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    • Hespedim HaGaon HaRav Moshe Shapira ZT”L
    • Stories Rav Moshe ZT”L told about the Brisker Rov ZT”L
    • Memories of Rav Moshe Shapira zt”l – Issues of Language
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Parsha Sheet

The Pesach Reader 5780
1 Apr 2020

The Pesach Reader 5780

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: Chagim, Parsha Sheet, Pesach | 0

Click here to download single sided version Click here to download the double sided version (for double sided printing) Author’s Introduction As I am writing this, I cannot help but draw a parallel between our situation today and the very … Continued

Parsha sheet: Mishpatim/Shekalim –  The Wheel of Life & Fortune
21 Feb 2020

Parsha sheet: Mishpatim/Shekalim – The Wheel of Life & Fortune

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Reincarnation The Zohar uses parshas Mishpatim and its monetary laws as a vehicle for its main discourse about ‘gilgulim’—reincarnations. All the commentators struggle to find a common denominator between these extremely disparate concepts. What is … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vayetzeh – One way Universality
6 Dec 2019

Parsha sheet: Vayetzeh – One way Universality

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF What’s Lavan doing in the Haggada? In the Hagaddah of Pesach we quote the Pasuk, “Arami Oved Avi vayered Mitzrayma” (Devarim 26:5) which the Baal HaHagaddah explains that Lavan was even worse than Pharaoh. Pharaoh … Continued

Parsha sheet: Noach – Exploiting Unity
1 Nov 2019

Parsha sheet: Noach – Exploiting Unity

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF On the Ruins of the flood “And the whole earth was one language and singular/uniform terms. When they traveled from the east they found a valley in the land of Shinar and they settled there”(11:1-2). … Continued

Parsha sheet: Bereishis – Mother of Invention
25 Oct 2019

Parsha sheet: Bereishis – Mother of Invention

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF A Tribute to my Mother Z”L on the occasion of her first Yahrtzeit Twenty Generations of Anger “There were ten generations from Adam until Noah to make us aware how much patience Hashem has as … Continued

Parsha sheet: Shabbos Shuva – The Point of Return
4 Oct 2019

Parsha sheet: Shabbos Shuva – The Point of Return

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: Chagim, High Holidays, Parsha, Parsha Sheet, Rosh Hashannah, Yom Kippur | 0

Click here to download PDF Shabbos & Teshuva To understand the source for Shabbos Shuva, how it is a fundamental landmark in the Aseres Yemei Teshuva, and how it is what empowers Yom Kippur:  The Midrash (Bereishis Rabba 22:28) says … Continued

Parsha sheet: Ki Savo – The Alignment
20 Sep 2019

Parsha sheet: Ki Savo – The Alignment

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Eyes for Today? “On this day Hashem your Lord commands you to do all these statutes….” (26:16) Rashi brings from Chazal “this day means that it should be in your eyes as if today you … Continued

Parsha sheet: Ki Setzei – Mind Measures
13 Sep 2019

Parsha sheet: Ki Setzei – Mind Measures

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Faulty Weights & Amalek In this week’s Parsha, we have the obligation to maintain only accurate weights and measures and the prohibition to produce or to have inaccurate weights and measures even if they will … Continued

Parsha sheet: Shoftim – Law & Life Surge
6 Sep 2019

Parsha sheet: Shoftim – Law & Life Surge

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF City Court The Parsha opens with the Mitzvah to set up Batei Dinim in all the tribes and all the major cities.  It is interesting to note that this strict halacha of a Beis Din … Continued

Parsha sheet: Re’eh/Rosh Chodesh Elul – Matching Wills
30 Aug 2019

Parsha sheet: Re’eh/Rosh Chodesh Elul – Matching Wills

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Special edition marking the conclusion of Kaddish for my Mother Z” L Meat In this week’s Parsha we learn about a drastic change in our personal lives that will go into effect in the land … Continued

Parsha sheet: Eikev – Thought for Food
23 Aug 2019

Parsha sheet: Eikev – Thought for Food

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Affliction & Hunger?!? “And He afflicted you and He starved you and He fed you the “Mann” that you did not know and was unknown to your forefathers in order to make you know that … Continued

