Daily Aliya for Teruma, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: A thick, solid gold lid is to be made for the Aron. From the lid are to be formed two Cherubs facing each other with their wings spread out above the lid. Communication from G-d will be from "between the two K'ruvim". A special table of gold-plated wood shall be made; a frame and decorative border to the frame are to be made of gold. Four gold rings are to be attached to the legs of the table as receptacles for the carrying rods. Shelves and supports for the shelves complete the Shulchan. The Lechem Panim (Showbread) are to be placed on the Shulchan at all times.

This is not considered just a detail of the making of the Shulchan, but as its own mitzvah. The mitzvah involved baking 12 special loaves (they were halachically matza) on Friday to replace the previous week's loaves on Shabbat. Tradition records a weekly miracle that the one week old bread was found to be fresh by the kohanim on duty who shared in the Lechem HaPanim. This mitzvah makes a statement: We should not view food as just the physical necessity, but rather we are challenged to add a spiritual dimension to even the most mundane of our human activities. The Lechem HaPanim are the model; our laws of kashrut, brachot, and more help us achieve the spiritual levels of this concept.

Daily Aliya for Teruma, Rishon (1st Aliya)

G-d tells Moshe to tell the People to donate materials in amounts that "each person sees fit". The donations were to be of gold, silver, copper; dyed wools (blue, purple, red), fine linen; goats-hair fabric, red-dyed sheepskin, Tachash skins; acacia wood; oil for light, spices for the anointing oil and the incense offerings; gemstones for the Eiphod and the Choshen.

"And they shall make for Me a Sanctuary, and I will dwell in their midst". This well-known passuk constitutes the mitzvah to build the Mishkan in that generation, and the Temple in later times. Each time the Mishkan was taken apart, transported, and reassembled, the mitzva was fulfilled. It was fulfilled by King Solomon and his generation, by Ezra and his generation, and it will be fulfilled when the third Beit HaMikdash will be built. Some commentaries interpret the word b'tocham as within Jew, not just in the midst of the People.

Daily Aliya for Mishpatim, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya continues describing the blessings the Israelites will receive if they faithfully serve G‑d: no miscarriages or barren women, longevity, wide spacious borders and supernatural assistance in their quest to conquer the Holy Land. G‑d warns the Israelites against entering into treaties with the Canaanite natives or allowing them to remain in the land after the Israelite invasion. The Torah now relates some of the events that occurred in the days immediately prior to the giving of the Torah. Moshe went up the mountain and received a message from G‑d which he communicated to the people. The Israelites enthusiastically committed themselves to following all of G‑d's laws. Moshe transcribed the "Book of the Covenant" and read it to the people. Then, together with the Israelite firstborn, Moshe offered sacrifices and sprinkled the blood on the people, bringing them into a covenant with G‑d. This Aliya concludes with G‑d summoning Moshe – after the giving of the Torah – to ascend the mountain where he would remain for forty days and nights, and would then be given the Tablets.

G-d promises that we will live full satisfying lives and that our enemies will panic before us and will be driven out of the Land - not quickly, but slowly, so that the People of Israel may properly populate the Land. Why not with a quick miracle? The answer is that miracles are nice, but we needed (and need) to get accustomed and in tune with daily miracles that are less obvious, but not less miraculous and necessary.

Daily Aliya for Mishpatim, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d informed the Israelites that He would dispatch an angel to lead them into Canaan. This angel would not tolerate disobedience. If, however, the Israelites would hearken to the angel, and eradicate idolatry from the Promised Land, then they will be greatly rewarded. Their Canaanite enemies will fall before them and G‑d "will bless your food and your drink, and will remove illness from your midst."


The Passuk describing the angel sent to lead the Israelites into Canaan is generic enough that it could be referring to anyone, at any time (read 23:20). If so, the Passuk is saying that there is always an angel helping to guide us to where we need to go.

