Torah Thoughts, Stories, and Inspiration on the weekly Parsha
When a woman conceives…” (Vayikra 12:2) The pinnacle of a mother’s life is when she gives birth and cradles a newborn in her arms. There is no greater joy. She is euphoric. I heard from Rav Yitzchok Fingerer shlita, that Rav Menachem Mendel of Kotzk asks that it seems so inconsistent and incongruous. Just when the…
“And Moshe thoroughly investigated…” (Vayikra 10:16) This Pasuk, which is the midpoint of the Torah says “Dorosh Dorash Moshe” (Moshe expounded or investigated). It then says Vayiksof (and he got angry). I heard from Rav Yitzchok Fingerer shlita, that perhaps this is to teach us a lesson in self-discipline. Before one gets angry, he must…
“And Aharon was silent …” (Vayikra 10:3) On the very day that the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) took place, Nadav and Avihu, two of the sons of Aharon, the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), died. Aaron’s most noteworthy traits were his great love for his fellow man and his desire to bring peace between people….
“This is the law of the sin offering…” (Vayikra 6:18) The Gemara explains that the Korban Chatas (sin offering) was to be sacrificed in the same place as the Korban Olah )elevation offering) so that the sinners would be saved from embarrassment. Anyone who witnessed his friend bringing in his Korban (offering) would instead assume…
“A person who brings from you a sacrifice to G-d …” (Vayikra 1:2) In this week’s Parsha it says, “Adam Ki Yakriv Mikem Korban Lashem– A person who brings from you a sacrifice to G-d.” I heard from Rav Yitzchok Fingerer shlita, the word “Mikem– From You” is Gematria (the numerical value of) 100. Perhaps…
“Hashem called to Moshe…” (Vayikra 1:1) The Medrash Rabbah comments on the pasuk, “Hashem called to Moshe” with a parable. There once was a king who commanded his servant to build him a magnificent palace. The servant fulfilled the king’s order and constructed an impressive palace that was lavishly decorated and beautifully furnished. The servant…
“Hashem called to Moshe…” (Vayikra 1:1) In the first word of this week’s Parsha, Parshas Vayikra, Moshe wrote the letter Aleph smaller than the other letters. In the first word of Divrei Hayamim (Chronicles), the Aleph is written larger than the rest. Why is this so? Perhaps an answer is that the small Aleph in…
