Rabbi of Congregation Or Torah in Skokie, IL.
www.ortorah.org
Rabbi Zvi Engel
A Selection of Divrei Torah
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Accessing the Palace: Tefillat Esther
Parshat Ki Tisa & Melachim I Ch. 18 - Of Splitting & Unifying: Eliyahu & Sin of the Golden Calf
The haftara of Parshat Ki Tisa recalls the tensions within the Jewish People, and the manner in which Eliyahu, Moshe--and Ovadia--each grapple with the problem in the aftermath of an historic episode in Jewish History. (Please note that the conclusion draws together the ideas of the shiur.)
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Click here to download:Melachim I Perek 18_Of Splitting & Unifying_M Geller Diamonds_Office Board Room Shiur 5771.pdf (285 KB)
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2 Minutes on Parshat Vayakhel: The Principal Name
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While spiritual identity may include external influences, the most enduring influence must emerge from within. Betzalel carries the names of his parents and of his tribe--but he merits overseeing the construction of the Mishkan on account of the identity he acquires for himself.
2 Minutes on Parshat Ki Tisa: Guilty, And Yet...
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The greatness of Moshe Rabeinu's response to Hashem's claims against Bnei Yisrael.
2 Minutes on Parshat Tetzave: Shouldering Memory
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The unity of the Jewish People is symbolized by the relationship between Yosef and his brothers, and is carried on the shoulders of its most empathic representative.
Two Minutes on Parshat Teruma: The Likeness of A Handsome King
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Despite knowing the work of art we need to create--and the sure knowledge that we will fall short in our rendering--if we follow the directions carefully and faithfully, Hashem can still dwell among us.
2 Minutes on Parshat Mishpatim: Prescribed Safeguards, Proscribed Declarations
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The opportunities and pitfalls presented by the relaxed atmosphere of Shabbat.
2 Minutes on Parshat Yitro: Hearing the Family Names
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Yitro wants Moshe to listen for the messages contained in his family's names.
In honor of the upcoming yahrzeit on 25 Shevat of my late grandfather, Jack Filler z"l, who loved to learn the Keli Yakar. His name continues to inform and inspire--yehi zichro baruch.2 Minutes on Parshat Beshalach: Helping Us to Serve Him
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The help, encouragement, and our sense of accomplishment in serving Hashem.
This past Tuesday, I was privileged to visit the gravesite of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev zt"l as part of the JUF Rabbinic Mission to Ukraine & Israel. -
R. Zvi Engel's Posterous
Rabbi of Congregation Or Torah in Skokie, IL. 
