Dovid Saks

Author's posts

It Spreads!

Our entire Parsha speaks of various sacrificial offerings that were performed in the Temple. Although we have not merited the rebuilding of our Temple to personally experience and witness the awe-inspiring service of the Temple, there are many lessons that are derived from the procedures and happenings of the Temple that inject insight and inspiration …

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Testimonial!

This Shabbos is called Shabbos Zachor. It gets its title from the Mitzvah that we fulfill by reading the portion of the Torah that tells us to Zachor – remember – the nation of Amalek, who hated G-d and the Jewish nation, and attacked us shortly after we were miraculously freed from Egypt. Every year …

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Under Scrutiny!

After the Jews sinned with the golden calf they were commanded to construct a Temple for G-d. It took only two days for them to contribute the large amounts of gold, silver, copper, precious stones and other necessary materials! So great was the desire of the Jews to restore G-d’s presence amongst them. Betzalel and …

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Unflinching!

After a traditional Jewish wedding, the celebration continues for the next seven days. For the next six nights family or friends host beautiful Sheva Brochos meals. Sheva Brochos means seven blessings because seven blessings are recited after Grace after Meals over a cup of wine in honor of the Choson and Kalah – bride and …

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The 29th!

Our Parsha describes the unsettling incident when a portion of the Jews worshipped the golden calf. This occurred while our leader Moshe was in heaven for 40 days and nights being taught by G-d Himself the entirety of Torah with all its laws and details. Issues began when the Egyptian contingent that joined the Jews …

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Following!

I have an early childhood recollection of walking from Shul with my father and older brother. To keep me entertained, my brother would tell me, “Look, it appears the moon is following you.” He said, “Watch, if you go to the left of me, or to the right of me, the moon will always follow …

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Incalculable!

The Parsha of Teruma begins with the command for every Jew to contribute toward the construction of the Temple in the desert. In the course of this command the Torah mentions the word, “Teruma –contribution” three times. Our Sages tell us that each mention of Teruma refers to a specific donation. The first Teruma was …

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First Down!

The Torah states the responsibilities and liabilities of custodians for items entrusted with them to safeguard. There are four basic types of custodians: Shomer Chinam – someone who takes responsibility to watch an item without payment. Shomer Sochar – someone who is paid to watch an item. A Shoel – a borrower, and a Sachir …

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He Joined!

Our portion is called Yisro. The Torah identifies Yisro as the minister of the country of Midyan, and the father-in-law of our leader Moshe. Our Sages tell us that Yisro had previous connections to Egypt. He was actually one of the three main advisors to the Pharoh. When Pharoh asked their opinion what to do …

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Revival!

This week, Aviva Silverman, the bereaved mother of IDF soldier Uriel Silverman, who fell fighting in the Southern Gaza strip, spoke movingly and passionately at her son’s funeral and called for an end to the divisiveness within Israel. Aviva addressed her words to the media and said that, “I don’t think you realize how much …

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