Parsha sheet: Devarim/Chazaon – Tisha B’Av: Severance Pay
9 Aug 2019

Parsha sheet: Devarim/Chazaon – Tisha B’Av: Severance Pay

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Moshe Yishayahu Yirmiyahu “Eicha” – How can I carry by myself your contentiousness, your burdens and your quarrels” (1:12).  This Pasuk is traditionally read with an ‘Eicha tune’ as it is always read before Tisha … Continued

Parsha sheet: Masei – Picking up the Pieces
2 Aug 2019

Parsha sheet: Masei – Picking up the Pieces

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF The Exile – Israel sandwich Parshas Masei is always one of the Parshas we read during the three weeks. It has clear allusions to “Golus”- exile which is the sad state that we actively mourn … Continued

Parsha sheet: Pinchas – Beyond Point of Convergence
26 Jul 2019

Parsha sheet: Pinchas – Beyond Point of Convergence

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Why Delay the inevitable? At the end of this week’s Parsha, we have the Korbanos for “Atzeres”. Rashi brings from the Chazal that “Atzeres” is from the word “atzor”- stop;  That Hashem is telling the … Continued

Parsha sheet: Balak/Shiva Asar B’Tammuz – The mouths of creation
19 Jul 2019

Parsha sheet: Balak/Shiva Asar B’Tammuz – The mouths of creation

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Special expanded edition marking 20th Yahrzeit of my Rebbe, Maran HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Yaakov Weinberg, ZT”L, the Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisroel The Three Mouths In this week’s Parsha, we have the account of Bilaam’s … Continued

Parsha sheet: Chukas – Frustration & Faith
12 Jul 2019

Parsha sheet: Chukas – Frustration & Faith

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Who cares about a Rock’s parnassah? In this week’s Parsha we have the incident of Moshe hitting the rock as opposed to speaking to it. This is what sealed his fate that he would not … Continued

Parsha sheet: Korach – Squaring the Equality Circle
5 Jul 2019

Parsha sheet: Korach – Squaring the Equality Circle

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Mezuzah & Tzitzis Korach wages a revolution against Moshe. The “cause” is “equality”. His claim is that the whole nation heard at Sinai Hashem speak and reveal himself onto the whole nation as Hashem’s nation … Continued

Parsha sheet: Shelach – Making the News
28 Jun 2019

Parsha sheet: Shelach – Making the News

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF The crime and the Penalty In  this week’s Parsha, we have the sad story of the spies that slandered the land of Israel. Chazal tell us that this laid the precedent for Tisha b’Av being … Continued

Parsha sheet: B’Haaloscha – The Menorah Paradox
21 Jun 2019

Parsha sheet: B’Haaloscha – The Menorah Paradox

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Self-made Menorah? In the third Midrash Rabba of this week’s Parsha, it says, “You find that Moshe found difficulty in making the Menorah more than any other vessels in the Mishkan, to the point that … Continued

Parsha sheet: Naso – Our National ‘Chuppa’
14 Jun 2019

Parsha sheet: Naso – Our National ‘Chuppa’

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Where do we go from here? After the uplifting days of Shavuos, which commemorate the greatest event in history of unmitigated Divine revelation, one has to wonder where do we go from here? How can … Continued

Parsha sheet: Bamidbar-Shavuos: Borderless Space
7 Jun 2019

Parsha sheet: Bamidbar-Shavuos: Borderless Space

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Chagim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet, Shavuos | 0

Click here to download PDF Parshas Bamidbar & Shavuos It is interesting to note that Shavuos always comes out after we read Parshas Bamidbar. This arrangement is ancient and is brought down in the Rambam’s Hilchos Tefillah. It corresponds with … Continued

Parsha sheet: Emor – Close & Over The Wall
17 May 2019

Parsha sheet: Emor – Close & Over The Wall

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Purity for all Kohanim Parshas Emor opens up with the special Halachos pertaining to Ahron and his children.  There are the laws of criteria to be fit to do “Avoda” and then there are the … Continued

Parsha sheet: Kedoshim – Rebbe Akiva’s Legacy
10 May 2019

Parsha sheet: Kedoshim – Rebbe Akiva’s Legacy

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Rebbe Akiva vs Hillel “And you should love your friend like yourself” Rashi brings from the Toras Kohanim the famous statement of Rebbe Akiva: “This is a ‘KLAL GADOL’– great inclusive principle in Torah”.  What … Continued

Parsha sheet: Acharei Mos – Whittling down to the Essence
3 May 2019

Parsha sheet: Acharei Mos – Whittling down to the Essence

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Rashi argues on the Gemara?!? “And You will keep My statutes and my laws that the man will do and live by them….” Rashi says, on the words “And live by them” in Olam Haba … Continued

