By Rav Reuven Tradburks The next 2 parshiot, Tazria and Metzora are challenging. Their theme is simple: entry to the Mikdash is restricted for those who are Tamei. There are a number of situations that render a person Tamei. The removal of the Tuma status allows re-entry to the Mikdash.
Month: March 2024
Total 10 Posts
By Rabbi Reuven Tradburks 1st Aliya (Vayikra 9:1-16) On the eighth day of the inauguration of Aharon and the Cohanim, Moshe gathers the people. He instructs Aharon to offer a chatat and an olah. The people are also to bring a chatat, olah, shlamim and mincha. For today, G-d will appear.
One of the most beautiful scenes in Yiddishkeit is the family gathered around the table for Kiddush, a special moment for which we wait all week. On Yom Tov, the beautiful melody1 ushers in each of the Shalosh Regalim with much excitement. Although we are quite familiar with how to recite Kiddush, it is important to review the halachos related
The late Rabbi Lord [Sir] Jonathan Sacks used to tell a joke about when he visited Buckingham Palace to receive his knighthood. British protocol dictated that he should bend one knee when the Queen taps each shoulder with a ceremonial sword, and says “arise, Sir Jonathan.” Since Torah protocol forbids
I don’t divide the laws of God between those that are between man and God and those that are between man and man. To me there are laws that are between man and God, and then there are laws that are between man and the image of God. – Rabbi
The Purim Story in a Nutshell The Persian empire of the 4th century BCE extended over 127 lands, and all the Jews were its subjects. When King Ahasuerus had his wife, Queen Vashti, executed for failing to follow his orders, he orchestrated a beauty pageant to find a new queen. A Jewish girl, Esther,
1st aliya (Vayikra 6:1-11) Instructions are given to the Cohanim: while the offerings must be done during the day, the burning of the fats and limbs continue all night. In the morning the Cohen shall take some of the ashes from the altar and place them at the side. This pile
By Rabbi Reuven Tradburks The theme of the Parsha is sacrifices. Different offerings will be required in a variety of circumstances later in the book of Vayikra. This parsha outlines the rules of those offerings so that when they come up later, their procedure will be familiar. The Parsha outlines
By rabbi Reuven Tradburks 1st aliya (Shemot 38:21-39:1) An accounting was made of all the raw materials used to build the Mishkan: the gold, silver, copper and what they were used for. The fine textiles were used for the Kohen’s garments, just as G-d commanded Moshe. The Torah records how
By rabbi Reuven Tradburks The parshiot of Vayakhel and Pekudei are a repeat of Teruma and Tetzaveh. But not quite. In Teruma and Tetzaveh the instructions for building the Mishkan and the Kohanim’s garments were given. In our parsha, the deed is done. Teruma is the instructions; Vayakhel is the