As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“HASHEM” (20:2)
This is the greatest word in any language. It contains many meanings, all of which are based on the word Hayah (”to be”). Some meanings are easily evident.
He exists, and His existence is the only true existence (Rambam Yesode Hatorah 1:4). Everything else [Read more...]

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
Shabbat Shira
The wonders of the Ten Plagues were dwarfed by the rending of the Sea of Suf. In Egypt they had seen “the finger of G-d,” (Shemot 8:15) but now they had witnessed “the great hand.” (ibid. 14:31) “Ezekiel did not see in the [Read more...]

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“And it shall be to you a sign upon your arm and a remembrance between your eyes, in order that Hashem’s Torah be in your mouth, for with a strong arm Hashem brought you out from Egypt.” (13:9)
The deliverance from Egypt was done in [Read more...]

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“So said Hashem: My first born son is Israel.” (4:22)
This all-important declaration is now being proclaimed to the nations. To the wealthy and powerful and technically advanced nation of Egypt, this statement was a stunning affront. The despised Hebrews, with whom the Egyptians could [Read more...]

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“And Israel said unto Joseph: I had not thought to see thy face.” (48:11)
The word “Pillalty” means To Think (Rashi 48:11). We can now appreciate the true meaning of”L’hitpallel,” which is usually understood as “To Pray.” “L’hitpallel” is a reflexive verb which literally means: [Read more...]

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“And he raised his voice in weeping.” (45:2)
Why did Yosef weep? His brothers did not weep. In the Midrash Raba it states: Just as Yosef wept, so also will we weep when we return to Hashem after the Galut. He wept not out of [Read more...]

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
Shabbat Chanukah
“The cornerstone which was despised by the builders, became the top (exalted) of the edifice.” (Tehillim 118:22)
This week we say the complete ‘Hallel’ for the full eight days of Chanukah. David Hamelech included this principle in the wealth of thoughts of praise, gratitude [Read more...]

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“And the pit was empty, no water was in it.” (37:24)
The comment of the Talmud (Shabbat 22A) is that”there was no water in the pit, but snakes and scorpions were there.” The Torah makes a point of telling us that the pit was empty [Read more...]

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“And they wept.” (33:4)
Esav and Jacob wept when they met each other. Jacob wept when he encountered Rachel (29:11), and Joseph wept when his brothers came (43:30, 45:2, and 45:15). Esav and Jacob kissed each other, Jacob kissed Rachel, and Joseph embraced his brothers [Read more...]

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“This time I shall praise Hashem, therefore she called his name Yehudah.” (29:35)
When our Mother Leah said:”This time, I shall praise G-d,” she did not merely mean the praise for giving her another son. This son, Yehudah, was to become the entire Jewish nation. [Read more...]