Nirtzah: Chad Gadya – The Destiny Codes
18 Apr 2019

Nirtzah: Chad Gadya – The Destiny Codes

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: Chagim, Parsha Sheet, Pesach | 0

Click here to download PDF What is Nirtzah about? The final phase of the Seder is called “Nirtzah” and it’s a very difficult phase to understand. The Seder per se has finished with the mitzvah of Hallel and we already … Continued

Parsha sheet: Tazriah/HaChodesh – Progress
5 Apr 2019

Parsha sheet: Tazriah/HaChodesh – Progress

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF The Obvious The Tangent & The Mystery “When a woman will conceive and give birth to a male she will be ‘impure’ for seven days and on the eighth day he shall be circumcised….. and … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vayikra/Zachor – Get Real!
15 Mar 2019

Parsha sheet: Vayikra/Zachor – Get Real!

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Chagim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet, Purim | 0

Click here to download PDF Who called? “And He called to Moshe and Hashem spoke to him from the Ohel Moed…” seemingly it should have read: And Hashem called to Moshe and He spoke to him from Ohel Moed!  Hashem … Continued

Parsha sheet: Pikudei – Overflowing Heart
8 Mar 2019

Parsha sheet: Pikudei – Overflowing Heart

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Contradiction in Rashi The Gemara (Yevamos 72A) explains that the reason the Jewish people did not do Bris Milah in all the years that they were in the desert is because they did not have … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vayakheil/Shekalim – The Inverse Perspective
1 Mar 2019

Parsha sheet: Vayakheil/Shekalim – The Inverse Perspective

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF The Mirrors & the Memories In this week’s Parsha (38:8) “and he made the “Kiyor” and it’s base out of copper from the mirrors…” Rashi bring the Chazal that Moshe did not want to take … Continued

Parsha sheet: Ki-Sisa – Breaking Light into Sound
22 Feb 2019

Parsha sheet: Ki-Sisa – Breaking Light into Sound

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Luchos and Jewish eyes?!? In this week’s Parsha we have the tragedy of the breaking in of the Luchos in response to our sin of the golden calf. It’s one of the reasons we fast … Continued

Parsha sheet: Titzaveh – Inching towards Actuality
15 Feb 2019

Parsha sheet: Titzaveh – Inching towards Actuality

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Chagim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Shovavim – Tat As is well-known, these weeks of Shemos, Vaeira, Bo, Beshalach, Yisro, and Mishpatim have a special quality of Teshuva being readily accepted, particularly the “known sin” of “waste”. For that reason, some … Continued

Parsha sheet: Teruma – To Serve and to Dwell
8 Feb 2019

Parsha sheet: Teruma – To Serve and to Dwell

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Contradiction in Rambam In this week’s Parsha we have the directive to build the Mishkan and subsequently the Beis HaMikdash as the Pasuk says (25:8) “and they will make for me a “Mikdash”-sanctuary and I … Continued

Parsha sheet: Mishpatim – The Inside Track
1 Feb 2019

Parsha sheet: Mishpatim – The Inside Track

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Mishpatim & Mizbe’ach After the command not to ascend by stairs to the Mizbe’ach at the end of last week’s parsha, we are commanded to bring our civil and monetary disputes before the Jewish Dayanim … Continued

Parsha sheet: Yisro – Sensory Crossover
25 Jan 2019

Parsha sheet: Yisro – Sensory Crossover

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Sponsored in Honor of the upcoming Marriage of Miriam Wilamowsky to Binyomin Zonenshayn בשעטו״מ שהזיווג יעלה יפה בבנין עדי עד Seeing Sound Hearing Sights “And the whole nation saw the sounds”(20:14) Rashi brings the Chazal … Continued

Parsha sheet: Beshalach – Cosmic Applause
18 Jan 2019

Parsha sheet: Beshalach – Cosmic Applause

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Two Hands Towards  the conclusion of ‘Shiras HaYam’ (15:17-18) it says: “You shall bring them and implant them on the mountain of the heritage the place for your dwelling that You made Hashem, the Mikdash, … Continued

