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In Parashat Bo, the Maor VaShemesh teaches that Yetziat Mitzraim, the exodus from Egypt, was not only the redemption of Israel from physical bondage, but a revelation of the core foundation of faith upon which

The Maor VaShemesh on Parashat Vaera teaches that redemption, Geulah, from Mitzraim required more than leaving slavery, it required Israel to become capable of accepting G-d’s kingship. Although G-d declared “אני יקוק, I am the

The Torah opens Sefer Shemot with the words וְאֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הַבָּאִים מִצְרַיְמָה, “And these are the names of the children of Israel who are coming to Egypt.” Chazal teach that whenever the Torah uses

In this week’s parsha, the Ma’or va-Shemesh teaches that Parashat Vayechi describes a decisive spiritual transition. When Yaakov dies, the Torah becomes “closed” not only because suffering begins, but because a certain level of clear

In Parashat Miketz, the Ma’or VaShemesh offers a striking reframe of Yosef’s story. The Midrash calls Yosef the embodiment of “אַשְׁרֵי הַגֶּבֶר אֲשֶׁר שָׂם ה׳ מִבְטַחוֹ”, happy is the man who places his trust in

Regarding Chanukah, the Ma’or Va-Shemesh teaches, that the miracle begins long before we can see it. Yaakov looked at the many chiefs of Esav and feared their overwhelming power. How could holiness ever prevail against

In this week’s Parasha, the Ma’or Va-Shemesh teaches that the entire story of Yosef HaTzaddik is not simply the beginning of Galut, exile, but the hidden beginning of Geula, redemption. Beneath every event lies a

The Maor VaShemesh reveals the inner meaning behind the Torah’s words, “Yaakov sent angels before him.” Rashi says these were real angels, yet how could Esav, steeped in physicality, see spiritual beings? He explains that

The Maor Va-Shemesh reveals that when Yaakov Avinu leaves Be’er Sheva, the Torah is teaching us what it means when a tzaddik departs. Rashi’s three expressions, “hod, ziv, hadar,” are not repetitions. They reflect three

In this week’s parashah, Toldot, the Ma’or Va-Shemesh teaches that the Torah’s opening line: וְאֵלֶּה תוֹלְדוֹת יִצְחָק בֶּן־אַבְרָהָם אַבְרָהָם הוֹלִיד אֶת־יִצְחָק (Bereishit 25:19), is not a simple repetition but a profound spiritual revelation. On the surface, it recounts lineage.

Chesed, Purity, and Sweetened Judgments In Parashat Chayei Sarah, the Ma’or Va-Shemesh reveals that Eliezer’s journey to find a wife for Yitzchak was far more than a practical mission, it was a spiritual shlichut. When the Torah says, “וַיִּקַּח

In Parshat Vayeira, the Ma’or Va-Shemesh teaches that after Avraham Avinu entered the covenant of brit milah, his holiness became so intense that even the malachim could not withstand his light. So HaKadosh Baruch Hu

In Parshat Lech Lecha the Ma’or Va-Shemesh teaches that  “Lech Lecha”, go for yourself, is not a command to travel, but a call to ascend. Hashem was telling Avraham: Go inward. Go higher. Go toward the root of your soul. Avraham

In Parshat Noach, the Ma’or Va-Shemesh teaches that there are two kinds of tzaddikim. One serves Hashem in simple innocence – walking in purity, praying and learning with sincerity, but remaining apart from people lest they distract him. The other serves with

In Parshat Bereishit, the Maor VaShemesh teaches that creation isn’t just history, it’s a living blueprint for our inner life. “In the beginning” = God’s first tzimtzum (contraction), making space for a finite world. The first light

In Parshat V’Zot HaBrachah, the Avodat Yisrael addresses the question: Why did Moshe feel the need to bless the tribes even though Yaacov Avinu already did so: “V’Zot” = Malkhut/Adonai. Jacob’s blessings configure the twelve tribes as a merkavah to

The Avodat Yisrael was authored by Rabbi Yisrael Hopstein (c. 1737–1814), the Kozhnitzer Maggid, a leading Polish Hasidic master and founder of the Kozhnitz dynasty. A principal disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk (and of

These new weekly insights on the parsha by Rabbi Shalom (Saul) Orbach are based on the teachings of the great Chassidic Rav, Yisroel Hopstein, otherwise known as the Maggid of Kozhnitz.  Avodat Yisrael on Parshat

There are many ways to understand the commandment of: “and your brother shall live with you” (Vayikra 25:36). In particular, according to the Maharal (Drush Na’eh L’Shabbat HaGadol), we learn from the word ‘with you’

Did you ever want to learn Yiddish? WebYeshiva is happy to announce a new Yiddish for beginners course launching in February. Join Danny Birnbaum and learn the fundamentals of basic Yiddish including the alphabet, key verbs (and