Tazria: The Bizarre Purification of the Metzora
This week's parsha deals with the strange set of laws dealing with tzara'at.
The Impurity of the Birthing Mother and Her Offering
What is the sin of the birthing mother?
Signs Of The Covenant
Many wonder what is the counterpoint for circumcision relative to women.
Shabbos Mevorchim Nissan
"Is my husband's Olam Haba'ah really worth the sume of 1,000 ruble?"
It’s Not Fair!
It seems Rashi is saying that had a Jew remained in his house that evening, he would not have been killed, and had he left his house, he might have died – not because he was guilty of any sin, not because he deserved to die, but because once the destroyer is given permission to kill, anyone in his path is in danger.
Skin Deep
Man has two possible extremes. If he is worthy, he transcends the rest of creation. However, if he is not worthy he is lower than the mosquito that was created before him.
Is It Sinful To Have Children?
The Gemara (Niddah 31b) states that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was asked why a woman who gives birth must bring a korban.
Parshas Parah Purifies
While our purpose in this world is to use our free will to choose good, to overcome our tests and challenges, part of that choosing should include a deep wish that we wouldn't even have the ability to sin.
The Rationale For The Dietary Laws
The ritual of kashrut may help us become more conscious of our responsibilities to live ethical lives.
Boundless Love
Boundless love was something Rav Kook had for the nation of Israel. Just as one cannot question the boundless love of Hashem for Israel, one cannot question the boundless love of a Torah giant for his people.
Count Your Blessings
That second verse in Vayikra (9:23) tells us that Moshe and Aharon entered the Ohel Moed, and upon exiting they jointly blessed the people.
A Leopard Can’t Change Its Spots, But A Man Can…
To remind us of this, Hashem gave us a permanent reminder of our uniqueness – the mitzvah of milah.
The Authority Of The Mishnah
The Ritvah understands that the kosher signs are not just “signs” indicating that a fish is kosher; rather, they are what actually render the fish kosher. This may also be applied to the kosher signs of an animal, but the Ritvah does not indicate this.
Sacrifices Celebrate Our Love Of God
The presence of a sacrifice in these covenantal experiences can be looked upon as a celebration of this glorious moment of meeting between God and his people.
The Man In The White Coat
Chazal tell us that Moshe functioned in many different capacities. For example, at various times he was considered a king and the equivalent of the Sanhedrin. He was also a kohen gadol, as evidenced by his role during this seven day period.
Purim And The Joy Of Life
Born in 1933, Sheldon Adelson was the son of Ukrainian immigrants. His father drove a taxi and his mother ran a knitting shop. He grew up in one of the poorest sections of Boston. But even as a young boy he showed great ambition, first selling newspapers on the street corner, and then running his first business at the age of twelve. He went on to build over fifty businesses, eventually owning the Venetian Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He became a very wealthy man.
Bringing Korbanos Today
If a korban chatas cannot be brought as a nedavah, how can one read the parshah of the korban chatas if he is not certain that he is obligated to bring one?
Korban Oleh VeYored
Sometimes, like the tamei individual who must stay away from the Mikdash, we have our limits and disabilities, and we must remember not to attempt those goals which are beyond our reach.
Shabbos: A Day With Hashem – The Royal Witness
Such a misunderstanding would render our words worthless, for we would not be declaring that Hashem is truly the Master of the Universe.
Vayikra: Can Leaders Make Mistakes?
Welcome the book of Leviticus!
Vayikra – With A Small Aleph
Operating the crane is Joe. Joe is overweight and a chain smoker. Another worker approaches Joe and says, “Joe, look at you! 80 pounds overweight, smoking two packs of cigarettes a day. You must do something about your health. Go the gym, work out, and get in shape.”
The Capacity to Change
Esther's name, which means “hidden,” reminds us that at the outset she hides her Jewish identity.
Women’s Involvement In Korbanos
Rav Akiva Eiger questions why semicha is considered a mitzvas assei she’hazman gramma. While it is true that it must be performed during the daytime, this is not because the semicha per se cannot be performed by night.
Introduction To Toras Kohanim
Besides the lack of appreciation and understanding on the part of knesset Yisrael, Sefer Vayikra has been derided and held in contempt by the nations of the world and other religions.
Parshas Pekudei – Shekalim: Forge On
Even if he has committed sins that warrant his rejection from the community, he is never rejected by G-d.