Category Archives: Torah Portion

We have now entered a new stage in the book of Bereshit.  Avraham and Sarah have passed away, Yitzhak marries Rivkah, and after twenty years of prayer and longing, Rivkah gives birth to twin boys, Yaakov and Esav.  “The children agitated within her, and she said, ‘If so, why am I thus?’  And she wentContinue reading “Parshat Toldot 5779”

“Sarah’s lifetime was one hundred years, twenty years, and seven years; the years of Sarah’s life.” (Chapter 23, Verse 1)  Rashi explains, based on the Midrash Raba, why the verse repeats the years of her life separately, and doesn’t just say her lifetime was one hundred and twenty seven years.  Each number comes to teach usContinue reading “Parshat Chayei Sarah 5779”

This was honestly the first time since starting to write a weekly teaching about the Parsha that I didn’t know what to write about.  I had a few ideas, but I couldn’t think of what I wanted to say about them.  Then, after reviewing a parsha article which I translated a few years ago, IContinue reading “Parshat Vayera 5779”

In this week’s parsha we learn the story of Avraham’s journey to Eretz Yisrael and the trials and tribulations which he and Sarah go through once they arrive in the Land.  The Rambam (Maimonides) calls our forefather Avraham ‘the pillar of the world’ (Laws of Idol Worship, 1:2), he stood up for the truth ofContinue reading “Parshat Lech Lecha 5779”

There is an interesting verse in this week’s Parsha regarding G-d’s command to Noach to build an ark, due to the decree of the approaching flood.  “A window (tzohar in Hebrew) shall you make for the Ark, and to a cubit finish it from above.” (Chapter 6, Verse 16)  Rashi brings two options from theContinue reading “Parshat Noach 5779”

Here we go, a new year, a new idea. After spending several years translating other people’s articles on Rebbe Nachman’s teachings, I want to try a new idea this year, sharing a teaching each week on the weekly Torah portion or a special time of the year based upon Rebbe Nachman’s teachings. A new year,Continue reading “Bereshit 5779”

Hi Everyone, This article was posted a few years ago, in 2015, but I wanted to re-post it because I think that it has a meaningful message for this Shabbos and Tisha B’Av.  Everyone should have a meaningful fast.           Tisha B’Av The Way Home Just like it is impossible toContinue reading “Tisha B’Av”

Parashat Nitzavim In Breslov a Fire Burns Spiritual feelings, which we despaired of, come to life again… suddenly I exist.  Suddenly I’m wanted.  Suddenly I’m alive. Harav Israel Asulin Translated by Moshe Neveloff Monday, 23rd of Elul, 5776 BS”D Rosh Hashanah is getting closer.  In kitchens, mothers are working diligently preparing tasty dishes and separatingContinue reading “Parshat Nitzavim”

Abba, Renew Me I don’t know who I was yesterday.  I don’t recognize who I was an hour ago.  I am born now.  Hi, mazal tov, a Jew has come into the world. Harav Israel Asulin Translated by Moshe Neveloff Monday, 16th of Elul 5776 BS”D Our most difficult problem in all areas of life;Continue reading “Parashat Ki Tavo”

A Visit to the Lost and Found Department I lost my joy with a smile which comes from my heart and reaches the eyes of the person who is opposite me… I lost trust, I lost faith, I lost innocence and hope and closeness… Harav Israel Asulin Translated by Moshe Neveloff Monday, 9th of Elul,Continue reading “Parashat Ki Tetze”