Parsha sheet: Bo – Breakout
11 Jan 2019

Parsha sheet: Bo – Breakout

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Pre-planned Rush?!? In the Haggadah we say that we eat Matzah to commemorate  that Bnei Yisroel’s dough didn’t have time to rise prior to Hashem revealing Himself to them and redeemed them as the pasuk … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vaeirah – From Prophet to King
4 Jan 2019

Parsha sheet: Vaeirah – From Prophet to King

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Didn’t we Talk about this? In this week’s Parsha Moshe seemingly raises a concern that he raised already,  and the answer is the same as it was. He raises the concern of being inarticulate, worried … Continued

Parsha sheet:Shemos – Creating Containment
28 Dec 2018

Parsha sheet:Shemos – Creating Containment

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF They are rewarded for “Fear”?!? “And The midwives feared Hashem and they did not do as told to them by the king of mitzrayim and they allowed the boys to live”(1:17)…”And because the midwives feared … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vayechi – State of Mind
21 Dec 2018

Parsha sheet: Vayechi – State of Mind

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF How did Golus start? This week’s Parsha starts without any break separating it from last week’s Parsha. therefore, it’s called a “Parsha Setuma”- a blocked Parsha as there isn’t that traditional space between the Parshas. … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vayigash – Kings & Kingdom
14 Dec 2018

Parsha sheet: Vayigash – Kings & Kingdom

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Why frame Binyomin? In course of the end of last week’s Parsha and the beginning of this week’s Parsha We find that Yosef framed his beloved brother Binyomin with the crime of having stolen his … Continued

Miketz/Chanuka – Legs & Light
7 Dec 2018

Miketz/Chanuka – Legs & Light

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Chagim, Chanukah, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Special expanded edition for Shabbos – Chanukah Spies! Now and forever Yosef frames his brothers as being spies. Perhaps that was easiest crime to frame them for, given the circumstances. But is that all there … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vayeshev – Infowars
30 Nov 2018

Parsha sheet: Vayeshev – Infowars

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF He was worried about a Traffic Jam?!? “And Yaakov dwelled…” Rashi brings a Midrash: “This flax dealer came in to town with all his [many] camels laden with flax. The blacksmith wonders where will all … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vayishlach – Multi Dimensional Engagement
23 Nov 2018

Parsha sheet: Vayishlach – Multi Dimensional Engagement

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Eisov makes Drashos?!? Like any good diplomat, Yaakov has a double message for Eisov, a conciliatory even submissive message and a tough one. He says with Lavan “Garti”– I resided. Rashi explains “Garti”- “I resided … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vayetze – Enter the Center
16 Nov 2018

Parsha sheet: Vayetze – Enter the Center

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Only Yaakov leaves an impression? In the beginning of this week’s Parsha Rashi comments on what the Pasuk says: “Yaakov exited Be’er Sheva and went to Charan”: “It would have been enough to just say … Continued

Parsha sheet: Toldos – Yaakov & Eisov: Adam’s Two Forms
9 Nov 2018

Parsha sheet: Toldos – Yaakov & Eisov: Adam’s Two Forms

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Special expanded edition marking the conclusion of Sheloshim for my mother Z”l לע״נ אמי מורתי שולמית בת הרב דב יהודה ז״ל Why didn’t Yitzchak see thru Eisov? Yitzchak had a special affinity for Eisov and … Continued

Parsha sheet: Chayei Sarah – Beauty of the Leaves
2 Nov 2018

Parsha sheet: Chayei Sarah – Beauty of the Leaves

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF לע״נ קדושי פיטסברג הי״ד לע״נ אמי מורתי שולמית בת הרב דב יהודה ז״ל Repetition is Beautiful?!? The longest topic in this week’s Parsha is the story of Eliezer going to find Rivka for you Yitzchak. … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vayeira – Justice, Son of Kindness
26 Oct 2018

Parsha sheet: Vayeira – Justice, Son of Kindness

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF לע״נ אמי מורתי שולמית בת הרב דוב יהודה ז״ל Why Dayanim? Why sitting? At the beginning of the parsha Avraham Avinu is recovering from Bris Milah and nonetheless sitting at the opening of the tent … Continued

Parsha sheet: Lech Lecha – The Stabilizer & The Revolutionary
19 Oct 2018

Parsha sheet: Lech Lecha – The Stabilizer & The Revolutionary

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF לע״נ אמי מורתי האשה החשובה שולמית בת הרב דוב יהודה ע״ה Bnei Noach Chazal refer to all good non-Jews as Bnei Noach, while evil goyim are tagged as ovdei cochavim u’mazalot, idol worshippers. This might … Continued

