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Q&A : Nitzavim Vayeilech

09/10/2020 02:28:00 PM

Sep10

Rabbi Edward Davis

QUESTIONS FOR PARSHIYOT NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH 5780
by Rabbi Edward Davis,

From the Text
1. “You are standing today...” (29:9). Which day was it?
2. What will happen to Bnei Yisrael when they will repent when in Exile? (30:35)
3. How old was Moshe when he died?
4. Before he died, Moshe wrote a Sefer Torah. To whom did he give it? (31:9)
5. What are the last two Mitzvot of the Torah? (31:10-13 and...Read more...

Torah Dialogue : Nitzavim Vayeilech

09/10/2020 02:21:15 PM

Sep10

Rabbi Edward Davis

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 23 Elul 5780. We do not bensch Rosh Chodesh Tishrei which will be next Shabbat because it is Rosh HaShanah. We begin saying Selichot tonight. Rosh HaShanah is next Shabbat and Sunday.

TORAH DIALOGUE 
Deuteronomy 29:9
Compiled by Rabbi Edward Davis (RED)

1.     “You are standing today... before Hashem, your God.” (29:9). Hayom refers to a special day. Some say it is the...Read more...

Torah Dialogue : Ki Tavo

09/02/2020 05:44:20 PM

Sep2

Rabbi Edward Davis

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 16 Elul 5780.

TORAH DIALOGUE 
KI TAVO    Deuteronomy 26:1
Compiled by Rabbi Edward Davis (RED)

1.    The first paragraph of this Parshah is dedicated to the law of Bikkurim, whereby the Jewish farmer brings his First Fruits to a Kohen at the Holy Temple. And he makes a declaration of national identity. He recounts how Yaakov our forefather was threatened (by Lavan)...Read more...

Q&A : Ki Tavo

09/02/2020 05:37:19 PM

Sep2

Rabbi Edward Davis

QUESTIONS FOR PARSHAT KI TAVO 5780
From the Text
1. When did Bnei Yisrael bring the Bikkurim, the First Fruits to the Holy Temple?
2. What happened to the Ma’aser Sheini, the second tithe, on the 3rd and 6th year of the seven year cycle?
3. During the Blessings and the Curses, who stood in the valley loudly pronouncing the Blessings and the Curses? (27:14)
4. The Tochachah (the Admonition), consisting of many...Read more...

Q&A: Ki Teitzei

08/27/2020 03:05:09 PM

Aug27

Rabbi Edward Davis

QUESTIONS FOR PARSHAT KI TEITZEI 5780
by Rabbi Edward Davis

From the Text
1. Which are optional wars? And which are obligatory wars?
2. Why does the Torah command us to erect a fence around a flat roof? (22:8)
3. How does a man divorce his wife? (24:2)
4. What are the six Daily Mitzvot of Zachor — Remembering? (two are in this Parshah) Devarim 16, Devarim 4, Devarim 25, Devarim 9, and Shemot 20.
5. Who in...Read more...

Torah Dialogue: Ki Teitzei

08/27/2020 03:00:47 PM

Aug27

Rabbi Edward Davis

KI TEITZEI     Deuteronomy 21:10
Compiled by Rabbi Edward Davis (RED)

1.    The Wayward Son. The Torah explicitly states that we execute a rebellious son who steals from his parents and disobeys them. The Mishnah in Sanhedrin restricts the application of this law, limiting it only to a son during the three months prior to attaining puberty. No wonder the Talmud states (Sanhedrin 71a) that “there has...Read more...

Q&A : Shoftim

08/19/2020 03:06:56 PM

Aug19

Rabbi Edward Davis

QUESTIONS FOR PARSHAT SHOFTIM 5780

From the Text
1. What cases were handled by a court of three? Of 23? Of 71?
2. Why were the Leviyim not permitted to receive land in Israel? (18:2)
3. How many Cities of Refuge were there? (4:41 and 19:2)
4. What are the Eidim Zomemim and what was their punishment? (19:19)
5. What is the law of the Unsolved Murder: the Axed Calf (Eglah Arufah)? (21:1-9)

From Rashi
6....Read more...

Torah Dialogue : Shoftim

08/19/2020 03:03:10 PM

Aug19

Rabbi Edward Davis

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 2 Elul 5780.

SHOFTIM     Deuteronomy 16:18
Compiled by Rabbi Edward Davis (RED)

1.    This Parshah deals with the unique Halachic status of the leaders of Bnei Yisrael. We Americans are quite familiar with the different branches of national leadership. There are three divisions: the Executive branch (the President and his staff), the Legislative (Congress), and the...Read more...

Q&A : Re'eh

08/13/2020 02:35:26 PM

Aug13

Rabbi Edward Davis

From the Text
1. What was the physical difference between Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Eival?
2. Why would Hashem allow a false prophet to come and predict an event accurately? (13:4)
3. What is the punishment for a Wayward City (a city in Israel whose inhabitants worship idolatry)? (13:16,17)
4. Which of the following is kosher: Ibex, Giraffe, Antelope, Camel, and Bison?
5. Which tithes are taken in the 7th year?

