Category: Culture

  • Morality & Religion

    The difference between the Torah and previous law codes is that the previous law codes were totally secular. The Torah states that even “secular” or ethical laws are from God.

  • The Basis of a Good Society

    The 5th Commandment is more than good advice. It is pointing out that the basis of a good society is the two parent family. Without which society would fall apart.

  • Taking God’s Name in Vain

    The most common understanding of the Commandment of not taking God’s Name in vain is that we should not swear falsely. Another understanding is that we should not do commit a crime in His Name.

    https://youtu.be/BB3q6YJv-yY

  • Even Moses Had His Limits

    When Jethro comes to visit his son in law, Moses, he gives him the advice to delegate responsibilities. He does not have to carry the full burden on himself.

  • Don’t Rely on Others

    One of the problems with the Jews was that they were used to having all of their needs taken care of. One of the lessons of the Torah was that we should not rely only of God but have to work to take care of ourselves. That is what freedom really means.

  • God Wants Action, Not Words

    When the Jews get to the Red Sea they seem to be trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s army. Moses prays and God tells him to quit praying and jump into the sea. This shows God wants action, not just prayers.

  • Freedom Comes With a Price

    The portion starts out with the Jews avoiding going directly to the Land of Israel lest they get into a war with the Philistines and run back to Egypt. It ends with the Jews fighting Amalek. They had to learn that there was no going back to Egypt.

  • Getting Egypt Out of the Jews

    More important that getting the Jews out of Egypt was to get Egyptian culture out of the Jews. God wanted the Jews to be a moral and ethical people and to reject the immorality of Egypt.

  • God Wants Action From Us

    The reason for the Pascal Sacrifice before the plague of the killing of the first born was that God wanted to see that the Jews were willing to take action for their freedom.

  • The True Plague of Darkness

    The plague of darkness was much more than three days of darkness. According to the Torah, Egypt was a land of darkness while the Jews, if they follow the Torah are in light.