Parshas Emor begins by discussing the higher level of purity that the kohanim (priests), and especially the kohen gadol (high priest), are required to maintain. A kohen is not permitted to come into contact with a dead body (except for that of a close relative) or become tamei (impure) in any other way. Additionally, a […]
Parshas Chukas begins by introducing us to the quintessential chok (a mitzvah whose meaning is not understood): The Red Heifer. The heifer was slaughtered and burned and its ashes were used to purify people who were tammei (impure), yet rendered the Priest who sprinkled them impure. The parsha then skips ahead thirty eight years to […]
Parshat Behar discusses the mitzvah of shmitta: the concept of letting the land of Israel lay fallow every seventh year in the shmitta cycle. For twelve months, Israeli farmers are on Sabbatical leave and can indulge themselves in purely spiritual pursuits. The Torah also discusses our obligations towards the poor and downtrodden. The most sublime […]
The Torah, in previous portions, discussed how to set up the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and how the Jews should camp around it. In this week’s portion, Beha’aloscha, the Torah turns its attention to describing how the Jews actually functioned as a nation in the desert. Aaron, the High Priest, is commanded to light the Menorah, […]
The last portion in the book of Leviticus, Bechukosai, opens with a listing of the many material blessings and rewards that G-d will bestow upon the Jews when they diligently follow the Torah and its commandments. The Jews will harvest bountiful crops, symbolizing a life of wealth and comfort. The Jews will win decisively in […]
The book of Bamidbar (Numbers) chronicles the experience of the Jewish Nation during their forty-year odyssey in the desert. It first details how they were camped in the desert and then describes what occurred during that time, including the incident of the spies and Korach’s rebellion. Certain laws are also mentioned, such as the commandment […]
Parshas Balak opens with the story of Bilaam, the gentile prophet who was hired by Balak, King of Moab, to curse the Jews. When the Moabite’s king’s messengers arrived, Bilaam asked G-d permission to go. Unable to restrain himself from all the money being offered, Bilaam disregard’s G-d’s word and travels with Balak’s messengers to […]
Count down. Think back to when you were a child. What would you count down to? Perhaps the last day of school. Maybe a daily countdown to recess. As a teenager you probably counted down to the day you would be old enough to get a driver’s license. When you were engaged to be married […]
When someone promises you that they are going to do something, you rightfully expect them top keep their word. In the event that they fail to do so, how would you describe their behavior – Dishonest? Corrupt? Insincere? Would you ever think of describing it as a “desecration” of their word? Probably not. Yet that’s […]
Ask any batting coach and he will tell you that the key to success in baseball is just to hit the ball. Don’t swing for the fences, don’t try to pull the ball, just make sure that the bat makes solid contact. And the key to making contact is to keep your eyes sharply focused […]