Chukat 5773-2013
"Striking the Stone: the Parameters of Anger"
How lethal is anger? Moses and Aaron lost their opportunity to enter the Promised Land because of a single display of anger.
0 Comments12 Minutes
Tetzaveh 5772-2012
"Where is Moses?"
Since the entire design and execution of the Tabernacle was done under the supervision of Moses, it is particularly surprising that the name of Moses does not appear, even once, in parashat Tetzaveh.
0 Comments10 Minutes
Va’eira 5772-2012
“The Decline and Collapse of the Egyptian Magicians”
The Bible reports that the Egyptian magicians encourage Pharaoh’s resistance by replicating several of the Ten Plagues. Soon, however, we learn of the precipitous decline and collapse of the Egyptian magicians.
0 Comments8 Minutes
B’ha’alot’cha 5771-2011
"The Nature of Moses’ Humility"
What does it mean when Scripture describes Moses as “Ah’nahv m’ohd, mee’kohl hah’adam,” the most humble person on the face of the earth?
0 Comments10 Minutes
Shemini 5771-2011
“The Death of Aaron’s Sons: The Midrashic Perspective”
The Midrash labors, at great length, to develop a context for the great tragedy that befell Aaron’s family on the “eighth day.”
0 Comments13 Minutes
Shemini 5770-2010
"The Show Must Go On"
Moses and Aaron disagree over whether the Rosh Chodesh sin offering should have been brought on the heels of the great tragedy that befell Aaron with the loss of his two sons. The debate has to do with whether the "show" must always go on, and under what circumstances should it go on. What are the key differences between the positions of Moses and Aaron on this issue?
0 Comments10 Minutes
Chukat-Balak 5769-2009
"The Ultimate Value of Human Life"
In the first of this week's double parashiot, a battle takes place. Described in only three verses, it is a battle between Israel and the Canaanite king of Arad. The commentators suggests that in the battle only a single maidservant is captured from Israel. Israel vows to defeat the enemy, and G-d delivers the enemy into their hands. This obscure battle teaches us about the great lengths that our enemies would go to deceive us and how precious human life is to the people of Israel, regardless of whether the person is Jewish or not.
0 Comments10 Minutes
Chukat 5768-2008
"The Death of Aaron"
Why was Aaron mourned by all the people of Israel while Moses was not? The Midrash suggests that Aaron had a very special relationship with all the people because of his great commitment to love and pursuit of peace. It was Aaron's obsession with peace that brought enemies together and turned them into friends. He was an extraordinary promoter of marital harmony between husbands and wives and was able to turn the wicked into penitents. This resulted in a powerful and abiding love that the people felt for Aaron.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Bamidbar 5768-2008
"Moses: A Spiritual Father"
In parashat Bamidbar, the Torah announces the progeny of both Aaron and Moses, but actually only names the children of Aaron. From this unusual omission, our rabbis learn a fundamental principle, that one who teaches his friend's child Torah is regarded as if he had fathered the child. Nevertheless, there are many questions to be asked about the way the Torah expresses the relationship between Moses and his nephews and much to be learned from their relationship.
0 Comments10 Minutes
Shemini 5765-2005
"The Little Steps that Lead to Big Accomplishments"
In parashat Shemini we learn that Moses and Aaron come in to the Tent of Meeting. From the Torah's emphasis on these steps they took in coming, we learn the vital importance of the little, often-dismissed, actions. These actions should not be treated lightly. Indeed, they are to be regarded and valued as an integral and primary part of the ultimate goal.
0 Comments7 Minutes
Shemini 5764-2004
"With the Lord as Our Partner"
On the final day of the ceremony marking the consecration of Aaron and his sons, Aaron blesses the people. His blessing expresses the hope that our human efforts, combined with Divine intervention, will be successful, and that we will unite with G-d in a partnership under the banner of a common purpose.
0 Comments7 Minutes
Kee Tisah 5764-2004
"Limitless Leadership"
After the people of Israel are unfaithful to G-d and worship the Golden Calf at the foot of Mount Sinai, Moses, the paradigmatic selfless leader, stands up for his people and demands that they be forgiven. His love for Israel is total and unswerving, even to the point of making the ultimate sacrifice on their behalf. As a doting "shepherd" concerned for the needs of his flock, Moses cares for this stiff-necked nation that was recently introduced to freedom.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Chukat 5761-2001
"Can Death Be Sweet?"
In parashat Chukat we learn of the death of Aaron, one of the Jewish people's most beloved figures. According to the midrash, Aaron had the privilege of leaving the physical world knowing that his children were following in his footsteps, and committed to serving the Jewish people. Aaron truly has a "sweet" death.
0 Comments7 Minutes
Shemini 5761 – 2001
"The Responsibilities of Leadership"
Some commentators suggest that the "strange fire" offered by Nadav and Avihu was an attempt to fulfill an urge they had for their own self-expression. The tragic story of Nadav and Avihu teaches that true leaders must act responsibly, which inevitably results in limitations. Those who do not want limitations should avoid assuming leadership roles.
0 Comments6 Minutes
Kee Tisah 5761-2001
"The Levites and the Golden Calf: Transcending One's Own Nature"
Although there appear to be only 3000 "hard core" rebels among the people who worshiped the Golden Calf, only the tribe of Levi responded to Moses's cry of "Whoever is to G-d, come to me!" This was due to the fact that, among the people of Israel who did not worship the Golden Calf, only the Levites reached a level of personal self-abnegation. Consequently, only the Levites were singled out to become the servants of G-d for all time, who serve as the ministers in the Tabernacle and ultimately the Temple.
0 Comments6 Minutes
- 1
- 2