Daily Aliya for Mishpatim, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: We are commanded not to lie or take a bribe. The mitzvah of the Shemitah (Sabbatical year) is introduced: six years we work and harvest the land, and on the seventh year we allow the land to rest. Similarly, on a weekly basis, six days we work and on the seventh day we – and our cattle and servants – must rest. We are forbidden to mention the name of other gods. We are commanded to celebrate the three festivals —Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot – and to make pilgrimages to the Holy Temple on these occasions. Finally, we are told not to cook meat in (its mother's) milk.

The Midrash says that when G-d dictated these words to Moshe and explained to him the laws of Meat in Milk, Moshe requested permission to write Basar b'Chalav, rather than the obscure, confusing G'di bachaleiv imo. G-d told Moshe: write the words that I tell you. For reasons that we sometimes can figure out and sometimes cannot, G-d chose what and how to write something in the Written Torah and how it is to be explained via the Oral Tradition. The words are not arbitrary nor are they superfluous. One thing we know for certain is that the Written Word is inseparable from the Oral Law.

Daily Aliya for Mishpatim, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya, too, introduces us to many new mitzvot: the prohibitions against cursing a judge or leader, consuming meat that was not ritually slaughtered, offering a sacrifice before the animal is eight days old, perjury, and judicial corruption; the commandments to separate all agricultural tithes in their proper order, sanctify the first-born son, return a lost animal to its owner, and help unload an overburdened animal.

One must help even his enemy unload his beast of burden. This mitzvah is one of several that are considered to be the sources of the Jewish concept of Avoiding cruelty to Animals. The Sefer HaChinuch says that if this mitzvah applies to a donkey, how much more so does it apply to humans. If one sees a fellow person loaded down with bundles, it is a mitzvah to help him with them. Torah Tidbits adds a unique perspective to this: If you are the one overburdened and someone offers to help carry a package, etc. - let him. Resist the temptation to automatically say "no thanks, I can manage", and accept the help. You will be helped and the helper will be fulfilling a mitzvah.

Daily Aliya for Mishpatim, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: An arsonist is liable for damages caused by fires he ignites. The Torah then details the potential liabilities of an individual who undertakes to be a guardian of another's possessions, a borrower, and a renter. More laws: the punishment for seducing a young woman, sorcery, bestiality and offering an idolatrous sacrifice; prohibitions against harassing a foreigner, widow, or orphan; the mitzvah of lending money to the poor and the prohibition against lending with interest.


The prohibition against mistreating a foreigner is worded differently than the one against mistreating an orphan or widow. There is a reason given for not mistreating a foreigner, because we were once foreigners in Egypt. How is that relevant, and why does there have to be a reason? Can't it just be a law that we must follow, just like the orphan and widow commandment? Unless there is a deeper requirement involved - one of empathizing with others whenever possible. The Torah might be telling us not to simply follow the laws, but to try and feel what others are feeling, whenever possible. 

Daily Aliya for Mishpatim, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya continues with laws of personal injury: the punishment for one who kills or injures his servant and for one who causes a woman to miscarry. The Torah then shifts its focus to a person's liabilities for damages caused by his possessions, such as an ox that gores; or his actions, such as leaving an open pit uncovered. A person who steals is liable to pay the capital plus punitive damages. The section concludes with a person's right to self-defense when facing a marauding thief.

The Torah elaborates on the rules of personal injuries requiring the guilty party to pay compensatory damages. The famous "an eye for an eye..." passage has stimulated much slander against the Torah and Judaism by being construed literally. Our Oral Tradition explains the passage as requiring a thorough evaluation by the court to determine the proper amounts to be paid to the injured party.

Daily Aliya for Mishpatim, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: This week's reading, Mishpatim, details many laws, including laws related to slaves, personal injury, loans, usury, and property damage. The end of the portion speaks of the preparations the Israelites made before receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai.

