56 Lessons
Shmini THE WORLD IS READY FOR ISRAEL'S BODY-SOUL HARMONY- Parshat Shmini
The modern world has only recently discovered what Judaism always knew: the body and soul nourish each other. Today we all know children on diets to stay away from certain physical foods which negatively influence their personality or behavior, e.g. certain artificial colorings increase impulsivity and restlessness, especially among ADHD. Conversely, modern medicine knows we can psychosomatically mentally "think" ourselves into being physically sick, which will even show up on our physical blood-tests. Psychosomatic illnesses are the "missing link" that proves physical actions (mitzvot) aren't just symbolic. If the mind can make the body sick through stress, the body can "heal" the soul through structured, purposeful physical actions. We are essentially using the body's hardware to "reprogram" the soul's software. This interplay between the physical and spiritual are an essential part of Rav Kook's Torat Eretz Yisrael whose time has come, but does this apply outside of Israel and to gentiles, as well?
Parashat Hashavua Parashat Shemini as a Bridge between Topics
from Siach Shaul p. 220-1
from Siach Shaul p. 220-1
Shmini The President of the United States Salutes the Jew
Why did the President of the United States Salute the Jews? and what does this have to do with Shmini?
Shmini Fire: Holy and Unholy
The holy is that segment of time and space God has reserved for His Presence. Creation involves concealment. About Nadav and Avihus death.
Shmini Eat to Survive
Most human beings know that they eat to survive, but there are many, especially in Western society today, that survive to be able to eat. It becomes almost logical that the Torah, would suggest and ordain for us a list of foods that somehow would prove harmful to our spiritual health.
Shmini The “Eighth” Wonder
The “8th day” was the day when the Mishkan was permanently erected, the day that the Kohanim started their service of bringing the offerings, the 1st of Nisan. With so many amazing events happening all at once, why does the Torah cryptically choose to refer to this day as “the 8th day?”
Shmini Which Tablet Was Broken After Cheit Ha’egel?
Why does Aharon bring A Chatat on the 8th day? and what does this have to do with the half A Sekel contribution and the selling of Joseph?
Shmini Reticence vs. Impetuosity
It should have been a day of joy. The Israelites had completed the Mishkan, the Sanctuary. But tragedy struck. The two elder sons of Aaron “offered a strange fire" and they died. Aaron’s joy turned to mourning.
Shmini Lessons of Parshas Shemini
“I work as a leather tanner. Should I train for a different parnasah, so that I can make a living after Moshiach comes?” “What is the difference between a toad and a frog?” What does either of the previous two questions have to do with this week’s parshah?
Shmini The Rules of Kosher Food
One of the more distinguishing life values which Judaism advocates is the type of food that a Jew eats. Perhaps no other area of Jewish life has evoked so much scholarship and divergence of opinions.
Shmini Meat eater - Pack up for Israel!
Israel National Torah
deducting from the Torah reading why you're better off eating meat in Israel than in the Diaspora.
Shmini Why Eat Kosher?
What's the connection between working in a recording studio and eating non-kosher food?
Parashat Hashavua Make Sure your Head Is Straight
In the aftermath of the death of two of Aharon’s sons, who brought “a foreign fire” (Vayikra 10:1), the Torah commands kohanim not to drink wine or other intoxicating drinks before entering or serving in the holy sanctum (ibid. 9). The Torah goes on: “… and to make rulings for Bnei Yisrael on all of the statutes that Hashem spoke to them by Moshe’s hand” (ibid. 11).
Shmini Meat eater Pack up for Israel!
The Torah sums up the whole section about eating animals with the mention of coming to Israel. Why are these two issues connected?
