An unusual verb yields a vastly different meaning- and lesson- in the story of the fiery snakes. Complaints, providence, and the wilderness and one grammatical note leave us with an important reminder.

Chukat-Balak: Let My Serpents Go

Take a few minutes to study the parsha with Rabbi Sprung on Thursdays from Bereshit to V'Zot Habracha. Find the Parsha Pick-Me-Up on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Join me for a special episode focused on Yom Yerushalayim with Rabbi Jordan Silvestri, Head of School at the Robert M. Beren Academy.  Rabbi Silvestri and I discuss Rabbi Doron Perez's essay, 'Six Days in June on “Eagles Wings”.  This special episode was sponsored by Elise and Marc Passy to mark the yartzeit of Elise's father, Jerard Cohen, Yosef ben Yehuda, of blessed memory. 

Bonus Episode: Yom Yerushalayim with Rabbi Jordan Silvestri

What does the im, supposedly "if" really mean? The Sages tell us it means something much more meaningful than just "if." This word opens our Torah portion and contains within it so much more.  Take three minutes to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more.  Source: Avoda 5a. 

Bechukotai: "If"

God chose the 7th day of the week and the 7th year of the Shmitah cycle to be special for Him but the special nature of these Sabbaths is dependent upon us.  Take three minutes to listen to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more. 

Behar: A Time and Place for God

Our Torah portion begins with our deepest hope and greatest fear: getting credit for our children or receiving opprobrium. 

Emor: Cursed is that One, Fortunate the Other

Our verse functions as a sort of warning: don’t turn to false gods, since, in the end, you may come to think that they are real.

Chukat-Balak: Let My Serpents Go

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