Terumah 5781-2021
“The Mishkan and the Sanctity of the Jewish Home”
(updated and revised from Terumah 5763-2003)
The fact that the Mishkan--the Tabernacle--and its central furnishings so closely resemble the Jewish home, underscores the sanctity of the Jewish domicile. By analyzing each of the Tabernacle's furnishings, we uncover the invaluable symbolic meanings of these furnishings that deserve to be found in every Jewish home.
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Terumah 5780-2020
“The Centrality of Torah”
(updated and revised from Terumah 5762-2002)
The Holy Ark was the central furnishing of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), which housed the Torah. Since Torah is the elixir of life for the Jewish people, the Ark, with its non-removable staves, always traveled with the people whenever they moved. This ancient practice marked indelibly on all Jews, that at the very core of our lives must be the Torah.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Tzav–Passover 1 5778-2018
Tzav--Passover 1 5778-2018
Just as the Mincha, the meal offering that was offered in the ancient Temple, sanctified everything it touched, so do we hope that the Passover symbols and rituals will sanctify and elevate all those who experience them at the Passover Seder.
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Yom Kippur 5775-2014
“The High Priest’s Dilemma–What to Wear on Yom Kippur?”
Why was it necessary for the High Priest to change from his golden garments to the white garments five times on Yom Kippur?
0 Comments8 Minutes
Shemini 5773-2013
“Authentic Religious Ecstasy”
Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik suggests that Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Abihu, were judged more harshly because they were in positions of leadership and punished more severely because they attempted to experience religious ecstasy through prohibited means.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Terumah 5768-2008
"The Museum within the Tabernacle"
The Torah tells us that three items were stored in the Tabernacle for future generations, a flask of manna, some anointing oil, and the staff of Aaron that blossomed. The Talmud and the Midrashim add that the garments of the High Priest and the priest who led the Israelites in battle as well as the gifts from the Philistines when the Ark was returned were stored there as well. What purpose do these items serve?
0 Comments8 Minutes
Yom Kippur 5768-2007
"The Role of the Cantor in the High Holiday Services"
After the Temples' destruction, the majestic service of ancient times could no longer be replicated. Instead, today, the cantor, who acts as the community representative, stands symbolically in the role of the High Priest. Many other holiday rituals underscore the connection between the High Priest and today's cantor.
0 Comments10 Minutes
Terumah 5763-2003
"The Mishkan and the Sanctity of the Jewish Home"
The fact that the Mishkan--the Tabernacle--and its central furnishings so closely resemble the Jewish home, underscores the sanctity of the Jewish domicile. By analyzing each of the Tabernacle's furnishings, we uncover the invaluable symbolic meanings of these furnishings that deserve to be found in every Jewish home.
0 Comments10 Minutes
Terumah 5762-2002
"The Centrality of Torah"
The Holy Ark was the central furnishing of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), which housed the Torah. Since Torah is the elixir of life for the Jewish people, the Ark, with its nonremovable staves, went with the people whenever they moved. This ancient practice teaches us that at the very core of our homes must be the Torah.
0 Comments7 Minutes