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...
by Shlomo Ressler | Apr 21, 2023 | 3:4-Parshat Tazria, Uncategorized, Vayikra / Leviticus, Weekly Dvar
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 negatively about others (lashon hara), but can also be induced by...
by Shlomo Ressler | Apr 14, 2023 | 3:3-Parshat Shemini, Vayikra / Leviticus, Weekly Dvar
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 indicate virtuous qualities. The “racham,” which means merciful, and the...
by Shlomo Ressler | Mar 31, 2023 | 3:2-Parshat Tzav, Uncategorized, Vayikra / Leviticus, Weekly Dvar
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 suggests that atonement was required because some people may have been shamed...
