Vayikra

We have discussed in the past that we should thank Hashem that the State of Israel is today a Torah powerhouse beyond that which existed in any generation. The number of Torah learners is greater than it ever was, the number of hours of Torah study exceeds what ever existed, and the level of learning is higher than anywhere else in the world. The main reason for all of these is the State of Israel.

We begin the reading of two special maftirs that remind Bnei Yisrael of the preparations for the upcoming central mitzva of the Korban Pesach (see Rashi, Megilla 29a). Parashat Para discusses the step of those who came in contact with the high level of tumah coming from a human corpse, who needed to purify themselves in order to bring the Korban Pesach. Next week’s Parashat Hachodesh reminds people generally about the need to prepare for the Korban Pesach with a variety of halachot to keep in mind.