Parsha sheet: Bereishis – The conquest and the Mirror
5 Oct 2018

Parsha sheet: Bereishis – The conquest and the Mirror

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF הדברי תורה בעלון זה מוקדשים לזכות אמי מורתי מרת שולמית בת הרב דב יהודה והרבנית שרה סאשא Bereishis – For the Land of Israel? The first Rashi in the Parsha says as follows: “Rabbi Yitzchak … Continued

Parsha sheet: Shabbos/Succos – BUILD THE WALL!
28 Sep 2018

Parsha sheet: Shabbos/Succos – BUILD THE WALL!

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Getting support for the Wall On Shabbos of Succos we have an interesting Halacha of “Migu d’havei dofen linyan Shabbos havei dofen linyan Succah –  Migu d’havei dofen linyan Succah havei dofen linyan Shabbos” -although … Continued

Parsha sheet: Haazinu-Succos-Hoshana Rabba-Simchas Torah – The Story of Life
21 Sep 2018

Parsha sheet: Haazinu-Succos-Hoshana Rabba-Simchas Torah – The Story of Life

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, High Holidays, Hoshana Rabba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet, Simchas Torah | 0

Click here to download PDF Haazinu – the essence of a sefer Torah The Rambam states (Hilchos sefer Torah 7:1) that the essence of the obligation to write a sefer Torah is actually to write the Parsha of Haazinu but … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vayelech/Shabbos Shuva – Rebirth
14 Sep 2018

Parsha sheet: Vayelech/Shabbos Shuva – Rebirth

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Moshe’s Birthday & Lifespan This week’s Parsha opens up with the day of death of Moshe. He stresses that he completed a hundred twenty years and hence is dying on his birthday. There is great … Continued

Parsha sheet: Nitzavim/Rosh Hashanah – Solid support from Middas HaDin
7 Sep 2018

Parsha sheet: Nitzavim/Rosh Hashanah – Solid support from Middas HaDin

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: Machshava, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Nitzavim & Rosh Hashanah Parshas Nitzavim is always the parsha we read right before Rosh Hashanah, therefore there must be some message Rosh Hashanah in it. Rashi (29:12) Re-works the pesukim based on the midrash … Continued

Parsha sheet: Ki-Savo – Who’s on First?
31 Aug 2018

Parsha sheet: Ki-Savo – Who’s on First?

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF That’s why we Daven 3 times a day?!? This week’s Parsha opens up with the Mitzva of “Bikurim” – bringing the first of all the seven species that the land of Israel is praised for. … Continued

Parsha sheet: Ki-Setzei – Conquering the Twilight Zone
24 Aug 2018

Parsha sheet: Ki-Setzei – Conquering the Twilight Zone

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Giving in to the “Yetzer”? This week’s Parsha opens up with the laws of “Yefas To’ar” – the beautiful captive woman that the Jewish Soldier wants to take. This is one of the laws that … Continued

Parsha sheet: Shoftim – “Deep State”
17 Aug 2018

Parsha sheet: Shoftim – “Deep State”

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Our system of Justice and Government Parshas Shoftim is generally the first Parsha in Elul (with the exception of years like this one when Shabbos Parshas Re’eh  is itself Rosh chodesh Elul) and therefore there … Continued

Parsha sheet: Re’eh – Seeing & Internalizing
10 Aug 2018

Parsha sheet: Re’eh – Seeing & Internalizing

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF לע״נ האשה החשובה מרת יענטא בת ר׳ שלמה ז״ל לרפואת ר׳ שלום יהודה בן גנעשא שליט״א בתשח״י Where are the Blessings? The parsha opens (11:26) “See (singular) I place before you (plural) today blessing and … Continued

Parsha sheet: Eikev – The Endgame
3 Aug 2018

Parsha sheet: Eikev – The Endgame

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF What’s “Eikev”? “And ‘Eikev’-because you will listen….” the Midrash Rabbah says repeatedly that ‘Eikev’ is to be understood as at the ‘end’ – meaning to say at the end of time we will get the … Continued

Parsha sheet: Vaeschanan/Nachamu – Secret of “Kefel”
27 Jul 2018

Parsha sheet: Vaeschanan/Nachamu – Secret of “Kefel”

