Lessons on Tazria
Brit Milah: It's OK for Gentiles Not to Understand
...The Jew has always been something of a mystery to the non-Jews; they have never really understood us or what majkes us tick. This is especially true regarding the mitzvah of circumcision (brit milah) - and this does not bother us. The non-Jew is not bound by this mitzvah, and he has no need, or ability, to comprehend it...
Rabbi Yechezkel Frenkel | Nissan 29 5783
The Plague of Evil Speech
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks | Nissan 5783
Mila and Tumat Leida
From Siach Shaul pp. 328-330
From Siach Shaul pp. 328-330
Rabbi Shaul Yisraeli zt"l | Nissan 5783
The Special Power of Women
This week's Torah portion of Tazria tells us that when a boy is born, the schedule is as follows: The mother is in a state of Niddah – ritual impurity – for seven days; on the eighth day, the baby is circumcised, and the mother begins a period of 33 days in which she is pure despite any discharge (although she may not touch something holy or enter the sanctuary). If a girl is born, the mother is impure for 14 days and pure for 66. The question begs itself: Why is everything doubled when a girl is born?
Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu | Adar II 29 5782
The Source of Jewish Strength
"What is the source of Jewish strength? Let us be clear that we're not talking about military prowess, strong abilities in various fields, charisma, or even the strength to endure difficulties. Jewish power is of a totally different nature. It has a bit of all the above, but it also has an extra element, something wondrous and different – even bordering on a craziness..."
Rabbi Yechezkel Frenkel | Adar II 29 5782
Flesh Pact
The circumcision ceremony itself is called a brit – a covenant. It is the dedication of Jews to their faith and tradition that has remained.
Rabbi Berel Wein | Adar II 28 5782
The Circumcision of Desire
Brit milah helps transform the male from baal to ish, from dominant partner to loving husband, just as God tells Hosea that this is what He seeks in His relationship with the people of the covenant.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks | Adar II 28 5782
