Vayakhel-Pekudei - (Shemos/Exodus 35:1 - 40:38)
For seven days leading up to the dedication of the Tabernacle in the desert, Moshe rabeinu (Moses our master), assembled the Tabernacle and then disassembled it twice each day. As we ourselves prepare for the building of the Holy Temple, what can we learn from Moshes daily undertaking?

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Ki Sisa - (Shemos/Exodus 30:11-34:35)
Why is it that the golden calf, of which we read in this weeks parasha, is symbolic of the impurity of death, while the red heifer, of which we also read in this weeks special Torah reading, is symbolic of of the pure nature of life eternal?

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Tetzaveh - (Shemos/Exodus 27:20-30:10)
"And you shall command the children of Israel to kindle the lamps continually." (Exodus 27:20) The light of the golden menora symbolizes the light of G-d in this world. If so, then why are we instructed to "kindle the lamps?" By actively lighting the menora, we are making G-ds light our light, as well. In this manner we are able to spread G-ds light to all mankind.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Terumah - (Shemos/Exodus 25:1-27:19)
"All that the L-rd spoke we will do and we will hear." (Exodus 24:7) The very essence of our relationship with HaShem: We will do even before we fully understand G-d's word. The secret of Israel.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Mishpatim - (Shemos/Exodus 21:1-24:18)
"All that the L-rd spoke we will do and we will hear." (Exodus 24:7) The very essence of our relationship with HaShem: We will do even before we fully understand G-d's word. The secret of Israel.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Yisro - (Shemos/Exodus 18:1 20:23)
"I am Hashem your G-d." (Exodus 20:2) This is the first commandment and it is essentially the last. G-d has woven His name throughout the entire Torah, and His presence throughout all of creation. To know His name and to believe in Him is the entirety of of all the commandments.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Beshalach - (Shemos/Exodus 13:17 17:16)
The Israelites encounter with the deadly Amalek clearly shows the danger when our faith in G-d weakens. But faith in G-d is not enough. Even the wicked can be men of faith.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Bo - (Shemos/Exodus 10:1-13:16)
A new world order. Sounds scary, but thats exactly what G-d established when he commanded Israel, saying, "This month shall be to you the head of the months; to you it shall be the first of the months of the year." (Exodus 12:2)

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Va'eira - (Shemos/Exodus 6:2-9:35)
G-d sets limits on creation, but His love for Israel cannot be contained by these same limitations. In order to effect the exodus of the Israelite nation from the exile of Egypt, G-d reached beyond the laws of nature, and turned the natural order on its head.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Shemos - (Shemos/Exodus 1:1-6:1)
..the children of Israel sighed from the labor, and they cried out, and their cry ascended to G-d (Exodus 2:23) For so long the children of Israel felt so distant from G-d that they didnt even lift up their voices and cry. But when they did, G-d heard them and delivered them.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Vayechi - (Bereishis/Genesis 47:28-50:26)
Yaakov Avinu promises his children a revelation of the end of days, and then proceeds to bless each of them. Was there a prophecy or not? It is said that prophecy is given to the broken-hearted and that Yaakovs prophecy to his children was as on as high a level as the prophecy of Moses.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Vayigash - (Bereishis/Genesis 44:18-47:27)
Reconciliation between brothers and sisters, parents and children, lovers and friends, all have their root in Torah. The root for the ultimate reconciliation, between G-d and man, can be seen in the story of Yosef reuniting with his brothers.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Miketz - (Bereishis/Genesis 41:1-44:17)
The righteous Yosef was the dream interpreter and dream facilitator to Pharaoh, and throughout the ages the Jews have fulfilled this role for the nations, ensuring their physical survival. But when Israel brings the idea of G-d to the table, she, like Yosef, is suddenly forgotten. Jews also dream dreams.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Vayeishev - (Bereishis/Genesis 37:1-40:23)
Our sages teach that the sin of abandonment and sale of Yosef by his brothers was so grievous that it must be rectified in every generation. What does this mean for us, in our time? Is it possible that we are guilty of the same sin as Yosef's brothers?

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Vayishlach - (Bereishis/Genesis 32:4-36:43)
Shall he treat our sister like a harlot. (Genesis 34:31) What was the real message in the words exchanged between Shimon and Levi and their father Yaakov, after they had slaughtered all the men-folk of Shechem? The Targum Yonatan reveals an inner truth and its lessons concerning todays dilemma over the releasing of terrorists for the freeing of Gilad Shalit.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Vayeitzei - (Bereishis/Genesis 28:10-32:3)
Yaakov our patriarch laid his head down on the site of the altar upon which Yitzchak his father had been bound, and rose up with the knowledge that this was the very place from which Avraham had declared, "G-d will be seen." This is the Temple Mount of today, and it is incumbent upon the children of Yaakov/Yisrael that the One True G-d is seen from this place.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Toldos - (Bereishis/Genesis 25:19-28:9)
"Your curse be upon me, my son (Genesis 27:13) What is really going on behind the scenes when Rivka convinces Yaakov to take on the outer visage of Esav, and receive the blessing from his father? It seems that Rivka is righting an ancient wrong.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Chayei Sarah - (Bereishis/Genesis 23:1-25:18)
And Yitzchak went out to meditate in the field. (Genesis 24:63) Prayer, like planting a seed, is an investment of hope and faith, which bears fruit in a world enhanced by our love of G-d.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Vayeira - (Bereishis/Genesis 18:1-22:24)
The Test: At the binding of Yitzchak, Avraham accepted entirely G-ds will. Being willing to sacrifice ones own life for the sanctification of G-ds name, is a deep and undeniable character trait of the people of Israel. But the true test is not only being willing to die for our beliefs, but being willing to live for G-d, and walk in the ways of His Torah.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Lech Lecha - (Bereishis/Genesis 12:1-17:27)
"And I will make of you a great nation ..." (Genesis 12:2) What makes a great nation? A nation whose people seek to be like Avraham, the man who sought the One True G-d, and made His presence known to mankind.

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Noach - (Bereishis/Genesis 6:9-11:32)
The mystery of Noach: How righteous was he? Was he a perfect tzaddik? Or could he have done more to save humanity? Noach walked with G-d, but did he walk with man?

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Bereishis - (Bereishis/Genesis 1:1-6:8)
Adam HaRishon - the first man: Who was he, and what is he to us? Even the angels were perplexed when G-d created man. Who was man and why did G-d create him? We are man, and G-d created us in order to seek out G-d through the medium of His created world. A new year awaits. Let's get to work!

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Yom Kippur 5770
If you've ever made a mistake, watch this short message. If you ever wished you could simply delete all the errors you made in your life, watch this video. If you ever dreamed of a new beginning, guaranteed, no questions asked, this short video is for you. If your heart is sincere, and you're willing simply to show up, to make a difference in your own life, and to get down to the task of being who you know you can be, this year will be the best year of your life.

Shana Tova!

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.

Rosh Hashanah 5770
On Rosh Hashana, the birthday of all mankind, we receive from G-d the greatest gift of all - the gift of life. Rabbi Chaim Richman shares his thoughts on Rosh Hashana, and extends his blessings to the entire House of Israel, and to all humanity.

Shana Tova!

by Rabbi Chaim Richman of the The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.