בס”ד Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89 ) Towards the end of the Portion, the Torah describes at great length the offerings of the Nesi’im (Princes) on the day that the Tabernacle was sanctified. What is unusual about this section is that every Prince offered exactly the same offerings, yet the Torah describes each one separately in virtually identical verses.… Read More »PARSHAT NASO 5785 – THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INDIVIDUAL

בס”ד Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20 ) In the Book of Ruth, which is read on Shavuot, there is one enigmatic character; it’s not even clear what is his real name. He is known as Ploni Almoni which is the Jewish version of John Doe – the epitome of the anonymous person. He features in the story as the… Read More »PARSHAT BAMIDBAR 5785 – THE ENIGMATIC CHARACTER IN THE BOOK OF RUTH

בס”ד Behar (Leviticus 25:1-26:2 ) This week’s Torah portion begins with the laws of Shemmitah, the sabbatical that requires the land (of Israel) resting every seven years, and is immediately followed by the prohibition of onaat maamon, consumer protection laws that protect a buyer from being deceived and over charged. The commentaries discuss the juxtaposition between these two,… Read More »PARSHAT BEHAR 5785 HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

בס”ד Emor (Leviticus 21-24 ) The Torah Portion ends with the terrible story of ‘the blasphemer’ – the son of an Egyptian man and Jewish woman, who blasphemed G-d’s name. It is apparent to the commentaries that this man was of a low spiritual standing. Nonetheless, they strive to explain how a person who experienced the Giving… Read More »PARSHAT EMOR 5785 THE FOOLISHNESS OF ANGER

בס”ד Metzora (Leviticus 14-15 ) Vayikra, 14:2-4: This shall be the law of the metsora on the day of his purification: He shall be brought to the Kohen. The Kohen shall go to the outside of the camp; the Kohen shall look and behold, the tzoraas affliction had been healed from the metsora. The Kohen shall command; and for the person bring… Read More »PARSHAT METZORA 5785 – INSIGHTS IN RASHI – THE TWO BIRDS

בס”ד Shemini (Leviticus 9-11 ) Shemini gives the account of the tragic deaths of Aaron’s two eldest sons, Nadav and Avihu. At the climax of the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the two men entered the Holy of Holies and brought their own incense without having been commanded to do so. After they entered, a fire came forth and… Read More »PARSHAT SHEMINI 5785 – THE BENEFIT OF RELATIONSHIPS