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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Emor
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
Commentators disagree as to the audience this section is addressed to. The Ibn Ezra sees it as a continuation of instructions to the kohanim, arguing that the content applies primarily to them and that no statement addresses the matter to the whole nation. However, Chazal saw at least the last p’sukim as the source for the prohibition for all Jews not to desecrate Hashem and, to the contrary, to be willing to give their lives rather than publicly violate the Torah (see Rashi to 23:32; Sefer Hachinuch 296).
Let us explore other indications to the latter approach. The kriat hatorah on one of the days of Pesach and Sukkot consists of our parasha’s discussion of the moadim. Yet, it starts with the p’sukim in question, after skipping the lengthy section addressed to the kohanim. In regard to content, not only the words "I will be sanctified in the midst of Bnei Yisrael" but also the idea that we should do so because Hashem took us out of Egypt seem addressed to the entire nation, not the kohanim specifically.
Finally, let’s look at the introduction to the p’sukim to see if the Torah labels the recipient. The entire section that is clearly addressed to kohanim is broken up into pieces that start with lines like "Speak to Aharon and his sons" or "Speak to the kohanim." In contrast, the p’sukim in question begin with the standard opening of "Vayedaber Hashem el Moshe leimor." On one hand this seems like a strong indication that the addressee is no longer the kohanim but all of Bnei Yisrael, the Torah’s standard audience. On the other hand, the Ibn Ezra says that from the fact that there is not an explicit reference to "Speak to the Sons of Israel" as the next section (moadim) has, we can infer that the audience has not changed from the kohanim.
When considering the ambiguous nature of the introductory statement, one can’t help but consider that the ambiguity is intentional and turns the section into a bridge of sorts. The message is apparently as follows. Just as kohanim have special responsibilities and obligations because of the special status they hold within the nation, so too are there elements of all Jews’ behavior that stem from the fact that, vis a vis the nations of the world, we are to be "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." In this context, we must at times go beyond the normal rules and be willing to sacrifice our lives because our high status demands this of us.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
