- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Tzav
932
This Shabat is the one that precedes the holiday of Pesach. It is called "Shabat Hagadol" - the great Shabat. In reality every Shabat is the great Shabat. There is no other concept in Judaism that carries with it so many commandments and obligations, so many do’s and don’ts, as does the Shabat. All attempts to "improve" the Shabat have proven to be self-defeating and eventually are unable to stand the rigors of time and circumstance. Shabat is great because it is the embodiment of Jewish commandments and discipline. Those who abide by its strictures and obligations taste the delight of that day, a foretaste of paradise itself. All of its prohibitions somehow lead to a true state of contentment and freedom. The greatness of Shabat is therefore inextricably bound with the concept of freedom. Shabat and Pesach march together in tandem throughout Jewish life. Shabat is therefore the great gateway to Pesach for by understanding and accepting the concept of "v’tizvanu" - of obeying commandments and fulfilling obligations we can achieve the freedom of soul that we all so desperately strive for. It is therefore no mere coincidence that the Torah reading of "Tzav" usually falls on the Shabat that precedes Pesach - Shabat Hagadol. Freedom comes with a purpose and a price. Being commanded is both the price and reward of achieving freedom.

Temple Sacrifices Today!
Baruch Gordon | Nissan 8 5780

The Korbanot – Are They for G-d, or for Us?
Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Adar II 16 5782

How and What to Kasher; Why to Kasher
Various Rabbis | 19 nissan 5769

Why Civilisations Die
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks | 21 Adar ll 5784
Pirkei Avot between Pesach and Shavuot
Rabbi Berel Wein | 5769
The Role of Parents in Marriage
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | 5764

What Is the Significance of the Number 40 in Jewish Tradition?
Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Tevet 4 5782
Daf Yomi Makkot Daf 15
R' Eli Stefansky | 25 Nisan 5785

Ask the Rabbi: Anonymous Return of Stolen Money
Rabbi Daniel Mann | Nisan 5785
Daf Yomi Makkot Daf 14
R' Eli Stefansky | 24 Nisan 5785

Adding Elements to Strengthen the Heter Mechira – #313
Date and Place: 21 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit | Nisan 5785
