Torah Thoughts, Stories, and Inspiration on the weekly Parsha
“Speak to the Kohanim…” (Vayikra 21:1) On this Pasuk, Rashi says that the Kohanim were charged, “Lehazir Gedolim Al HaKetanim” to make sure that the adults admonish the children and warn them how to behave. However, the Sefer Be’eres Mayim says that “Lehazir” comes from the word Zohar and means to cause to radiate or…
“You should love your fellow Jew as yourself …” (Vayikra 19:18) In this week’s Parsha, the Torah bids us: “You should love your fellow Jew as yourself”. This is a very challenging and difficult task. How are we supposed to accomplish something so lofty? Hashem gave us role models of two brothers, Moshe Rabbeinu, and…
“To follow them…” (Vayikra 18:4) The Ksav Sofer commented on the words: “To follow them” that a person needs to walk from one level to the next level. That is, a person should constantly keep on growing and elevating himself. It is not enough to keep on the same level that you were on the…
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…
“And you shall place into the ark …” (25:16) The Sages (Yoma 21a) relate that the Ark was not included in the measurements of the Beis HaMikdash; because of its spiritual nature, it did not occupy physical space. Now if this miracle was done for the Ark, which functioned solely as a repository for the…
“And you shall be holy people to Me …” (22:30) In this week’s Parsha, the Torah commands us to be “People of holiness.” Isn’t this wording extraneous? It is obvious that Hashem is addressing human beings. Can’t it simply say, “Be holy”? Why does the Pasuk emphasize that we should be “people” that are holy? …
“And The name of the first son was Eliezer …” (18:4) In this week’s Parsha it says that the name of Moshe Rabbeinu’s son was Gershom. The Torah then tells us the name of his second son. Surprisingly, it says, referring to the second son, “And the name of the first son was Eliezer” (Shemos…
