YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Tetzave
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
The Torah refers to the kohanim’s garments as l’chavod u’l’tifaret (for honor and grandeur) (Shemot 28:2). The simple explanation is that they were special to honor the kohanim, who were honorable people with an honorable job. In general, there is a concept that people who are of a high standing (e.g., a king, a talmid chacham) can and even should maintain their dignity among the "common folk" (see Rambam, Melachim 2:5; ibid, Deot 5:1). However, we do not find great detail and emphasis as we do in regard to the kohanim. Why is this the case?
Upon checking the halachot of a kohen’s clothes, we find that the kohen must (under the threat of serious Divine retribution) wear the garments, but only during the time that he is actually serving in his sacred role. He is permitted to wear the garments "off duty" but only during the day, when he is capable of doing such service. These points and others lead to the following approach that the Sefer Hachinuch (#99) adopts.
The garments’ main objective was to remind the kohen who is serving in the Mikdash how lofty and crucial his task is. Their perfection should remind him that his actions should be complete. The Chinuch mentions another element that the Ramban dwells on more. That is that people who see the kohen dressed so impressively will more readily appreciate the importance of the service and the Mikdash in which he is involved. However, it is not the person as a person that needs to be honored but the person as a representative of his calling.
Let us contrast this with the context of the Persian use of royal garments as it finds expression in regard to Mordechai. The first time he wore the royal garments was before he even had a lofty governmental post. Rather, it was a manner of rewarding someone by showing that he is important (Esther 6:9). The second time, it says that "Mordechai went out from before the king with" the various clothes (ibid. 8:15). It was the outward use of the clothes which was the Persian view of honor. Let the person show off how important his job makes him. The Torah approach is to use the clothes to remind the person and the public how important the job is so that all will know to treat the ideals behind the calling with the proper respect.
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
