by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 17, 2012 | 5:4-Parshat Re'eh, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: The male firstborn of kosher cattle must be consecrated and given to the Kohen to eat. If the animal is unblemished it is first offered as a sacrifice in the Temple. The Torah reading concludes with a discussion regarding the three festivals: Passover,...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 17, 2012 | 5:4-Parshat Re'eh, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: Moshe commands the Israelites to designate every seventh year as a Shmitah (Sabbatical) Year. During this year, creditors must forgive outstanding loans. The section then discusses the obligation to give charity to the poor with a happy heart, and to...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 16, 2012 | 5:4-Parshat Re'eh, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: After giving a tenth of one’s crops to the Levite, a tenth of the remainder — the “Second Tithe” — is to be taken and eaten within the confines of Jerusalem. Provision is made here for people who live far away from...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 15, 2012 | 5:4-Parshat Re'eh, Devarim / Deuteronomy, Weekly Dvar
Parshat Re’eh tells us that “no prophet may advocate idol worship no matter the circumstances. If he does he is considered a false prophet, even if he’s able to perform miracles.” (Deuteronomy 13:2-6) The obvious question is how can a false ...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 15, 2012 | 5:4-Parshat Re'eh, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: As G‑d’s children, we are forbidden to deface our bodies with tattoos or via other forms of mutilation. This section then provides a list of kosher animals and non-kosher fowl. We are also given signs to distinguish between kosher animals and fish...
by Shlomo Ressler | Aug 14, 2012 | 5:4-Parshat Re'eh, Devarim / Deuteronomy
Aliya Summary: Moshe admonishes the Israelites not to be lured by the heathen abominable practices of the Canaanites, and to remain true to the Torah; neither adding to nor subtracting from its laws. A person professing to be a prophet who claims to bring instructions...