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Vaeschanan & Nachamu As we mentioned last week, Parshas Vaeschanan is always “Shabbos Nachamu”. The Rambam in the laws of tefillah specifically states that our custom is to align the “parshas hashavua” so that Vaeschanan … Continued

Parsha sheet: Devarim/Chazon – Where Mishnah started
20 Jul 2018

Parsha sheet: Devarim/Chazon – Where Mishnah started

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 05 Devarim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Why before Tisha b’Av? Parshas Devarim is always the parsha  we read before Tisha b’Av. This is already mentioned in the Rambam’s laws of Tefillah (13:2 – the emphasis there is to read V’eschanan after … Continued

Parsha sheet: Matos/Massei – Coping with Exceptions
13 Jul 2018

Parsha sheet: Matos/Massei – Coping with Exceptions

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Where is the allusion to the 3 weeks? The parshas of Matos – Massei always come out during the three weeks. The allusions to “Golus”-exile in Massei are quite apparent. The travels of the Jews … Continued

Parsha sheet: Pinchas – Passion & Initiative
6 Jul 2018

Parsha sheet: Pinchas – Passion & Initiative

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Divine Name in Reverse? After Pinchas was awarded with being a Kohen there is a census of the Jewish people, but this time all the families are mentioned by name before giving the final number … Continued

Parsha sheet: Balak – The Deception of  Appearance
29 Jun 2018

Parsha sheet: Balak – The Deception of Appearance

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Special expanded edition marking the 19th Yahrtzeit of my Rebbe Maran Hagaon HaRav Yaakov Wienberg ZT”L Rosh Yeshivas Ner Yisroel לע״נ הגאון מוהר״ר שמואל יעקב ב״ר יצחק מתתיהו זצוקלה״ה Isn’t the difference obvious? The Mishna … Continued

Parsha sheet: Korach – Glorious Diversity
15 Jun 2018

Parsha sheet: Korach – Glorious Diversity

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Eternal Dispute? In this week’s Parsha we have the dispute between Korach and Moshe. The Mishnah in Avos (5:17) says: “Any dispute that is for the sake of the Name of Heaven will endure and … Continued

Parsha sheet: Shelach – Moshe’s Gamble
8 Jun 2018

Parsha sheet: Shelach – Moshe’s Gamble

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Special expanded edition in Honor of the Shabbos Sheva Brachos of Menachem Yisroel & Bracha Golda Bechhofer. The Risk In this week’s Parsha Moshe sends the spies to check out the land of Israel.  Rashi … Continued

Parsha sheet: Bhaaloscha – Raising Light
1 Jun 2018

Parsha sheet: Bhaaloscha – Raising Light

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF What’s special about the Menorah At the opening of this week’s Parsha Ahron HaKohen is granted the Mitzvah of the Menorah. Rashi brings the Chazal that notes that this comes on the heels of the … Continued

Parsha sheet: Naso – Owning the “Tzelem”
25 May 2018

Parsha sheet: Naso – Owning the “Tzelem”

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 04 Bamidba, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF The gifts of the Nesi’im In this week’s Parsha we have the ceremony of the inauguration of the Mishkan. Each one of the ‘Nesi’im’ brought gift offerings on behalf his tribe on his designated day. … Continued

Parsha sheet: Bamidbar – From Quantity to Infinity
18 May 2018

Parsha sheet: Bamidbar – From Quantity to Infinity

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Chagim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet, Shavuos | 0

Click here to download PDF To Count is to Love? Sefer Bamidbar is known as “Chumash HaPikudim” – The Book of Numbers because it has in it the census of the Jewish people. In the opening of this week’s parsha … Continued

Parsha sheet: Behar/Bechukosai – Reversing the Flow of Time
11 May 2018

Parsha sheet: Behar/Bechukosai – Reversing the Flow of Time

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Off by a week? This week is a double Parsha so as to fulfill the Halacha recorded in the Gemara (Megilla 31b): “Ezra instituted for the Jewish people to read the curses in Vayikra before … Continued

Parsha sheet: Emor – Life & Language
4 May 2018

Parsha sheet: Emor – Life & Language

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Speech and Purity The Parsha opens (21:1):”Hashem told Moshe: “Emor”-Say to the kohanim the children of Ahron and you shall say to them that they should not become impure from contact with a dead body….” … Continued

