Parsha Stories
Parsha Stories
Schechter Boston
Parsha Stories: Keep up with the weekly Parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles
Pekudei - ...God Will Dwell
Moshe and Betzalel are putting on the final touches of the Mishkan by accounting for all of the donations that had poured in. Moshe becomes nervous because over 1,000 shekels are unaccounted for. But God helps Moshe and Betzalel get over the finish line so that God can dwell among the people.
Mar 14, 2024
10 min
Vayakhel - If You Build It...
Listen to last year's telling of Va'yakhel (and Pikudei) here! B'nai Yisrael is ready to build the Mishkan under Moshe and Betzalel's guidance. First, they need to collect all of the valuable materials, which proves to be far easier than anyone expected - especially the Nesi'im. Next they need to do the hands on work of building the Mishkan but Betzalel reminds them that it's not just their hands that they need for this building project - it's their souls!
Mar 6, 2024
12 min
Ki Tisa - The Advocate
Click here to listen to last year's telling of Ki Tisa! After the dramatic Golden Calf incident, Moshe finds himself playing defense attorney on behalf of the people of Israel. He plays to God's forgiving nature but he also brings up some interesting precedence to convince God to spare his stiff-necked people.
Feb 29, 2024
11 min
Tetzaveh - The Big Kahuna
Listen to last year's telling of Tetzaveh here! Aaron and his descendants are chosen to lead B'nai Yisrael's ritual life as the Kohanim. This comes with special clothing that will be used in religious ceremonies as well as magical clothing, worn by the Kohen Gadol, that brings God into daily decision making. Magical clothing can only be created with magical materials and worn by people who are so pure of heart, they are magical.
Feb 20, 2024
13 min
Trumah - Giving Your All
Listen to last year's telling of Parshat Trumah here! Moshe is still up on Har Sinai receiving the Torah and he starts to learn about the construction of the Mishkan. Moshe is overwhelmed by the details and the craftmanship needed for such an expansive and important project. God offers Betzalel to help but Moshe is not sure whether he should take it.
Feb 14, 2024
10 min
Mishpatim - Perfect Laws For The Imperfect
Click here for last year's telling of Parshat Mishpatim! Moshe ascends to the top of Har Sinai to receive the rest of the Torah to share with B'nai Yisrael. When he arrives at the top of the mountain he is met by the angels but his reception is not as warm as he anticipated. The angels express jealousy over the gift of the Torah but Moshe and God convince them that all is right with the world...well, actually, the opposite.
Feb 7, 2024
11 min
Yitro - Na'asay What You Want To Say
Listen to last year's Parshat Yitro here! B'nai Yisrael receives the great gift of the Torah but, according to the Midrash, it's not just them who are offered these life laws. Other nations have a chance to share in the Glory of Torah but they pass it up because it would require them to rise above their current personalities. Even B'nai Yisrael has a moment of doubt but nothing that can't be fixed with a floating mountain.
Jan 31, 2024
12 min
B'Shalach - Peg Head
Listen to last year's telling of B'Shalach here! Just like Moshe and Miriam lead the people in song after a great miracle, Devorah and Barak lead the people after a great generational miracle themselves. Devorah inspires Barak to call up an army against a formidable foe but their enemies are no match for God, and a well placed tent peg to the temple.
Jan 24, 2024
10 min
Bo - Tale As Old As Time (For real this time)
Sorry for the wrong upload at first. It should be correct now! To hear last year's telling of Parshat Bo, click here! Before the final plague that will set the people free, Moshe commands the people to perform the inaugural Pesach Seder. An important message is taught at this first Seder that will be sent down through the generations from King David to Ben Zoma and beyond!
Jan 19, 2024
12 min
Vaera - A People En-plagued
Click here for last year's telling of Va'era! Through Moshe and Aaron, God brings the first seven plagues to Egypt. Each plague slowly wears down the Egyptian people who argue with their stubborn leader to end the madness. The magicians struggle to maintain their loyalty to the Pharaoh as his approval ratings plummet.
Jan 11, 2024
12 min
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