Jen (Rachel-Esther)

Jen (Rachel-Esther)

Parsha Emor – 5777

first fruits

Parshat Emor In-Depth “Speak to the kohanim, the sons of Aaron, and say to them . . . (Leviticus 21:1) “Speak” and “say”—enjoin the elders regarding the youngsters. (Talmud; Rashi) The above dictum, which constitutes a primary biblical source for…

Parsha Tazria-Metzora – 5777

Miriam outside the camp

Parshat Tazria-Metzora In-Depth “G‑d spoke to Moses, saying: . . . A woman who shall seed and give birth (Leviticus 12:1–2) Rabbi Simlai said: Just as man’s creation was after that of cattle, beasts and birds, so too the laws…

Parsha Shemini – 5777

Nadab and Abihu - Leviticus Chapter 10

Parshat Shemini In-Depth “It came to pass on the eighth day (Leviticus 9:1) That day took ten crowns: It was the first day of creation (i.e., a Sunday), the first for the offerings of the nesi’im (tribal heads), the first…

Parsha Tzav – 5777

Making Aaron's garments - Exodus Chapter 28

Parshat Tzav In-Depth “The expression tzav (“command”) implies an urging for now and for future generations. (Torat Kohanim; Rashi) The king Moshiach will arise and restore the kingdom of David to its glory of old, to its original sovereignty. He…

Parsha Vayikra – 5777

The priests offer sacrifices - Leviticus Chapter 1

Parshat Vayikra In-Depth “Said Rav Assi: Why do young children begin [the study of Torah] with the book of Leviticus, and not with Genesis? Surely it is because young children are pure, and the korbanot are pure; so let the…

Parsha Vayakhel-Pekudei – 5777

jewish tabernacle

Parshat Vayakhel In-Depth and Parshat Pekudei In-Depth “Moses assembled the entire congregation of the children of Israel (35:1) This was on the morning after Yom Kippur, the day that Moses descended from the mountain [with the second tablets]. (Rashi)” ……

Parsha Ki Tisa – 5777

the golden calf

Parshat Ki Tisa In-Depth “This they shall give . . . half a shekel (30:13) The mitzvah of the half-shekel is that each should contribute a coin that [is valued at] half of the dominant coin of that time. If…

Parsha Tetzaveh – 5777

priest

Parshat Tetzaveh In-Depth “And you shall command . . . (27:20) Tetzaveh is the only Parshah in the Torah since Moses’ birth in which Moses’ name does not appear (with the exception of the book of Deuteronomy, which consists mostly…