Shemot Videos

The Parshah report gets a new look, jono tries to enslave gefilte fish and Itche's lawyer shows up. Hilarity... whatever, you know what's coming

Faith means absolute trust in G-d. But there is something still greater than faith. (“Parsha Perks” with Dr Michael Chighel | Shemot)

A lesson based on Moses's complaint to G-d that the divine plan to redeem the Israelites from Egypt actually made their lives worse.

So many of us search, yearning to find our deepest and truest selves. This can involve traveling to distant lands, seeking out therapists and teachers, spending copious hours and dollars on our quest. Yet, by turning outside ourselves, we may encounter something dramatically different.

This is G-d’s message to his oppressed people. And this is G-d’s solace to us in our moments of misery.

Pharaoh issued a merciless decree to drown the newborn Jewish boys. What was his scheming plan for the girls?

Topics include: Moses as the perfect specimen of the human species, the name "Moses" and its symbolic connection to water, why Moses thought the people would not believe him, and the importance of crying out to G-d for redemption.

An analysis of Rashi’s commentary regarding the donkey that Moses uses to transport his wife and children down to Egypt (Exodus 4.20). The class concludes with a profoundly spiritual and personal message. (Likutei Sichos vol. 31)

"Think good and it will be good" is not just a feel-good slogan. It means that by trusting in G-d, we actually elicit His help from on High. Find out what happened when Moses doubted if he was deserving of G-d's help. (Based on Likutei Sichos volume 36, Sicha 1.)

The unusual circumstances of Moses’ son’s brit milah (circumcision) and what it teaches us about how that mitzvah may be performed -- and by whom.

The Jewish bondage in Egypt contains the all-too-familiar horrific story of anti-Semitism that marks our history. What is the reason behind this hatred and what is the ultimate solution?

Exodus opens with re-narrating the details of the descent into Egypt that's already been copiously documented. This seeming redundancy serves as our initial point of departure. Following fairly simplistic elucidation, we swiftly move into esoteric metaphor, terminology and ideas – the very notion of which appears irreconcilable. The ensuing wide-ranging discussion presents profound insight into foundational details of the human condition with Kabbalistic ideas, which serve to effectively illuminate why only through a continuing pattern of proverbial Exile and Exodus, can we set free the deepest essence of our consciousness!

“And it came to pass in those days that Moses grew up and went out to his brothers and looked at their burdens” (Exodus: 2:11). Is this verse simply telling us that Moses matured? And what lesson is in it for us?

When G-d shows Moses a sign by having him turn a staff into a snake, G-d asks Moses, (Exodus 4:2) "What is this in your hand?" But the two words, "mah zeh" ("what is this") are spelled in the Torah as one word, "mizeh" ("from this.") How does the term "mizeh" hint to the Alter Rebbe and Maimonides whose yahrzeits are this week?

When G-d charges Moses with the task of leading the Jews out of Egypt, Moses asks G-d what His name is and G-d responds, "I will be what I will be." How does this cryptic answer help us understand the problem of evil and suffering?

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

The second book of the Torah, which is called the Book of Names, begins with again listing the names of the twelve tribes. Explore the importance and influence of a name, and other intriguing curios on Jewish names. For example, why don’t we find reference to anyone being named Gad and Asher – names from the twelve tribes – throughout the entire Talmudic era?

The little-known and largely misunderstood story of Moses’ parentage is presented along with fascinating facts about the birth of our Jewish redeemer. Discover detailed descriptions of his first hours on planet earth; learn where his mother hid him, and why his family sent him down the river.

When confronted with a situation that seems hopeless, don’t resign yourself to inactivity with the excuse that the little you can do can’t possibly make a difference.

A deeper look into the names of Miriam, Moshe and G-d, and how understanding our own names and abilities can help us access our soul powers.

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

Faced with the prospect of their baby boys being killed by the Egyptians, the Jews in Egypt followed the lead of Amram, the father of Moses, in flouting Pharaoh's decrees and continuing to have children. These young boys would become the generation to leave the bondage in Egypt and perceive revealed G-dliness at the splitting of the Red Sea.

While the Egyptians enslaved and persecuted the Jews, the Tribe of Levi was given much more freedom than the rest. They were actually allowed to study Torah and engage in holy pursuits. Moses and Aaron who were Levites as well, could have simply ignored the plight of their Jewish brethren and not been any the worse off. But in the end, it was specifically their concern that helped bring the Jews to redemption.