Aliya Summary: This Aliya discusses laws pertaining to the Israelite servant, his mandatory release after six years of service, and the procedure followed when a servant expresses his desire to remain in his master's service. The Torah continues with the laws of the Israelite maidservant, and her terms of release. Other laws contained in this section: a husband's obligations towards his wife; punishments for murder, manslaughter, kidnapping and abusing parents; and the penalties accrued by a person who injures another.

Daily Aliya for Yitro, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Israelites were left traumatized by the overwhelming revelation, the awesome "light and sound" show. They turned to Moshe and asked that from thereon he serve as an intermediary between them and G‑d—Moshe should hear G‑d's word and transmit it to the people. Moshe agreed. The reading concludes with a prohibition against creating idolatrous graven images – considering that no image was seen when G‑d revealed Himself on Mount Sinai – and the commandment to erect a sacrificial altar. The altar stones should not be hewn with iron implements, nor should there be steps leading to the top of the altar.

Metal implements represent the sword, which shortens life; the Altar represents the lengthening of life. From this rule comes the custom to remove or cover the bread-knife during Birkat HaMazon, since our table is likened to the Altar.

Daily Aliya for Yitro, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d descended upon the mountain, and summoned Moshe to its summit. G‑d instructed Moshe to again warn the Israelites about the tragic end that awaited anyone who approaches the mountain itself. Only Moshe and his brother Aaron were allowed on the mountain during this time. G‑d then spoke the Ten Commandments to the Israelite nation. They are: 1) Belief in G‑d. 2) Not to worship idols. 3) Not to take G‑d's name in vain. 4) To keep the Shabbat. 5) To honor parents. 6) Not to murder, 7) commit adultery, 8) steal, 9) bear false witness or 10) covet another's property.

The third commandment prohibits swearing in vain. This is defined as (1) swearing to the truth of something that is obviously true and well-known - (i.e. that the sun is hot); (2) to swear in denial of an obvious truth - (i.e. that the Moon is made of cheese); (3) to swear to violate the Torah - (i.e. that one will eat pork). Such an oath is immediately void since we are considered to have taken a prior oath (at Sinai) to not eat pork. Hence, the oath is in vain and a disrespectful and potentially harmful use of G-d's name; (4) to swear to do something that is impossible - (i.e. to stay awake for a full week). The common denominator of these types of oaths is that they all "cheapen" the use of G-d's name and threaten the smooth functioning of society which often must rely on the seriousness of a real oath.

Daily Aliya for Yitro, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe conveyed to the people G‑d's words, who, in turn, accepted upon themselves to do all that G‑d commands of them. G‑d then instructed Moshe to have the Israelites prepare themselves, because in three days' time He would reveal Himself atop the mountain to the entire nation. The Israelites were commanded to sanctify themselves and were warned not to approach the mountain until after the divine revelation. On the morning of the third day, thunder, lightning, a thick cloud and the piercing sound of a shofar emanated from the mountaintop. Mt. Sinai was smoking and trembling, while the sound of the shofar grew steadily louder. Moshe escorted the shuddering and frightened nation to the mountain, and settled them at its base.

G-d tells Moshe that the People should "sanctify themselves today AND tomorrow". It is relatively easy to sanctify oneself on the day of the great miraculous events of receiving the Torah. The challenge to each of us is to sanctify ourselves on the many tomorrows that follow. The days after the magnificent spiritual experiences. The days when our lives return to "normal" is what being a Jew is about.

Daily Aliya for Yitro, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Six weeks after leaving Egypt, the Israelites arrived in the Sinai Desert and encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai. Moshe ascended the mountain where G‑d gave him a message to transmit to the people. Included in this message was G‑d's designation of the Israelites as "His treasure out of all peoples" and a "kingdom of princes and a holy nation."

In the third month following the Exodus, on "this" day, they arrived at the Sinai Wilderness. Why "this" day, and not "that" day? The answer is because the Torah is a living guide for our lives, to be constantly rediscovered and relived. Some say that the custom that some people follow of standing for Torah reading is based on this idea. Just as the People stood at Sinai, so too do we experience anew "the standing at Har Sinai" each time we hear the words of the Torah being read to us.

