Mining The Riches Of The Parsha

We discuss helping only when it is wanted, abandoning your inclination in order to transform, the reach of bribery, and the balance of substance and awe.

We discuss the subtlety of the Siddur (prayer book), sensitivity to emotional nuances in omitting Av HaRachamim, and changes for a Jewish leap year.

We discuss Yitro's honorable title, seeking truth, are there 10 commandments, why we stand when we read this passage, and the structure of these 10 statements.

We discuss re-interpreting Az Yashir for our time, and the role and purpose of Torah reading during our prayer service.

We discuss bitter waters, the first of two layers of Shabbat, and the origins of Jewish ethics of war.

We discuss the significance of the exodus from Egypt in relation to prayer, how Passover completes our understanding of Shabbat, and lessons from Az Yashir – that prayer must be exuberant and joyous.

We discuss the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, go to Pharaoh or come to Pharaoh, and dogs vs. donkeys.

We discuss how the exodus narrative reflects God's creative essence, and how that is repeated in our history and our lives, why we say Hallel on Rosh Chodesh, a Rabbi Biderman story on the purpose of obstacles, how to speak when the heart is closed, and the self-destructive power of anger.

We discuss Batya - a most unexpected hero, why did God choose Moshe, and what final lesson qualified Moshe for leadership.

We discuss the three times the word VaYigash is used re prayer, covering our eyes for Shma, and adding Baruch Shem to Shma.