Torah Portions

Shalom! This is our commentary on the portion Ki tavo – “when you come (into the land).” In this torah portion, the most prominent feature is the “blessings and curses” presented to Israel as a result of obedience or disobedience. Yet, there are other pretty interesting components in this portion. One of them is a […]

Shalom. Here is our audio commentary on the torah portion ki tetze – “when you go out.” There are so many issues that are addressed in this portion that it would require an essay to summarize them for you here; I will simply highlight some of the major ones for you. –The “beloved wife” and […]

Shalom. Here is the audio commentary on the portion, shoftim or “judges.” The main emphasis of this portion is the status, qualifications and responsibilities of the officers and leaders of Israel: judges, the king, priests and the prophets. Of particular interest is Moses’ prophecy of “a prophet like unto me.” There was a lot to […]

Shalom. This is the (lengthy) commentary on Re’eh – “to see.” There was so much material in this portion – the Place where He sets His Name, false prophets and lying signs as well as the Year of Release – that I couldn’t limit it to the typical 60 – 90 minute format. As you […]

Shalom. This is my commentary on the parsha Ekev or “reward.” This focuses on the spiritual preparations for possessing the land. In this portion we learn that for Israel to do so meant they must resist the temptation of foreign gods as the well as the temptation that the fertile land and its bounty would […]

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the portion called V’etchanan. This sidrah covers quite a few topics including the prohibition not to mingle with the inhabitants of the Land and Israel’s creed to live by – the Sh’ma. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: http://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vetchanan.pdf

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the initial Torah portion of D’varim, called D’varim – “words.” !In the portion, Moses encourages Israel to, not only listen to his words but, hear him. He exhorts them, as they prepare to enter the land, not to fear the obstacles, namely, the giants and the fortified cities. […]

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the concluding Torah portion of B’midbar, Massei – “journeys.” This portion gives an overview of Israel’s journeys through the wilderness, from the departure from Egypt until the encampment on the plains of Moav. Also included are instructions to Israel to drive out all the inhabitants of Canaan; the […]

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the Torah portion, Mattot. As this portion begins, it focuses on the sacredness of vows. This principle becomes very important as the portion unfolds for the tribes of Reuben and Gad. We also see in the war against Midian that Israel must learn the importance of destroying that […]

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the Torah portion, Pinchas. The beginning of this sidrah continues the narrative of Pinchas’ actions as a result of the sin of Ba’al Peor. As a reward for his righteous zeal, he is promoted from Levitical status to that of priest. We also read of Moses’ impending death […]