The Portion of Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16)
This week’s portion tells of The Children of Israel’s early adventures in the desert, before receiving God’s law at Mount Sinai. Pharaoh once more changes his mind about the Hebrews leaving, and sends his army out after them. God splits the sea, allowing the...
The Clouds of Glory and the Feast of Tabernacles
God watched over the Children of Israel as they traveled through the desert toward the Promised Land, guiding them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The pillars were a constant presence. At dawn the pillar of fire would stand in place,...
Why Wasn’t Joseph Buried in the Land of Israel Immediately Upon His Death?
Like his father Jacob who also died in Egypt, Joseph wanted to be buried in the Promised Land. But unlike his father whose body was embalmed and taken to Hebron directly after his passing, Joseph had to wait 139 years until the Jews left Egypt and were able to fulfill...
What Made Amalek So Evil?
The Hebrews are attacked by the Amalekites in Rephidim. Joshua is ordered by Moses to lead Israel in battle, and Moses watches from a hillside with the staff of God in his hand. When Moses’ hand is raised, Israel prevails, but when it is lowered, Israel falters....
