Hagaon Rav NTY Berlin zt”l on Parshat Bemidbar – read
(from introduction to Haamek Davar on Bemidbar) “Chumash Hapekudim: A Fitting Title for Bemidbar” The Tanaim (Mishna Yoma 7:1 and Sotah 37b) referred to the book of Bemidbar as “Chumash Hapekudim,” the Book of the Countings. Why did they base the title on the taking of the census? The counting of the people seems to […]
The Chofetz Chaim on Parshat Bechukotai – read
(From the Chofetz Chaim on the Torah pp. 179-180) The Power of Numbers The people of Israel is blessed that, “Five of you will chase a hundred and a hundred of you will chase ten-thousand (Vayikra 26:8).” Rashi asks the obvious question, “The arithmetic does not work out. Five to a hundred is a one […]
Hagaon Rav Shmuel Bornstein zt”l on Parshat Behar – read
(from Shem Mishmuel Parshat Behar) Finding Ourselves Through Shemita and Yovel Parshat Behar opens with the parshiot of Shemita and Yovel. The Shem Mishmuel points out a subtle textual distinction between the Torah’s language in the two sections. Shemita is spoken about in the singular – “sadkha (sing.) lo tizra (sing.),” karmekha (sing.) lo tizmor […]
The Sfat Emet on Parshat Emor – read
(from Sfat Emet Vayikra Parshat Emor, year 5655, p. 184) Three Aspects of Holiness Our parsha discusses kedusha, holiness, with regards to the Kohanim and the holidays. The Sfat Emet describes three aspects of holiness, presenting us with a framework for understanding this fundamental concept. All three aspects are included in the fourth blessing of […]
Rabbi Yair Bachrach zt”l on Parshat Kedoshim – read
(quoted in Mayana Shel Torah, Vayikra, p. 116-117, R. Alexander Zushia Friedman) Rebuke Your Friend Giving rebuke, though often necessary, is one of our most difficult tasks. Besides being difficult, it is often ineffective, for the listener is frequently turned off and ignores the message. How can one give rebuke in a way that does […]
Hagaon Rav Meir Simcha zt”l on Parshat Acharei Mot – read
(from Meshekh Chokhma on Vayikra) The Constant Yom Kippur The opening of Parshat Acharei Mot outlines the Yom Kippur Temple service, culminating in the Kohein Gadol’s entering the Holy of Holies. The Torah, as the Vilna Gaon points out (based on a Midrash), does not limit this to Yom Kippur. Aharon the Kohen could enter the […]
Rabbi Shmuel Bornshtein zt”l on Parshat Metzora – read
(from Shem Mishmuel Vayikra, Metzora 5673, “V’hizartem . . .,” p. 247) Preparing for the Festivals Our parsha discusses the laws of purity and impurity connected with leprosy and bodily discharges. These laws are for practically relevant only for one who wants to enter the Beit Hamikdash (Temple in Jerusalem) or eat sacrifices or Teruma. […]
Hagaon Rav Moshe Sofer zt”l on Parshat Tazria – read
(from Chatam Sofer on Vayikra) The Plague: Man’s Shame and Pride The Torah follows the passages about the permissible and forbidden animals (the end of Parshat Shmini) with the laws of purity pertaining to humans (Parshiot Tazria and Metzora). Rav Simlai in the Medrash comments, “Just as man’s formation (“yetzirato”) follows that of the animals, […]
Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov zt”l on Parshat Shemini – read
(from Baal Shem Tov Al HaTora, quoting the Degel Machanei Efraim) Approach the Altar On the day of the dedication of the Mishkan, Moshe tells Aharon, “Approach the altar (kerav el hamizbeiach) and make your sin offering and burnt offering . . .” Rashi explains that Aharon (because of his involvement in the sin of […]
Hagaon Rav Drash V’iyun zt”l on Parshat Tzav – read
(from Drash V’iyun quoted in Mayana Shel Torah) The Traveling Fire “The fire should burn on the altar constantly; it should never be extinguished.” (Vayikra 6:6) The Yerushalmi in Yoma (4:6) comments from the extra, “it should never be extinguished,” we learn that even while the Mishkan is being transported the fire should stay lit. […]
