Parochet (Hebrew: פרוכת) (also paroches, parokhet) is the curtain on the front of the Aron Kodesh (Torah Ark) in a synagogue that covers the Sifrei Torah (Torah scrolls). In most cases, behind the parochet is also a door. This curtain represents the covering that was on the original Ark of the Covenant. The term parochet is used in the Bible to describe the curtain that separated the Kodesh Hakodashim (Holy of Holies) from the main hall of the Temple in Jerusalem. The parochet used in the Temple was made from wool and linen, and was exempt from the laws of Shatnez, which apply only to clothing worn on the body, not to furnishings in a building. Shemot / Exodus 26:31-35 describes this curtain as it existed in the desert Tabernacle. It separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Only the Cohen HaGadol was allowed to pass [...]
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When we study Torah we should be very careful not to read into it things that are not there. At the same time there is an abundance of ideas and issues that are not so obvious to the casual reader. I am not referring to what we might call "reading between the lines," where all sorts of concepts may be developed with little or no actual co ...
Yosef played a big role in saving many lives from the famine. He revealed his identity to his brothers, and called his father to join him in Egypt. Ya’akov delivered a final blessing to each son. Families today gather to welcome the Shabbat. The Father lays his hands on the children and blesses them. to the girls he says "May God make yo ...
R. Bechaye writes that when God’s presence filled the Tabernacle, He said: "Today I am causing My Presence to rest among you; if you sin, My Presence will leave you. But when Messiah comes, My Presence will remain with you permanently. Now you see the Divine Presence through fire, but with the advent of the Messiah you will see it clearl ...
Weekly Sidra: Vayakhel (and he assembled) Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 35:1-38:20 Haftorah: Melachim Alef / I Kings 7:13 – 7:26 "King Solomon sent to Tyre and brought Huram, whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was from Tyre and a skilled craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, ...
Weekly Sidra: Terumah (Gift) Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 25:1-27:19 Haftorah: Yeshayahu / Isaiah 66:1-24 Terumah or Trumah (תְּרוּמָה — Hebrew for "gift" or “offering,” the twelfth word and first distinctive word in the parshah) is the nineteenth weekly Torah porti ...
The traditional menorah that was made according to the pattern given to Moses by God had seven lamps – three lamps on each side of the central flame. This was the lamp stand that stood first in the tabernacle and then later in Solomon’s Temple. The continually burning light was a symbol of the presence of God among His people. But Chanu ...
Relationships and Holiness My Sister, My Land, My God. This week is another double portion in a non-leap year, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim. Acharei means “After the death.” Kedoshim has the meaning of holiness. Caring for others and observing, guarding, and doing what we learn in Torah brings life, develops connection to others, and the Mo ...
This week”s reading is a double portion since it is a nonleap year. We are reading Tazira and Metzora – Vayikra 12-16. These parashot primarily address the issue of purity and impurity. Often these concepts are not understood and called unnecessary, ancient, and not understandable by today’s standards. Ther ...
Weekly Sidra: Vayikra (and He called) Torah Portion: Vayikra / Leviticus 1:1-5:26 Haftorah: Yeshayahu / Isaiah 43:21-44:23 The book of Leviticus is called Vayikra ("and He called") in the Torah, and is also known as the Book of Sacrifices. It is sometimes called Torat Kohanim – the Law of the Priests – since it ...
Weekly Sidra: Vayakhel (and he assembled) Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 35:1–38:20 Haftorah: Melechim alef / 1 Kings 7:13–26 Vayakhel, Wayyaqhel, VaYakhel, Va-Yakhel, Vayak’hel, Vayak’heil, or Vayaqhel (וַיַּקְהֵל – Hebrew for "and he asse ...
Weekly Sidra: Terumah (Gift) Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 25:1-27:19 Haftorah: Yeshayahu / Isaiah 66:1-24 Terumah or Trumah (תרומה — Hebrew for "gift" or “offering,” the twelfth word and first distinctive word in the parasha / sidra) is the nineteenth weekly Torah portion (parshah) in the ...
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