YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Achrei Mot
The Parsha describes the 'seder avodah' --the entire service that takes place on Yom Kippur in the Beit Hamikdash. However, before the Torah begins its description it mentions- "after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before the L-rd, and died". Why is it necessary to mention this? The next pasuk explains: "Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil…that he not die".
In other words, if you'd like to enter into the Kodesh Hakodashim (Holy of Holies), there are a few absolute conditions: You must bring sacrifices, wear specific clothing, and only enter on the day of Yom Kippur. The Torah tells you how, when, and where you may approach.
So why begin the description of the Avoda with telling us of the demise of the sons of Aaron?
It seems that after the death of the two sons of Aaron, Nadav and Avihu, one could assume that from now on, there is no longer an opportunity for entering this most holy place. Who would want to take such a risk? Wouldn't it be wise to avoid "playing with fire"? Better to keep away. "Look at what happened to Nadav and Avihu!". The motivation and desire to come close to Hashem is much reduced or even gone.
However, here comes the Torah with a new interpretation: G-d wants us to come close to Him. It is proper and legitimate to come into the Kodesh Hakodashim. Nadav and Avihu's actions are correct in principle, although, in practice there are ways of doing things. Conditions and constraints are required- the how, why, and where. These rules are not here just for their own sake, but rather, these restrictions are what allow us to approach Hashem.
How amazing it is to see the commentary of the Vilna Gaon (Vayikra 16:5) and the Netziv (Vayikra 16:2,32) that explain why the Torah only mentions the calendar date of Yom Kippur (10th of Tishrei) at the end of the long description of the Avodah. They explain that truly Aaron had the privilege and right to enter the Kodesh Hakodashim all year round. If he wanted, all he needed to do to enter was to fulfill the entire Avodah and procedures of Yom Kippur on any single day. In this way, he was able to "come at all times into the Holy Place".
The Parsha teaches us the true purpose of the Avodah on Yom Kippur, namely, the fixing of the sin of Nadav and Avihu. The laws of the Torah are not meant to limit us. Rather, it is to enable us to have the closeness and relationship we desire between G-d and ourselves.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.