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…
“This shall be the law…” (Vayikra 14:2) The Gemara (Arachin 16a) lists several reasons why one would contract the disease of tzaraas (often translated as leprosy). The list almost exclusively mentions Mitzvos affecting other people rather than those which deal only with Hashem, and they each share one common denominator – causing harm to a fellow Jew. One may…
“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….
The Poor Blacksmith I saw a story in the Torah Tavlin about a blacksmith who lived in the city of Slutzk, who was extremely destitute. Though he had worked hard, he always found it hard to provide amply for himself and his family. One year, a few days before Pesach, the blacksmith came to Rav…
“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…
“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…
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“And he [Moshe] turned and left Pharaoh…” (10:6) The theme of Sefer Shemos is learning proper character traits from the Torah. The Midrash on the pasuk above is an excellent example of this. The Midrash states that Moshe turned away because he saw Pharaoh’s ministers taking counsel with each other. Rav Avrohom Twerski zt”l told…
“Hashem is righteous, and I and my nation are wicked…” (9:27) There was a simpleton who once made his way to the home of a wealthy man. He had never met the man but had heard of his reputation for immense wealth and lavish possessions. The visitor was awestruck by the magnificent home, and the…
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