Daily Aliya for Yitro, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe accepts Yitro's suggestions and selects the judges. Commentaries point out that the actual qualifications of the judges that Moshe selected were more "modest" than Yitro had recommended. In theory, the very highest caliber person should be sought after as judge. In reality, we often have to settle for the best we can find in our society. In other words, even if our current leaders don't live up to those of our past, doesn't mean we should respect them any less.

Moshe sends Yitro off on his journey to Midyan (to convert his family - Rashi).

Daily Aliya for Yitro, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Yitro observed Moshe adjudicating all the disputes that arose among the Israelites. Yitro suggested to Moshe that such a system, one that placed such a great burden on Moshe's shoulders, would eventually wear him down. Instead, he advised Moshe to appoint a hierarchy of wise and righteous judges and to delegate his responsibilities—with Moshe presiding only over the most difficult cases. This would also free up Moshe's time to teach the Israelites the teachings of the Torah that he hears from G‑d.

Why does it take an outsider to realize that Moshe was doing things inefficiently? Many times we're so busy getting through our lives that we fail to stop and see the bigger picture. Meanwhile, our friends and family see snapshots of our lives, and can often point out things we may not realize or notice. Such was the case with Yitro, who wasn't caught up in the whirlwind of miracles and life-changing events. To Moshe's credit, he realized Yitro's suggestions were good ones, and adapted them.

Daily Aliya for Yitro, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: In this week's Parsha, Yitro, Moshe's father-in-law, Yitro, arrives at the Israelite encampment, and advises them to set up a smoothly functioning legal system. The Israelites experience the Divine revelation at Mount Sinai and hear the Ten Commandments.

Aliya Summary: Yitro, Moshe's father-in-law, having heard all the miracles that G‑d wrought for the Israelites, came from his native Midian to the Israelite desert encampment—bringing along Moshe's wife and two sons. Moshe warmly greeted his father-in-law and recounted to him all that G‑d had done to the Egyptians. Yitro thanked G‑d for all the miracles and offered thanksgiving sacrifices.

Daily Aliya for Beshalach, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Israelites journeyed further and as they arrived in Refidim their drinking water ran out again. The Israelites complained, and G‑d instructed Moshe to smite a certain rock with his staff. Water came pouring out of the rock and the people drank. The Amalekites then came and attacked the Israelites. Moshe directed his student Joshua to assemble an army and battle Amalek. Joshua did so, and the Israelites were victorious—aided by Moshe's prayer atop a mountain. G‑d told Moshe to record in the Book that He will "surely erase the memory of Amalek from under the heavens."


What made Amalek so evil was that they exploited the (perceived) weakness of the Israelites to try and destroy them. While recording in the book to erase their memory sounds like an oxymoron, the point was to remember to never prey on the weak, for we were once weak too.

Daily Aliya for Beshalach, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The meat, in the form of quails, appeared in the evening and covered the Israelite camp. In the morning, bread – called manna – fell from heaven, encased between layers of morning dew. Moshe told the Israelites to gather one omer (a biblical measure) of manna per household member every day. Miraculously, no matter how much manna one picked, he arrived home with precisely one omer per head. Furthermore, Moshe commanded the Israelites not to leave any manna over from one day to the next. Some disregarded this instruction, and next morning found their manna worm-infested. On Friday everyone picked two omers. Moshe explained that the second portion was to be prepared and set aside for Shabbat—when no manna would fall. Again some disregarded Moshe's directive, and went out pick manna on Shabbat. G‑d was angered by this disobedience. G‑d instructed Moshe to take a jar of manna and place it in the (yet to be constructed) Tabernacle, as a testament for all future generations.