From...Read more...

Torah Dialogue : Re'eh

08/13/2020 02:30:13 PM

Aug13

Rabbi Edward Davis

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 25 Av, 5780. We bensch Rosh Chodesh Elul which will be this Thursday and Friday. The Molad (reappearance of the moon) will be this Wednesday, early morning at 1:54am and 16 chalakim (about 53 seconds). We omit Av HaRachamim.

RE'EH  Deuteronomy 11:26
Compiled by Rabbi Edward Davis (RED)

1.    It is a Mitzvah for Bnei Yisrael to support the Leviyim (see 12:19). When the Torah...Read more...

Q&A: Eikev

08/05/2020 01:49:23 PM

Aug5

Rabbi Edward Davis

QUESTIONS FOR PARSHAT EIKEV 5780
by Rabbi Edward Davis

From the Text
1. What are the seven “fruits” of Eretz Yisrael? (8:8)
2. Which of these blessings are from the Torah and which are from the Rabbis? a) HaMotzi, b) Birkat HaMazon, c) Al Achilat Matzah, d)Hallel
3. Bnei Yisrael will possess Eretz Yisrael, but not because of their righteousness. What two reasons will work in their favor? (9:5)
4. What was...Read more...

Torah Dialogue: Eikev

08/05/2020 01:45:30 PM

Aug5

Rabbi Edward Davis

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 18 Av 5780.

EIKEV   Deuteronomy 7:12
Compiled by Rabbi Edward Davis (RED)

1.    In the beginning of Parshat Eikev, the Torah describes the Promised Land as a fabulous, endowed country, blessed with water, fruit, and grain, mines with copper and iron. The fact that the Torah does not mention citrus fruit is not a concern. We see today that the land has some beautiful fruit that...Read more...

Q&A: Va'etchanan

07/30/2020 12:58:15 PM

Jul30

Rabbi Edward Davis

From the Text
1. What exactly did Moshe ask of Hashem now? (3:25)
2. How does the Torah describe the Jewish experience in Egypt? (4:20)
3. When did Bnei Yisrael first hear about the Mitzvah of Shabbat? (Exodus 16:23-27)
4.  Name Mitzvot that are in the first paragraph of the Shema? (6:4-9)
5. Where is the proper place for us to put the Tefillin of the head? (6:8)

From Rashi
6. How many Hebrew verbs are...Read more...

Torah Dialogue : Va'etchanan

07/30/2020 12:52:46 PM

Jul30

Rabbi Edward Davis

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 11 Av 5780, Shabbat Nachamu. We can say Kiddush Levanah tonight, moon-willing. The special Haftorah is the beginning of the seven special Haftorahs leading up to Rosh HaShanah.

VA'ETCHANAN  Deuteronomy 3:23
Compiled by Rabbi Edward Davis 

1.    The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2) describes a revealing dialogue between Moshe and Hashem. Moshe: Master of the Universe, Yosef’s...Read more...

Q&A: Devarim

07/22/2020 02:21:37 PM

Jul22

Rabbi Edward Davis

From the Text
1. How long did Chumash Devarim take? (1:3-)
2. For what purpose did the people ask for a Spy Mission into the Promised Land? (1:22)
3. What rewards did Calev and Yehoshua receive for being the “good spies”? (1:36,38)
4. After the failed Spy Mission, they stayed in Kaddish for many days. How long did they stay there? (1:46)
5. Reuven, Gad, and half of Menasheh were allowed to settle east of the Jordan...Read more...

Torah Dialogue: Devarim

07/22/2020 02:16:06 PM

Jul22

Rabbi Edward Davis

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 4 Av 5780, Shabbat Chazon, named after the special Haftorah for the Shabbat before Tisha B’Av, which will be this Wednesday evening.

DEVARIM   Deuteronomy 1:1
Compiled by Rabbi Edward Davis

1. And Moshe spoke to “all of Israel” (1:1). This is the first message of Moshe Rabbeinu, when he is speaking to ALL of Israel. (Actually, I cannot even imagine how that occurred. One man speaking to...Read more...

Torah Dialogue: Mattot-Mass'ei

07/15/2020 04:36:33 PM

Jul15

Rabbi Edward Davis

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 26 Tammuz 5780. We bensch Rosh Chodesh Av, which will be this Wednesday. The Molad (re-appearance of the moon) will be this Monday afternoon at 1:10pm and 15 chalakim (50 seconds). We omit Av HaRachamim.

MATTOT-MASS’EI    
Numbers 30:2
Compiled by Rabbi Edward Davis

1. The concept of a vow or oath is extremely powerful in Halachah. And it sends a profound message to us all: that...Read more...