Do we need to sacrifice to be a Jew? A chassidic story and a lesson from Moses at the burning bush.

After thirty complete days, we redeem the firstborn son through giving five silver coins to the Kohen in the boy’s stead. Understanding the mitzvah of Pidyon HeBen on five levels.

The parsha of Shemot contains 124 verses and the mnemonic for are the words ‘vayikach’ and ‘maday’. Explore the coded message in the mnemonic and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

When G-d enlists Moshe to redeem the Jews from Egypt, Moshe wants to know which Divine name he should share with the Children of Israel. Rashi sees a profound lesson in that question. (Exodus 3:13-15)

Analyzing the true meaning of ‘Bitachon’, placing one’s trust in G-d, which goes beyond having faith in G-d. The analysis begins with a closer look at the biblical narratives wherein Moses and Jacob seem to display a lack of complete trust in the Al-mighty. (Based on a talk of the Rebbe in Likkutei Sichos vol.36 p.1)

Analyzing the Torah’s narrative of Moses’ fear immediately following the episode of smiting the Egyptian who beat a Hebrew slave. This offers great insight into the true meaning of trust in G-d, and how it differs from faith.

There is a clear link between the lifework of the Alter Rebbe and the parsha of Shemos, which is about the state of Golus (exile). (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 16 Shemos - Teves 24)

A fundamental sicha on the unique, immutable connection we have to Hashem, which is illustrated by the distinction between the Exodus and the future Redemption.

The Alter Rebbe's passing on Motzei Shabbos Shemos offers a stunning insight into the power of Chassidus and the radical impact of Jewish commitment in the toughest times.

Analyzing Pharaoh: What is worse, disregarding G-d or disregarding people? Examining Rashi’s commentary on a new king, and the two overarching views of Rav and Shmuel.

There's a Pharaoh narrative that threatens Jewish continuity in every generation. We have to reveal our inner Moses to overcome it.

How old was Moshe when taken back to Pharaoh’s palace? Rashi’s clarifies the two stages of his development, which will correlate to two aspects of his spiritual greatness.

If you want to know what's wrong with focusing solely on your own spiritual growth, just ask Pharaoh. A spiritual reading of Pharaoh insisting that Moshe and Aaron return to their own affairs.

If you want to know what's wrong with focusing solely on your own spiritual growth, just ask Pharaoh. A spiritual reading of Pharaoh insisting that Moshe and Aaron return to their own affairs.

A deeper reading into the Torah narrative of Moses at the burning bush sheds light on his special character.

Ch. 1 verses 1-8: Introduction, portion begins with the names of all the sons of Yaakov. It tells us that there were 70 souls total and that Yosef was in Egypt. That generation died. The next generation was exceedingly fruitful and the land was filled with them. A new king arose who did not know Yosef.

Ch. 1 verses 9-21: The new king of the Egyptians tries to cunningly enslave the Jewish nation. Through hard work he hopes to slow down their numbers. But Hashem has other plans the more they are oppressed the more they multiply. He tries to enlist the help of two Jewish midwives to kill the Jewish male newborns. Thinking that he would be able to kill their savior at birth. They not only do not kill the males they help in their survival. Hashem was pleased with their action and blessed them with houses.

Ch. 1 verse 22, Chp. 2 verses 1-6: Ch. 1 ends with Pharaoh commanding his people to cast all male babies into the Nile and all females would live. Ch. 2 begins with a man and a woman from the tribe of Levi marrying. She gives birth to Moshe whom she hides for three months. She then places him in cradle and puts it into the Nile. The daughter of Pharaoh goes down to the Nile and takes the basket. In it she sees a Jewish infant crying and she has compassion for him and she decides to adopt the child as her own.

Ch. 2 verses 7-14: Moshe refuses to nurse from an Egyptian woman, so Miriam suggests that she bring a Jewish woman, his mother, and Pharaoh's daughter agrees. She weans him and returns him to her. She raises him and calls him Moshe. When he gets older he goes out among his people and sees an Egyptian beating a Jew he kills the Egyptian and buries him in the sand. The next day he sees two Jewish men fighting and he rebukes them. The aggressor responds "are you going to kill me as you did the Egyptian?" Moshe now feared because he felt that his deed would be reported to Pharaoh.