I believe this marks the first time that G-d is angered by the Israelites' complaints, and it could be directly connected to the people's being born into slavery. If they were used to being slavery, they should have no problem following orders, and no one should have collected the Manna on Shabbos. It was up to them to work on transforming their slavery habits of hoarding food for the future. Just because it's in our nature to want to do something, doesn't mean we should act on it. The challenge is to use our thought process to filter out those actions that aren't appropriate. This is what the Israelites were asked to work on at this point in their transformation into a nation.

Daily Aliya for Beshalach, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: One month after the Exodus, the Israelites' provisions ran dry. They complained to Moshe, mentioning nostalgically "the fleshpots of Egypt," that they left behind. G‑d responded that He will rain down bread from heaven in the mornings, and meat will be provided every night.

Although on the surface the Israelites may seem ungrateful when they complain, it's important to understand that they are going through a critical change in their lives. They were all born to slavery, and were used to complaining to their masters, and possibly eventually getting a small percentage of what they ask for. Now they find themselves needing food, and complain because it's all they know. They receive food that tastes like whatever they want it to taste like. This too will be a foreign concept to them - having their opinion matter. Understanding, this is why G-d and Moshe don't get upset at the complaints, and simply address the issue.

Daily Aliya for Beshalach, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe stretched his hand over the sea and the waters that had been standing like walls now fell upon the Egyptians, drowning them all. Moshe then led the Israelites in song, praising G‑d for the wondrous miracle that had transpired. Miriam, Moshe's sister, then led the women in song and dance, with musical accompaniment. The Israelites traveled on in the desert, journeying three days without encountering water. They then arrived in Marah, where there was water—but bitter water. Moshe miraculously sweetened the water.

Aside from the literal meaning of the text, this episode is considered an allusion to the primacy of Torah in the life of a Jew. Both Torah and water sustain life - spiritual and physical. In the same vein, "three days without water" resulted in our reading the Torah on Monday and Thursday, so that in our wandering in the spiritual desert of life, we will not go 3 days without spiritual water. This is but one "use" of the well-known analogy between Torah and water.

Daily Aliya for Beshalach, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d instructed Moshe, "Speak to the children of Israel and let them travel!" G‑d told Moshe to stretch out his staff over the sea and divide it, and the Israelites should then proceed through the split sea. "And the Egyptians shall know that I am G‑d, when I will be glorified through Pharaoh, through his chariots, and through his horsemen." Meanwhile, the pillar of cloud that normally led the Israelites moved to their rear, insulating the Israelites and plunging the Egyptian camp into darkness. Moshe raises his hand above the Sea and G-d causes a powerful eastern wind to blow all night, followed by a parting of the waters. The People of Israel enter the Sea on dry land, between walls of water. The Egyptians quickly pursued them into the sea.

What was the purpose of the strong wind blowing all night? Could not G-d have split the Sea with the snap of a finger? The answer is: Of course. But the night's preparation for the miracles of the day serve several purposes. A night to ponder what was going on, further enhanced the appreciation of the Children of Israel for what had happened, was happening, and was to happen.

Daily Aliya for Beshalach, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Israelites noticed the approaching Egyptian armies, and they panicked. "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us to die in the desert?" they screamed at Moshe. "Don't be afraid," Moshe reassured. "Stand firm and see G‑d's salvation that He will wreak for you today . . . G‑d will fight for you, and you shall remain silent."

It might be suggested that what is happening is a clarification of who took the People of Israel out of Egypt. Paroh actually thought that he let the People go - that he expelled the People from Egypt. G-d arranged to have Paroh run after them to make it clear to him - and to us - that G-d, and only G-d took us out of Egypt.

Daily Aliya for Beshalach, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: In this week's reading, Beshalach, Pharaoh pursues the Israelites into the desert. The Red Sea splits, the Israelites cross the sea while the Egyptian army is drowned. Moshe and the Israelites sing a special song thanking G‑d for this miracle. The Israelites complain about a lack of food and drink. G‑d sends Manna and quail for them to eat, and miraculously produces water from a rock. Amalek attacks the Israelites and is soundly defeated.