Parsha sheet: Acharei Mos/Kedoshim – Opening Pockets of Holy Space
27 Apr 2018

Parsha sheet: Acharei Mos/Kedoshim – Opening Pockets of Holy Space

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Yom Kippur Mincha?!? This week’s double parsha opens up with the sacrificial order of Yom Kippur and apropos that it is the leining for Yom Kippur morning. However for Mincha on Yom Kippur we read … Continued

Parsha sheet: Tazria/Metzora – Man’s Law
20 Apr 2018

Parsha sheet: Tazria/Metzora – Man’s Law

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Why Bris Milah? In this week’s double Parsha we have all the laws of human impurity which include the impurity of birth, Ziva, Tzaraas of the person, clothes, and houses, and how to purify all … Continued

Parsha sheet: Shemini – Consumption and Integration
13 Apr 2018

Parsha sheet: Shemini – Consumption and Integration

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF The Mishkan & Kashrus? In this week’s Parsha there is a strange combination of topics. The Parsha opens with the final establishment of the Mishkan. It was to be assembled and never taken down until … Continued

Parsha sheet: Shabbos HaGadol – What’s So “Big” about Shabbos HaGadol
23 Mar 2018

Parsha sheet: Shabbos HaGadol – What’s So “Big” about Shabbos HaGadol

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Chagim, Parsha, Parsha Sheet, Pesach | 0

Click here to download PDF What Happened? Shabbos HaGadol could be translated literally as “The Big Shabbos.” What’s so BIG about Shabbos HaGadol? The Tur tells us that Shabbos HaGadol commemorates how on the tenth of Nissan the Jews in … Continued

Parsha sheet: Parshas Vayikra/HaChodesh – Permanence & Progress
16 Mar 2018

Parsha sheet: Parshas Vayikra/HaChodesh – Permanence & Progress

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 03 Vayikra, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Our timing is off? It’s ironic that just as we finish reading Sefer Shmos, the book of Yetzias Mitzrayim, in comes the month of Nissan and the holiday of Pesach. One would think that we … Continued

Parsha sheet: Parshas Vayahheil/Pikudei/Parah – Pulling the pieces Together
9 Mar 2018

Parsha sheet: Parshas Vayahheil/Pikudei/Parah – Pulling the pieces Together

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Why the Assembly? Moshe, having just having come back from Heaven with the second Luchos, gathers all the Jewish people and tells them the prohibition to work during Shabbos. Following that he tells them the … Continued

Parsha sheet: Parshas Titzaveh/Zachor – Hands over Head & Nameless
23 Feb 2018

Parsha sheet: Parshas Titzaveh/Zachor – Hands over Head & Nameless

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Sponsored in Honor of the engagement of Menachem Yisroel Bechhofer & Bracha Golda Lichtman Why always Titzaveh – Zachor? In every regular (non-leap) year we read Parshas Titzaveh right before  Purim. Therefore, in every regular … Continued

Parsha sheet: Terumah – The Power of the Benevolent Heart
16 Feb 2018

Parsha sheet: Terumah – The Power of the Benevolent Heart

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Why leave it up to us? In this week’s Parsha the Jewish people as a collective are commanded to construct the Mishkan. Hashem left it up to everyone’s own benevolence to donate whatever they want … Continued

Parsha sheet: Mishpatim – Sweet sounds and tastes
8 Feb 2018

Parsha sheet: Mishpatim – Sweet sounds and tastes

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF The Two accounts of Matan Torah In this week’s Parsha we find a whole other account of Matan Torah from a different perspective. It looks more like a festive occasion, accompanied by eating and drinking, … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Yisro – Forever New
1 Feb 2018

Parsha Sheet: Yisro – Forever New

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Never Gets Old The Posuk says: ”on the third month of B’nai Yisroel leaving Egypt on this day they came to the Sinai desert” Rashi explains: “it should have said on that day they arrived … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Beshalach – Harmonious Systems
26 Jan 2018

Parsha Sheet: Beshalach – Harmonious Systems

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Think Before you sing? Az Yashir Moshe – Then will sing (yashir) Moshe. It that should say “then sang (shar) Moshe”! Why is there the extra letter “Yud” that makes it the future tense? Rashi … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Bo – Covering the “Eye of Earth”
19 Jan 2018

Parsha Sheet: Bo – Covering the “Eye of Earth”