Ch. 2 verses 15-22: Pharaoh hears that Moshe killed the Egyptian and tries to execute him. Moshe escapes to Midian where he meets Yisro and his daughters. He marries Tziporrah and has a son whom he names Gershom. The king of Egypt dies and the Jewish people cry out to Hashem because of the severity of their bondage. He hears their groaning and remembers them in the merit of the forefathers.

Ch. 3 verses 1-8: Moshe is out tending to the sheep of his father in law and he sees a bush burning but not consumed. He turns to inspect the spectacle. Hashem calls out to him twice from the bush and he answers. He is told to remove his shoes since the place he was at was holy. Hashem introduces Himself as the G-d of his father and the patriarchs. He is told that G-d has seen the affliction of the Jewish nation and He was ready to deliver them from the hands of the Egyptians. He would bring them to the land that flowed with milk and honey,the land of the six/seven nations.

Ch. 3 verses 9-18: Hashem continues to speak to Moshe. He tells him that He is now ready to take the nation out of Egypt. He tells Moshe which of His names to tell them and the special words to say that would prove to them that he was Hashem's messenger. He assures Moshe that they would believe him and that he and the elders would go before Pharaoh. They were to tell him that the G-d of the Hebrews has appeared to us and wants us to go take a three day journey out to the wilderness where will pray and bring sacrifices to Him.

Ch. 3 verses 19-22 Ch. 4 verses 1-9: Hashem tells Moshe that Pharaoh will not agree to let the people go until he smites him with all his wonders. Also that they would leave Egypt with gold, silver, and clothing that they would borrow from the Egyptians. Ch. 4, Moshe says to G-d that the people would not believe that Hashem had appeared to him. Then G-d gives him three signs, the snake, leprosy, and blood, to present before the people so that they would know that he was the true redeemer and the time for the redemption was now.

Ch. 4 verses 10-24: Hashem finishes speaking to Moshe, he then politely tells G-d that he has never been able to speak due to his speech impediment. G-d reminds him that speech and all other powers come from Him. Moshe still declines and Hashem gets angry and informs him that Aaron his brother is coming and he would be his spokesman. Hashem tells him to take the staff in his hand with which he would perform the signs. G-d warns him that Pharaoh would not listen to his request to let the people go and that the end would be that Hashem would kill the firstborn of Egypt.

Ch. 4 verses 25-31 Ch. 5 verses 1-23 & Ch. 6 verse 1: Tzipporah circumcises her son and saves Moshe's life. Aaron comes to meet Moshe. They go Egypt and Aaron tells the people all that G-d had told Moshe and he shows them the signs and they believe him. Ch. 5, Moshe and Aaron go to Pharaoh and tell him that Hashem had asked that he let the people go out to the desert to serve Him. Pharaoh answers " who is G-d that I should listen to His voice and let Israel go?" Instead he increases the burden on the people by making them collect their own straw to make the bricks.

This first class in the series introduces the historical context in which Miriam lived—the oppressive and bitter conditions of the Jewish people’s slavery in Egypt.

How Miriam as a five-year-old girl already displayed immense bravery by defying the wicked Pharaoh’s order to help kill the newborn Israelite males.

We learn how Miriam—whose name means both “bitterness” and “rebellion”—did not respond passively to the bitterness of her people’s plight, but instead rallied the women of her generation to have faith that freedom would soon come.

How Miriam overcame darkness and found the power to be joyful, as well as to bring joy to others.

In this final class of the series, we learn about the powerful symbolism of the “Well of Miriam”—a lifegiving spring of water that followed the Jewish people in the wilderness in the merit of Miriam.

How is it possible -- as the Torah tells us -- that the new king of Egypt didn't know who Joseph was? Two opinions of the Sages.

The Books of Genesis and Exodus as two phases in the development of a person and of the Jewish people. Presenter: Rabbi Shlomo Kaplan

Historically, Jews treated their wisdom in a vastly different way from other nations. In Egypt, for example, knowledge and scientific progress were the exclusive domain of an intellectual elite. The masses obeyed them with blind action. By contrast, immediately when the Jewish people became a nation, G-d’s first action was to give the Torah to all the Jews, of all generations, equally.

Discover the power of your mind and thoughts to determine your own positive reality. Internalizing the essence of Divine Providence leads to a happier disposition in knowing that Hashem has your back.