Aliya Summary: After Pharaoh sent the Israelites from his land, G‑d did not allow them to take the most direct route to the Promised Land, fearing that any confrontation would then frighten the Israelites, causing them to return to Egypt via this short route. Instead G‑d had them take the circuitous desert route, leading them with a pillar of cloud during daytime and a pillar of fire after dark. G‑d then commanded the Israelites to backtrack and encamp along the Red Sea. They would thus appear to be hopelessly lost, which would prompt the Egyptians to pursue them. The Israelites followed this instruction, and, indeed, the Egyptians armies set out after the "lost" and cornered Israelites.

Daily Aliya for Bo, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d gave the Israelites several mitzvot: 1) All male Israelite firstborn were henceforth sanctified to G‑d. 2) Eat matzah on Passover. 3) Recount the story of the Exodus at the Passover seder. 4) Bring all male firstborn of kosher as sacrifices. 5) Redeem all male firstborn donkeys for a sheep—which is then brought as a sacrifice. 6) Don tefillin on the head and arm.

If the donkey owner refuses to redeem it, he must destroy it. Although this too is counted among the 613 commandments of the Torah, it is clear that the Torah prefers the owner to redeem it and not resort to the wasteful alternative. Although one can get out of this mitzvah by selling a part interest in the mother donkey to a non-Jew before the firstborn is delivered, the Shulchan Aruch forbids doing so, since the opportunity to do a mitzvah would be lost. The reason the Shulchan Aruch had to warn us not to get out of this mitzvah is that in the previous section it taught the same "legal technicality" (partnership with a non-Jew in the expectant mother) that would succeed in our not having a mitzvah to perform. In one case, kosher animal, it is too problematic without a temple to allow the mitzvah to exist (so to speak). In the other, donkey, the mitzvah can be performed any time, and so it should not be avoided.

Daily Aliya for Bo, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Plague Ten: At the stroke of midnight G‑d slew all the Egyptian firstborn. No Egyptian home was spared, and Egypt erupted in a great outcry. Pharaoh awoke and raced to Moshe and begged him to take the Israelites and leave. The Egyptians pressured the Israelites to leave as soon as possible, and the Israelites complied. Equipped with all the valuables they had borrowed from the Egyptians, and provisions for the way – dough that was baked before having time to rise – the Israelites left Egypt at midday of the fifteenth of Nissan. This Aliya concludes with some more rules that pertain to the Paschal Offering.

The period of Egyptian "Slavery" is given as 400 years and as 430 years. An interesting Drash on the extra 30 years is that it corresponds to 210 years of Egyptian slavery where they were not granted rest on Shabbat. A reasonable master would allow his slaves one day a week off, but Paroh was excessively oppressive, not allowing the Jews to rest even one day. These extra 30 years of Shabbatot are acknowledged by G-d, so to speak, by being added to the total, and by being featured in the Jews' new code of law.

Daily Aliya for Bo, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe gathers the elders of the People and relays G-d's instructions. He also tells them that when the People get to Israel, they will continue to commemorate the events of the Exodus, with questions and answers between the generations.

Not only is going into Israel part of the Promises of Redemption, but in the statement of the laws of the Pesach offering there is reference to "when you will come to the Land...", almost like going to Israel is a law, and an inevitable fact (when, not if). 

Daily Aliya for Bo, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe delivered G‑d's warning to Pharaoh: "At midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt. Every firstborn in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne to the firstborn of the slave woman..." G‑d then gave the Israelites their first mitzvah, that of determining the New Moon (Rosh Chodesh) each month and establishing a lunar calendar. G‑d also told Moshe to instruct the Israelites to designate a lamb for the Paschal Offering. The Israelites were to sacrifice this lamb and consume it, together with matzah and bitter herbs, on the eve of the fifteenth of Nissan. The blood of the lamb was to be smeared on the lintels and doorposts of the Israelite residences, and all inside those homes would be spared when G‑d descended to smite the Egyptian firstborn. G‑d also instructed that for all future generations this day would signal the beginning of the seven-day holiday of Passover, during which no leaven can be eaten or possessed.

