Yitro (Jethro) – Exodus 18:1 – 20:23

The Nations Can Ally with Israel This week’s portion begins with Jethro’s historic visit to the Children of Israel in the desert. The story begins in Exodus Chapter 18: “And Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’s father-in-law, heard...

Bo (Go) – Exodus 10:1 – 13:16

The Biblical calendar is a lunar oneThis week’s Torah portion includes the final three plagues and the beginning of the Exodus. It also includes the instructions for the celebration of the Passover holiday and the procedure for the sacrifice of the lamb. The...

Shemot (Names) – Exodus 1:1 – 6:1

The Wisdom of Miriam The first portion of the Book of Exodus is one of transformation – the children of Israel, the family of Jacob, become the “Hebrews” and the Children of Israel, with a national focus. The family of Amram and Yocheved become the first...