by Shlomo Ressler | Jun 2, 2023 | 4:2-Parshat Naso, Bamidbar / Numbers, Uncategorized, Weekly Dvar
The Torah tells us that the Levi’im that performed the service (in the Mishkan, the Tabernacle) were between the ages of thirty and fifty, and “are fit to perform the service for the service…” (4:47). What is the meaning of the redundant wording of service for the...
by Shlomo Ressler | May 19, 2023 | 4:1-Parshat Bamidbar, Bamidbar / Numbers, Weekly Dvar
Preparing the Mishkan (Tabernacle) for transport required covering all the utensils. While most of the items were covered by the tachash (4:8,10,12,14), a beautiful and durable covering, the Aron was covered by both the tachash and then techeilet (a blue woven...
by Shlomo Ressler | May 12, 2023 | 3:9-Parshat Behar, Vayikra / Leviticus, Weekly Dvar
Parshat Behar begins by describing the unique laws of the shemita (sabbatical seventh year for all fields, with agricultural practices that allow the land to rest) and yovel (Jubilee 50th year for all fields, when all land reverts back to original owners) laws...
by Shlomo Ressler | May 5, 2023 | 3:8-Parshat Emor, Uncategorized, Vayikra / Leviticus, Weekly Dvar
The Torah describes the Todah (thanksgiving) offering, explaining that it is brought as an expression of the donor’s will (22:29). Since, by definition, this offering is voluntary, what does the passuk (verse) tell us by adding that it’s an expression of the donor’s...
by Shlomo Ressler | Apr 28, 2023 | 3:6-Parshat Acharei Mot, Uncategorized, Vayikra / Leviticus, Weekly Dvar
After detailing all the illicit relationships, the Torah concludes with a single law prohibiting one from giving of their offspring to pass through for Molech (18:21). Ibn Ezra explains that Molech was worshipped by passing children over a fire, where some lived, and...