The Torah describes the tranquility of the Jewish area with the statement "a dog didn't even bark". Dogs usually sense death and instinctively react. To highlight the contrast between the Egyptians and the Israelites, the dogs were miraculously silent. In "tribute" to the dogs for their role in bringing greater honor and appreciation to G-d on the night of the Exodus, the Torah rewards them by telling us (elsewhere) to throw our non-kosher meat to the dogs (this applies only when a forbidden food isn't also forbidden to derive other benefit therefrom.) Thus we have an unusual lesson in acknowledging the good that another does for you.

Daily Aliya for Bo, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Pharaoh summoned Moshe again, offering to release the Israelites if they leave behind their cattle. Moshe refused the condition. Pharaoh sent Moshe away, warning him to never appear in his presence again, "for on the day that you see my face, you shall die!" Moshe agreed, but not before he delivered a final message that G‑d relayed to him at that moment. G‑d told Moshe that he would visit one more plague upon Egypt, after which Pharaoh will actually drive the Israelites from his land. Parenthetically, at that time G‑d also instructed Moshe to ask the Israelites to borrow from their Egyptian neighbors jewels, silver and gold. The Israelites complied, and the Egyptians readily lent out their valuables.

Moshe's words to Paroh are: "We will also take our animals with us, for from them we will take to serve G-d." The plain understanding of the passuk is that Moshe was referring to sacrifices. The Malbim has another beautiful interpretation of Moshe's statement to Paroh. "From the animals we will take lessons in how to serve G-d - from the cat we will learn modesty, from the doves fidelity, from the ants industry and honesty, etc." Had we not received the Torah, which teaches us proper conduct, we would learn these lessons from our animals (and even with the Torah to teach us, we can see practical examples of its lessons in nature.)

Daily Aliya for Bo, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe stretched out his hands and swarms of locusts swept down on Egypt. They consumed absolutely every blade of grass and all the crops. Pharaoh beseeched Moshe to pray to G‑d for the removal of the locusts, promising to then release the Israelites. Moshe prayed, and no sooner than a wind carried the locusts back to the Red Sea and Pharaoh changed his mind yet again. Plague Nine: A frightful darkness descended upon Egypt. For days, the entire nation was incapacitated by the debilitating pitch darkness. "But for all the children of Israel there was light in their dwellings."

"Man did not see his fellow, nor did a person rise from his place..." The Chidushei HaRim writes that this is a description of the worse kind of darkness in human life, when a person does not see the suffering of his fellow. Not only does he not extend his hand to help the other, but the ultimate result is the inability of the individual to even help himself. The opposite must be true as well, then. Seeing the suffering of others is the ultimate "light at the end of the tunnel", both for the sufferer, and for their "fellows."

Daily Aliya for Bo, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: In this week's Parsha, Bo, the last three plagues – Locust, Darkness, and Death of the Firstborn – are inflicted upon the Egyptians. Moshe commands the Israelites concerning the Paschal Offering and the laws of the seder. After the final plague, Pharaoh unconditionally releases the Israelites from his land.

Aliya Summary: Plague Eight: At G‑d's behest, Moshe and Aaron went to Pharaoh and delivered a warning: "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let My people go so that they can worship me!" They informed Pharaoh that if he does not allow the Israelites to go, Egypt will be attacked by a plague of locust. After Moshe and Aaron left, Pharaoh's servants begged him to allow the Israelites to leave. "Don't you yet know that Egypt is lost?" they argued. Pharaoh called back Moshe and Aaron and offered to allow the Israelites to leave—provided that they leave behind their children as security. Moshe and Aaron refused the offer, and Pharaoh stubbornly refused to allow the Israelites to go.