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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Vayikra
Vayikra, of course, starts the discussion of the korbanot; one of the most predominant – yet perplexing – Mitzvot of the Torah. Few, if any of us, can relate to the offerings, or understand their deeper meaning. But let us try!
Let’s start with a question: Why does the Torah begin the subject of korbanot by saying "ADAM ki yakriv korban…. When a MAN shall offer a korban…." but at the same time tells us, "V’im NEFESH techeta – When a SOUL
shall sin…?" Why not stay consistent?
The reason is clear: A person sins because something inside him – his soul, let’s call it – compels him to do so. Moreover, it is the nefesh which then becomes tarnished (or blemished), and at the end of his days, it is primarily the soul which will need a tikun, a rectification.
But the soul is immobile, incapable of action. It is only "Adam," mortal, physical man – the soul’s vehicle for movement – which has the power to act. So the pasuk tells us that while it is the soul which sins, it is Man that must act to atone for that sin, and remove the blemish upon the soul.
Bringing a Korban was the "action plan" for penitence. A person had to select an animal, spend money to purchase it and then physically bring it to the Bet HaMikdash, to the Kohen, to offer it. He then had to lay his hands upon it and verbally confess his sin. All in all, he uses his eyes, his hands, his legs and his mouth. Teshuva, in short, requires concrete acts.
So, too, our deliverance on Pesach was the result of our acting, in tandem with Hashem’s will. We had to select a lamb, go and tie it to our bedposts, slaughter it and then place the blood on our door posts. We had to undergo Brit Mila, and then we had to leave Egypt when Moshe told us to leave. At crucial times in our lives, Man must act, and only then will Hashem react.
On many occasions, well-meaning people will tell me, "Rabbi, I know I’m not very active, Jewishly-speaking. But in my heart, I consider myself to be a very good Jew."
I tell these people, "You have what we call in Judaism, ‘a heart condition!’ What you are feeling is a soul literally dying to get out. For that to happen, you must act: Reach into your pocket to give Tzedaka; move your lips to pray; let your legs carry you to shul or the Bet Midrash; sit and study." Even the word, "Halacha" comes from the root, "to move."
You want to liberate your soul, to get your neshama in good shape? The only answer is Spiritual Calisthenics.
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)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
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Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
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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)