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF 7 & 3 The first thing to observe, is that the Torah saw fit to separate the 10 plagues into two different Parshiyos.  Seven out of ten appear in last week’s Parsha, Parshas Veyeira and … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Vaeira – Infinite & Eternal
11 Jan 2018

Parsha Sheet: Vaeira – Infinite & Eternal

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Trustworthy to Reward and Punish Hashem tells Moshe: “I appeared to Avraham Yitzchak and Yaakov with as E-l Sha-dai and my Name Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh was not displayed to them”.  Rashi explains that means: I am trustworthy … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Shemos – Stars in Hashem’s show
4 Jan 2018

Parsha Sheet: Shemos – Stars in Hashem’s show

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 02 Shemos, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Names & Numbers This week’s Parsha opens with the words “And these are the names of the children of Yisroel that came to Mitzrayim…” Rashi comments even though they were counted in their lifetime by … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Vayechi – The Heel Lives
29 Dec 2017

Parsha Sheet: Vayechi – The Heel Lives

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Dead or Alive? This week’s Parsha opens up with the posuk “Yaakov was alive in Egypt for 17 years…” Hebrew doesn’t use the term “lived” as a synonym for “resided”. What is the Torah telling … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Vayigash – Restoring the Neck of Am Yisroel
22 Dec 2017

Parsha Sheet: Vayigash – Restoring the Neck of Am Yisroel

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Crying on the “Neck” Following the reunification of the brothers it says that “Yosef cried on the necks (plural!) of Binyomin and Binyomin cried on Yosef’s neck”. Rashi brings the Chazal that raise the question: … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Miketz – Chanukah: The Nation Sparks
14 Dec 2017

Parsha Sheet: Miketz – Chanukah: The Nation Sparks

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Reflections for the Chanukah after the Petirah of the Godol HaDor Maran HaRav Ahron Yehuda Leib Shteinman ZT”L “Sparks” An interesting phenomenon repeats itself no less than four times in this week’s Parsha. Ever since the … Continued

Parsha Sheet:Vayeshev – Sifting through the ages
7 Dec 2017

Parsha Sheet:Vayeshev – Sifting through the ages

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Mysterious Metaphor In the opening Rashi to this week’s Parsha, Rashi tells us that after speaking concisely about Eisav’s descendants and how and where they settled, the Torah now turns to discuss Yaakov and his … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Vayishlach – Shechem, The Cosmic Seam
1 Dec 2017

Parsha Sheet: Vayishlach – Shechem, The Cosmic Seam

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Trouble Town In this week’s Parsha we encounter the place called Shechem.  Rashi tells that Shechem is a place prone to tragedy. It was there that Dinah was raped, it was there that Yosef was … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Vayetzei – A Tale of Two Mothers and Two Kings
24 Nov 2017

Parsha Sheet: Vayetzei – A Tale of Two Mothers and Two Kings

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Vayetzei : A Tale of Two Mothers and Two Kings Click here to download PDF Rachel vs Leah In this week’s Parsha we have story of Yaakov finding his two wives, our matriarchs, Rachel and Leah. Although they came from … Continued

Parsha sheet: Toldos – What’s with the Wells??
17 Nov 2017

Parsha sheet: Toldos – What’s with the Wells??

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF Water fight? Not quite…. In this week’s Parsha we have Yitzchak Avinu’s struggle with Avimelech and his people over Wells. interestingly enough, this was a common struggle he and his father Avraham had with Avimelech. … Continued

Parsha sheet: Chayei Sarah – Marriage, Death, and Commerce
10 Nov 2017

Parsha sheet: Chayei Sarah – Marriage, Death, and Commerce

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF First Funeral? There are some standard daily and life cycle events that occur in this parsha for the first time in the Torah. With the description of Sarah’s burial and eulogy we have the first … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Vayeira – Divine sense of Humor
3 Nov 2017

Parsha Sheet: Vayeira – Divine sense of Humor

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

What do the birth of Yitzchak Avinu, the three cardinal sins,and marital relations all have in common? Click here to download PDF When Sarah receives the amazing news that she will give birth to a son at the ripe old … Continued

Parsha Sheet: Noach – The deconstruction of society
19 Oct 2017

Parsha Sheet: Noach – The deconstruction of society

by Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer | posted in: 01 Bereishis, Parsha, Parsha Sheet | 0

Click here to download PDF A warning from the generations of the flood and the dispersal The Halacha States that when two people agree on a sale of a movable object and the prospective buyer has already given the money, … Continued

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