Torah Thoughts, Stories, and Inspiration on the weekly Parsha
“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…
An exclusive Parsha Knowledge film. Featuring Rabbi Fingerer. The “scars” in your life are there for YOUR benefit! A story about one who had a challenge and in the end it was for his benifet! Brought to you by Aryeh F. Parsha Knowledge podcast and Torah Anytime. The Parsha Knowledge podcast is available on all major platforms. Dedication opportunities for the podcast are available.
“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…
Read More “Parshas Va’eira – The Peasant and the Wealthy Man” »
As Chief Rabbi of the city of Tzvas and a proficient mohel (circumciser), Rav Shmuel Heller zt”l was constantly in demand to perform circumcision on the baby boys in his city. However, he always begged off attending the festive meal afterward, claiming that he had many important needs to attend to. In truth, R’ Shmuel…
