Jewish Texts
Parashat Mishpatim: Summary
Moses informs the people of numerous ethical and ritual laws and seals the covenant between the Children of Israel and God.
Preparing To Receive God’s Message
Unlike the first tablets, the second tablets, which were hewn by human hands, endured.
Holiness in Time, Not Only in Space
We are often blind to the dimension that lacks physical substance, and that can lead to enslavement to things.
Parashat Yitro: Summary
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law suggests a system for establishing lower courts to settle disputes; God speaks the Ten Commandments to the Children of Israel amidst fire, smoke, and the sound of the shofar.
Parashat Bo: Summary
God brings the final three plagues on the Egyptians; the Israelites leave Egypt and receive the commandment to observe Passover.
Parashat Vaera: Summary
Through Moses and Aaron, God brings plagues on the Egyptians, and Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to allow the Israelites to leave.
Rabbinic Reasons For the Mitzvot
The Sages proposed additional reasons to obey the mitzvot beyond those offered by the Bible.