By Rabbi Ariel Ovadia The question of the Rasha in the Haggada is packed with cynicism: "מה העבודה הזאת לכם" - “What is this work unto you?” The Ritva, Shibbole HaLeket and others understand that the Rasha is mocking the Mitzvot of Pessah by distancing himself from what he refers to as “work”. Our answer is equally hard-hitting, accusing the Rasha of heresy and declaring … [Read more...]

By Rabbi Ariel Ovadia Not all of the brothers tried to kill Yosef. Reuven, the eldest, returned to the pit to rescue Yosef, only to find that Yosef wasn’t there anymore, assuming he was killed. Yehuda, on the other hand, proposed to sell Yosef as a slave, effectively saving Yosef’s life. Yet, Hachamim frown upon Yehuda for his suggestion – despite its success – and laud Reuven … [Read more...]

By Rabbi Ariel Ovadia Parashat VaYakhel opens with the reiteration of the Mitzva of Shabbat. Although the concept of Shabbat was just mentioned in the previous Parasha, there is a special significance to its mention in VaYakhel, following the sin of the golden calf. The Hid”a, in his work D’vash L’Fi[1], cites the Gemara in Shabbat[2] that states that one who observes the … [Read more...]

As the Jewish people trek further away from Mitzraim, they start complaining to Moshe and Aharon about the lack of food. Hashem promises to shower them with “bread from the heavens” – the Man, and the verse adds: למען אנסנו הילך בתורתי אם לא – "and thus I will test [the nation], will it follow my Torah or not…” How does the Man, a heavenly delicacy, test the Jewish people’s … [Read more...]