Questions about division of the Torah into 54 weekly portions. Every week a different portion is read, though sometimes two portions may be combined into one week.
5
votes
1answer
159 views
Where are the rules for naming parshiyot explained?
Here I asked about the naming of parshat Noach and parshat Toldot.
Is there someplace where parsha-naming questions like this are addressed in general, or are answers to individual questions ...
9
votes
5answers
244 views
Why are parshat Noach and parshat Toldot named that way?
I was taught that the parshiyot are named for the first significant word (or, rarely, phrase) in the parsha, and obviously names have to be unique. This week's parsha begins "eileh toldot Noach" and ...
10
votes
1answer
144 views
Moshe's Mask and Purim?
Is there a connection between Purim masks and the mask Moshe begins wearing at the end of Parshat Ki Tisa?
It seems too much of a coincidence that it's read near Purim for there to be none.
9
votes
1answer
184 views
2.4 million killed according to Rashi in B'shalach. Why does no one talk about it?
In the begining of Parshat B'shalach, Rashi says that one p'shat for "Vachamushim" means one fifth, because during Makas Choshech, 4 out of 5 were killed out, and it happened during the time it was ...
7
votes
1answer
67 views
Getting a late start on being Maavir Sedra for the year
I remember hearing when I was younger that ואלה שמות - is Roshei Teivos V'Chayav A'dam L'haavir H'sedra S'htayim M'ikra V'echod T'argum.
If someone who has not been Maavir Sedra so far this year is ...
6
votes
3answers
103 views
Why the extra words “who sits on his throne”, “who is behind the millstone”?
In Parshas Bo, 11:5, the Torah says:
"Every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, to the firstborn of the slave-woman who is behind the ...
6
votes
4answers
120 views
Splitting the Makot
The splitting of the Parshiot usually make, at least, some sense. However, in the next two Parshiot the plagues are split up (7 in the first, 3 in the second). Are there sources on why this may be? ...
5
votes
3answers
222 views
Parashas Shavua calculation
I'm writing a site where the user would be able to see the calendar with jewish-civil translation of dates, and also which parasas shavua falls on which Shabbos.
I'd like to know what is the formula ...
5
votes
1answer
141 views
Bamidbar or Bemidbar?
What is the name of this week's parsha? What about the sefer?
The text clearly says "Bemidbar" (or B'midbar), but many call it Bamidbar. Is this a grammatical or traditional difference? Could one ever ...
4
votes
1answer
209 views
When and why did we start reading the Parshat Hashavua?
My question is twofold:
When did we start reading a new parsha (torah portion) every week?
Why did we start reading a new parsha (torah portion) every week?
