census and as a fund for the Temple service. The denomination of half a Shekel is not incidental and indicates the interdependence of the Jewish People, we each need each other to be part of something bigger, and every single person counts. We need each and every one of us to come together to achieve great things. A personal anecdote: A few weeks ago, ahead of an early morning flight from London, I saw a gentleman who was praying  shacharit  in solitude at the side of the gate before the flight. I joined him and it was just the two of us with our  Tefillin  (phylacteries) and  Talit  (prayer shawl). As we concluded he remarked to me " עוד אחת, זה עוד הרבה יותר " - “Just on...

Shabbat Parshat Tetzave – Zachor Dvar Torah The garments of the  Kohen Gadol  (High Priest) are heavily symbolic, invoking themes of service before G-d for the Jewish People like the  Choshen  (breastplate) which was filled with gems inscribed with the names of the tribes of Israel to be worn above the Kohen Gadol’s  heart . Interestingly, the bottom of the Kohen Gadol’s robe required bells “so that the sound of it is heard when he comes into the sanctuary before G-d” ( Ex. 28:35 ). As a spiritual leader who metaphorically carried the Jewish People on his heart, the Torah makes clear that the Kohen Gadol needed to be constantly aware and intentional about his movements and surroundings. The mantle of true leadership is literally attached with bells to accentuate the need for humility and self-awareness, while simultaneously commanding respect from its surroundings when it is heard Trivia This Shabbat we will read Parshat Zachor which is considered a separa...