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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Achrei Mot
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Kdoshim
The beginning of our double-Parsha of Acharei Mot – Kedoshim is quite puzzling: Why does it begin by saying, "Hashem spoke to Moshe," but never tells us what He said? And why does it say TWICE that Ahron’s sons died?
To try to solve this puzzle, we must try to understand why Nadav & Avihu perished. Contrary to popular opinion, they were not "sinners." While they did indeed commit a sin, they were, in actuality, righteous in the extreme. In fact, even Moshe says to his brother Ahron: "They were greater than you or I!" So what, exactly, was their sin?
Our opening pasuk hints to it: "They came close - too close, in fact – to Hashem," & so they got burned. They wanted so desperately to approach G-d that they "crossed the line" & went where no human, no matter how well-intentioned, should go. And so (according to various opinions) they added to the mandated offering; they brought it before its proper time; they became intoxicated; they had no children. All these indicate their overwhelming zeal to serve G-d, even at the cost of going beyond His dictates, & abandoning normal lives.
And so Rav Moshe Feinstein explains: Ahron was stunned into silence upon hearing of their death, as he experienced two, conflicting emotions: Tragedy at the loss of his sons, & great joy, knowing that they were tzadikim who would enjoy Heaven’s highest reward.
Now we can answer our initial questions. After the shock of Nadav & Avihu’s death – which came right in the midst of celebrating the Mishkan’s inauguration – Hashem "speaks" to Moshe. What, if anything, He said was actually irrelevant. G-d just wanted Moshe to know that He was still with us, that He still loved us & would not "turn His back" on us. Yes, these sons were dead – that fact is repeated to acknowledge the scope of the tragedy – but life & the Jewish People would still go on, despite the tears.
The message of all this hits home: We have now concluded this year’s commemoration of the monumentally sad "twin tragedies" of modern Israel, the death of the 6+ million in the Shoa, & the 22,320 fallen soldiers of the IDF who died Al Kiddush Hashem. We are terribly sad. But, despite our sadness, we know that Hashem still speaks to us, He still watches over us & loves us. He has not deserted us, & never will.
Acharei Mot Kedoshim, literally, "after the death of the holy," we will still move forward, devoted partners with the Divine in our march
towards Geula Shlema. – may it come soon.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
