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...
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Dvar for Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23)
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...
Dvar for Acharei Mot/Kedoshim (Leviticus 16:1-20:27)
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...
Dvar for Tazria-Metzora (Leviticus 12:1-15:33)
Dvar Torah for Tazria 6th Aliya Parshat Tazria discusses the tzara’at/nega (lesion) that affects clothing (13:45-59). The Gemara (Eruchin) explains that tzara’at is most often caused by speaking...
Dvar for Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)
The Torah names several non-kosher birds, which most commentators assert are not kosher dueto their aggressive nature or eating habits. However, two of the birds listed have names that seemto...
Dvar for Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)
As the priests are inducted at the Mishkan’s (Tabernacle) inauguration, a Chatat (sin offering) is offered as the very first sacrifice (8:14). What is the sin that is being atoned for? Sifra...
Dvar for Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26)
Sefer Vayikra opens with G-d’s addressing Moshe from the newly constructed Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Parsha begins with “when a person from [among] you brings a sacrifice to G-d…” (1:2) and goes on...
Dvar for Vayakhel/Pekudei (Exodus 35:1-40:38)
After the disappointing event of the golden calf, Parshat Vayakhel recounts some of the Jews’ positive traits, including their eagerness to contribute materials needed to erect the Mishkan...
Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35)
Our Parsha begins by counting the people with a half-shekel donation per eligible person as a way to elevate the people and achieve atonement for their sins (30:12). Rabbi Yochanan Zweig asks how...
Dvar for Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10)
The breastplate of the Kohel Gadol (High Priest) contained twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of a different tribe (28:21). Why were the stones engraved with names of the tribes...