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 Israel's Eternal Bond to Jerusalem .: Viewed: 2437 times :.
As we celebrate Jerusalem Day, we are acutely aware that Jerusalem is the center of a heated and explosive political dispute concerning its future. Unfortunately, that dispute encouraged by President Obama's anti-Israel policy, has resulted in accusations that Jerusalem and especially the Temple Mount are not really central to Judaism. The Arabs even claim that there never was a Jewish Temple...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
A Childs' First Torah Lesson: Korbonot? .: Viewed: 3352 times :.
For centuries,(even TODAY in Chassidic Yeshiva Chedar), Jewish children traditionally began their Torah studies with Parshat Yayikrah. It seems odd that a child's entry into the world of Torah should begin with a study of the sacrifices offered to G-d. Why should it not begin with the narrative of Creation in the Book of Genesis or the narrative of Israel 's liberation from bondage in Egypt in...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
Sefirat Ha'Omer: How to Make Each Day Count! .: Viewed: 6614 times :.
Rabbi S.R. Hirsch explains that Sefirat Ha'Omer connects חרות הגוף of פסח with חרות הנפש of Shavuot. To be physically free and not to know what to do with one's life is not true freedom. One is still a slave to his יצר הרע . That is why...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
Will the Final Redemption Parallel the Exodus? .: Viewed: 2554 times :.
The prophet Micah said (7:15), "As in the days of your leaving Egypt, I shall show them marvelous things." His words imply that the Exodus is the precedent for the Final Redemption, as the Midrash expounds:
"Just as in Egypt, I shall redeem you in the future from subjugation to Edom and shall perform miracles for you, as it says, 'As in the days of your leaving Egypt, I shall display...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
Will Moshiach Reveal a New Torah? .: Viewed: 3054 times :.
"And Moshe took his wife and sons and mounted them on the donkey."(Ex. 4:20) Rashi makes the cryptic comment;" the donkey that Moshiach will utilize to usher in the Final Redemption. How do we understand this strange comment of Rashi? Can a donkey live for thousands of years? The explanation is that when G-d appointed Moshe to be the Redeemer of Israel, He set those cosmic forces in motion...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
Was Joseph Punished for Embalming Yakov's Body? .: Viewed: 11530 times :.
(Gen.50:2) "And Joseph commanded the physicians to embalm his father." Rabbi Meir Leibush ("the Malbim" 1809-1879) cannot comprehend Joseph's command that his father's body be embalmed, and declares that, "the purpose of the burial ceremony is to enable the dead person's body to turn to dust." Jewish burial rites reflect the immense difference between the body and the soul. Ecclesiastes...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
The Song of the Sea's Euphoria turns Bitter .: Viewed: 2499 times :.
After Shirat Hayam, the Song of the Sea praising G-d (Exod. 15:1-18) has been sung, the nation – and the reader – are in a state of euphoria; thus, neither the nation nor the reader is prepared for the series of failures that Israel encounters in the second half of Parashat Beshalach: "And Moses led Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
Chanuka: Ongoing Miracle of Israel's Eternity .: Viewed: 2821 times :.
By lighting the Chanuka Menorah, each and every Jewish home becomes a virtual Bet Hamikdash. We are transformed into virtual Kohanim for the eight days of Chanuka. Thus, the miracle of Chanuka continues forever.
Chanuka is the symbol of the Divine spark in the human soul, as Shlomo Hamelech says in Mishlei, נר ה ' נשמת אדם ," the...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
Reflections on Yom Haatzmauit .: Viewed: 2457 times :.
A major difference between a slave people and a free people is that a free people has not only the ability but also the duty to defend itself. This is a theme that runs throughout the Torah and indeed the entire Bible. In the story of the Exodus, the struggle to free the Israelites is conducted entirely by G-D through miracles that are presented by His spokesmen, Moses and Aaron. The people...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
Avraham's Legacy: Escorting Guests? .: Viewed: 3041 times :.
"Avraham walked with them to escort them" (Genesis 18:16) The Rambam writes ( Hilchos Aveil 14:1), "There is a mitzvah enacted by the Sages to visit the sick, to comfort the bereaved, to conduct a funeral for the dead, to marry off a bride and to escort guests as they are leaving."
The Rambam gives us a short list of five mitzvos that we are required to do for other people. If you would...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
The Mystery of the Red Heifer .: Viewed: 2467 times :.
The laws concerning the Red Heifer have always been regarded as the most mysterious of the Torah's Mitzvot. Although this Mitzva has always been considered to be above human reason, attempts have nevertheless been made to interpret it.
The Midrash states that the reason why a heifer is chosen is that it should atone for Israel's sin in worshipping the golden calf. Let the mother cow clean...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
Why Yizkor on Yom Tov? .: Viewed: 2471 times :.
On each of the last days of the Shalosh Regalim, it is traditional that the Yizkor service be recited. Even those who, for one reason or another, have not been in regular attendance at the Synagogue, gravitate to it at this time. There is a feeling of responsibility and respect for our departed parents which impels us to participate in this service.
It seems strange and paradoxical that...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
Esther's Debate with the Rabbis .: Viewed: 4674 times :.
When Esther sent the sages her request, "Write my story for future generations" (Megilla 6a), they responded, "You are arousing jealousy between us and the nations". Seemingly, their response is puzzling. Since when do we censor Scripture because of what the nations will say ? The Rambam in Igeret Teiman asks a similar question:
"What nation is so great that they have such righteous rules...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
Sacrifices of the Temple Altar: Symbol of the Soul .: Viewed: 2593 times :.
The Book of Vayikra is taken up with sacrificial laws and rituals. For many people, it is easier to relate to narrative portions of the Torah or commandments that apply in our day than to those dealing with Temple sacrifices. The last sacrifices were offered in 68 C .E., before the Second Temple was destroyed. Many people would find it hard to conceive how the sacrificial system could actually...
Published: May 24, 2011 |
Shir Hashirim: Passionately in Love with the One Above! .: Viewed: 2761 times :.
We have a custom to chant Shir Hashirim (The Song of Songs) on the Shabbat during Pesach. Many reasons have been offered to explain why. One is that Pesach takes place in the month of spring (Chodesh Haaviv), and Shir Hashirim is a song about spring and renewal. “Behold the winter has passed; the rains are over and gone; the blossoms have appeared in the land, and the time of pruning has...
Published: May 24, 2011 |