20 Lessons
Parashat Hashavua Reasons behind the Prohibition of Sowing Mixed Seeds
from Siach Shaul 337-339
from Siach Shaul 337-339
Parashat Hashavua The Content of Kingliness and Servitude
Based on Harav Shaul Yisraeli – from Shirat Hageula pp. 22-25
Based on Harav Shaul Yisraeli – from Shirat Hageula pp. 22-25
Parashat Hashavua Parashat Shemini as a Bridge between Topics
from Siach Shaul p. 220-1
from Siach Shaul p. 220-1
Parashat Hashavua Peace Rather Than Tripping
From Siach Shaul 353-4
It seems to me that the most painful part of the curse is its element of “a man … over his brother.” This is itself a great curse.
Kdoshim Overcoming Mazal with Merit
From Siach Shaul
Sanctity requires separation, as sanctity does not come to a person naturally. This is the essence of Judaism, whose goal is to, on the one hand, reach great heights, but on the other, does not deny the true situation.
Metzora The Historical Root of Lashon Hara
From Siach Shaul, p. 326-328 (1944)
Lashon hara is an expression of evil. An evil eye (ayin hara) looks for something or someone who is above it, and upon finding it, poisons the person’s tranquility and does not allow him to enjoy things he could have enjoyed.
Parashat Hashavua “Foreigners and Citizens You Are With Me”
In explaining the mitzva of yovel, the Torah says that the Land will not be sold for eternity and finishes up that this is related to the concept that we are “foreigners and citizens with Me” (Vayikra 25:23). The connection to “with Me” appears to be as follows: If you treat Me like one who fully belongs, then you fully belong; if you treat Me as an outsider, you too will be like outsiders.
Parashat Hashavua Holy of Holies
The first half of our parasha is dominated by the special laws that apply to the kohanim. The heart of these laws is summed up: “It shall be holy for you, for I am holy, I am Hashem who makes you holy” (Vayikra 21:8). This follows Parashat Kedoshim, where the entire nation is commanded to act in holiness since Hashem sanctified the entire nation (ibid. 19:2). Thus, the kohanim have an even higher level of sanctity and expectations for appropriate behavior than the rest of the holy nation.
Tazria The Place of Tumah in the Human Experience
based on Siach Shaul, pg. 328-330
based on Siach Shaul, pg. 328-330
Parashat Hashavua Your Sacrifice and the Sacrifice of the Nation
based on Siach Shaul, pg. 321-2
based on Siach Shaul, pg. 321-2
Parashat Hashavua Shemitta and Yovel as the Basis for the Whole Torah
from Si’ach Shaul, pp. 350-1
from Si’ach Shaul, pp. 350-1