https://torahform.com/ A free printable booklet on the week's parsha, including commentaries, Midrash, and a rotating selection of Chassidic voices en https://torahform.com/noach/ https://torahform.com/noach/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:25:49 -0400 Noach opens with the familiar story — the ark, the flood, the rainbow as God's promise never to destroy the world again — alongside the account of Bavel's tower and the scattering of nations. The Rashi commentary draws out small textual details, like Noach's exact obedience and the ark's design, while the Midrash debates whether calling Noach righteous "in his generation" praises him or limits him, comparing him to a lone light among the blind or a fragrant balsam in a graveyard. The Chassidic teachings go deeper still, exploring why Noach hesitated before entering the ark — not from doubt, but from a tzaddik's instinct to soften harsh decrees — and contrasting his static righteousness with Avraham's ever-growing love and humility. Together these pieces ask what true wholeness and faith really mean, and whether holiness means withdrawing from a corrupt world or finding hidden light within it. https://torahform.com/bereshit/ https://torahform.com/bereshit/ Tue, 13 Oct 2026 15:07:11 -0400 This week's Bereshit booklet opens with Creation itself: the world made through speech, man formed in God's image, and Shabbat established as the crown of the week. Rashi's comments trace Adam and Chavah in Eden, their sin and exile, and the tragedy of Kayin and Hevel. The haftarah tells of David and Yehonatan's painful parting and their covenant of loyalty. The midrash section explores Torah as the blueprint of Creation, the five names of the soul, and the unresolved cry of Hevel's blood. The chassidic teachings close out the booklet, showing how teshuvah can reach even higher than tzaddikim, how each generation has its own guiding light, and how free will endures even alongside Divine foreknowledge. https://torahform.com/shmini-atzeret/ https://torahform.com/shmini-atzeret/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:51:06 -0400 This week’s booklet follows the Torah reading’s call to generosity — tithes, debt release, and care for the Levite, stranger, orphan, and widow — culminating in the three pilgrimage festivals and the special closing day, Shemini Atzeret, with its own distinct offerings. The haftarah shows Shelomo blessing the people after the Temple’s dedication, praying that their hearts stay devoted to God. The midrash explains why Shemini Atzeret follows Sukkot’s offering of seventy bulls for the nations with just one bull and ram — like a king asking his close friend to stay after the guests leave, for a small, intimate meal. The Chassidic teaching builds on this: God’s bond with Israel holds firm even through scarcity and hardship, and a modest offering, given wholeheartedly, still brings Him joy and hastens salvation. Together these pieces frame Shemini Atzeret as a day of quiet, personal closeness with God. https://torahform.com/sukkot-i/ https://torahform.com/sukkot-i/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:49:18 -0400 This week's booklet moves through the Torah's festival calendar in Emor, from the seven-day bond between a young animal and its mother, through Shabbat as the model for all sacred time, to the detailed laws of Pesach, the omer, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot itself, including the four species and dwelling in booths. Rashi's comments highlight themes of gratitude, sensitivity to living creatures, and generosity toward the poor. The haftarah looks ahead to a future Sukkot when all nations will gather in Jerusalem to worship. The midrash explores why the four species must be bound together, teaching that different types of Jews complement and atone for one another. Chassidic and Breslov teachings turn inward, describing the sukkah as a source of humility, joy, and Divine protection, and closing with lessons on repentance, honest self-judgment, and true peace.