Parashat Hashavua: Two Sides to a Coin

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?

Who was the Father of Nadav and Aviah?

In Parshat Shemini, Aharon is commanded to bring as a sacrifice “a young calf as a sin offering” (Vayikra 9:2). Rashi explains that Hashem thereby informed Aharon that this was his atonement for the Golden Calf. Similarly, Chazal said that the red heifer was to atone for the Golden Calf (Midrash, Bamidbar Chukat 19:2).

Intellect, Logic, Particles, and a Cat

This week the maftir is the section on the Para Aduma (Red Heifer). It is a good time to look at the place of logic and human intellect as a central part of our belief as Jews, and how the Para Aduma fits into the fabric of the mitzvot in this regard.

The Main Thing is Either Intention or Result

Knowing Kedusha Inside Out

Nadav and Avihu, sons of Aharon, brought “foreign fire” before Hashem. Fire came out from “before Hashem,” consuming them, so that they died “before Hashem. Where did these tragic events take place, and what does this teach us about the underlying elements of the episode that transpired?

On the Eighth Day he Called

Parashat Shmini

Bringing Down the Divine Presence

Parashat Shmini

When to Put the Issues on the Table (or the Altar)

Parashat Shemini