Q&A: Parshiyot Mattot-Mass'ei

07/15/2020 04:29:40 PM

Jul15

Rabbi Edward Davis

From the Text
1. How large of an army did Moshe raise to fight Midian? (31:4,5)
2. Who led the army in its fight with Midian? (31:6)
3. How was a metal utensil kashered? (31:23)
4. What did Bnei Gad and Bnei Reuven request from Moshe? (32:3,4)
5. What answer did Moshe give the tribe of Menasheh when they raised the question of whom the daughters of Tzelaphchad should marry? (36:6)

From Rashi
6. If a girl makes...Read more...

Q&A: Parshat Pinchas

07/08/2020 04:47:24 PM

Jul8

Rabbi Edward Davis

 

From the Text

1. What was Pinchas’ reward for killing the immoral couple? (25:12,13)
2. Why did Hashem command Moshe to wage war on the Midianites? (25:18)
3. Tricky question. Each name mentioned in the census had the letter “hey” added to the beginning and the letter “yud” to the end, indicating Hashem’s name. Which name was this not done to? (26:44)
4. What did the daughters of Tzelaphchad want...Read more...

Torah Dialogue Pinchas

07/08/2020 12:49:46 PM

Jul8

Rabbi Edward Davis

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 19 Tammuz 5780. The Haftorah for today is Jeremiah, chapter one, the Haftorah for Mattot, since this Shabbat is the first of the Three Weeks, the “Three Haftorahs of Punishment.”

PINCHAS   Numbers 25:10
Compiled by Rabbi Edward Davis

1. A Kohen who commits a murder is not permitted to perform his ritual functions in the Holy Temple. Today there are Responsa which permit a Kohen soldier...Read more...

Torah Dialogue Chukat-Balak

07/01/2020 04:41:51 PM

Jul1

Rabbi Edward Davis

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 12 Tammuz 5780. Kiddush Levanah can be said tonight. The fast of Shiva Assar B’Tammuz is this Thursday, beginning the Three Weeks.

TORAH  DIALOGUE CHUKAT-BALAK Numbers 19:1

1.    I have written before about an effort in Israel to develop a Red Cow. Rabbi Richman, who had been involved with the Temple Institute (he left there in January 2020) was heavily involved with a...Read more...

Q&A: Parshiyot Chukat-Balak 5780

07/01/2020 04:33:52 PM

Jul1

Rabbi Edward Davis

From the Text
1. What happened to the Red Cow? (19:5)
2. How did Moshe err and hit the rock to get water? (20:8)
3. Where did Aharon die and where is he buried ? (20:22)
4. What two kings did Moshe and Bnei Yisrael defeat on their way to the Promised Land? (21:22-35)
5. How many sacrifices did Balak end up offering to Hashem? (Chapter 23)
From Rashi
6. What is the standard definition of a “Chok”? (19:2)
7....Read more...

Q&A: Parshat Korach

06/24/2020 02:20:49 PM

Jun24

Rabbi Edward Davis

From the Text 
1. Who are the three ringleaders of the rebellion? (16:1)
2. What test did Moshe propose in order to determine who is the Kohen Gadol? (16:6,7)
3. How did the 250 rebels die? (16:35)
4. What did Hashem command Moshe to do with those incense pans? (17:3)
5. How many Jews died by the plague that Hashem sent after the rebellion? (17:14)
From Rashi
6. What question did Korach pose to Moshe (to prove...Read more...

Torah Dialogue Korach

06/24/2020 02:11:26 PM

Jun24

Rabbi Edward Davis

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 5 Tammuz 5780. We say Kiddush Levanah tonight, moon-willing.

TORAH DIALOGUE 
KORACH   
Numbers 16:1

1.    Korach was a very smart man, and he was quite wealthy as well. So why is he risking it all by leading a rebellion? Much is written to get an insight in Korach’s thinking. The Midrash raises a solid point in Korach’s position. The firstborn males were...Read more...

Q&A: Parshat Shelach

06/18/2020 03:23:09 PM

Jun18

Rabbi Edward Davis (RED)

From the Text

1. Whose idea was it to send spies to the Promised Land? (13:2 and Devarim 1:22)
2. Where in the Text does Yehoshua regain his first name of Hoshea?
3. How long was the Spy Mission in the Land? (13:25)
4. Who was the one spy who confronted the other spies on the mission? (13:30)
5. Noting the inferiority the spies considered themselves to be, how did they view themselves in the eyes of the Canaanites?...Read more...

Torah Dialogue: Parshat Shelach

06/18/2020 03:05:45 PM

Jun18

Rabbi Edward Davis (RED)

SHABBAT SHALOM. Today is 28 Sivan 5780. We bensch Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, which will be this Monday and Tuesday. The Molad (the re-appearance of the moon) will be early Sunday morning (Saturday night) at 12:26am and 14 chalakim (about 47 seconds), Jerusalem time. We omit Av HaRachamim.

TORAH DIALOGUE

1.     In Parshat Devarim Moshe wrote that it was the people’s idea to send a Spy Mission into the Promised Land....Read more...

Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784