by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 29, 2022 | Purity, Repentance, Responsibility, Tazriah
Leviticus introduces the affliction of tzaraat. Commonly mistranslated as leprosy, tzaraat can afflict the body, a home, or even clothing. Tzaraat only afflicts clothing made of three materials: wool, linen, or leather. Only sheep’s wool is susceptible to...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 20, 2022 | Fear of God, Holiness, Shemini
The Torah describes the death of Nadab and Abihu, the two eldest of Aaron’s four sons, as a punishment for bringing “alien fire, which He had not enjoined upon them” (Leviticus 10:1). The tragedy took place on the eighth day of the inauguration, the first official day...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 1, 2022 | Holiness, Israel, Pekudei, Temple
After the sin of the Golden Calf, the tribe of Levi is chosen to serve in the Temple instead of the firstborn as they did not participate in the sin. Aaron is chosen to be the High Priest, and Moses anoints his brother and his brother’s sons. With this, the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 11, 2022 | Chanukah, Miracles, Purity, Temple, Tetzaveh
When God instructs the Children of Israel to make the menorah, He tells them to gather oil “for kindling lamps regularly” (Exodus 27:20). Rashi explains that the light was to be lit all night, every night, though not necessarily during the day. The lights...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 10, 2022 | Temple, Tetzaveh
When Aaron and his sons were anointed in order to begin serving in the Tabernacle, it transformed their descendants for all time, establishing them as Kohanim (priests) and the only people to perform the Temple service. It should be noted that initially, the...
