Parashat Hashavua: The Song from the Depths of the Soul

The Confused Image of Glass

Why Civilisations Die

Be Careful Not to Sin in the Name of Religion

Vengeance as the Foundation of the Nation and Faith

'Vengeance' - an important but misunderstood concept - is relevant not only to the recent Purim holiday, but also to this week's Torah portion of Tzav (Lev. Chapters 6-8), which discusses laws and procedures of sacrificial offerings...

The Day after the Shabbat

The Korbanot – Are They for G-d, or for Us?

There is a lot to learn from these korbanot, because the Torah is eternal & nothing in it can be at all insignificant. So let’s see what kernels we can garner

An Unusual Haftarah

Why do we read the haftarah that we do this week? What does parshas Tzav have to do with Shabbos Hagadol? What is Purim Meshulash and what does it have to do with this week’s parsha?

Violence and the Sacred

What is the reason for giving animal sacrifices? And what does this have to do with Noah, Kain & Abel?

A Long Run

Over the centuries, very few innovations have been able to attract more worshipers or more Jews, to be of true spiritual value and of lasting quality and interest.

Is Keeping the Old Going New?

Our parasha introduces the idea of an “eternal flame,” which, contrary to what many think, was not on the menora but on the larger mizbe’ach (altar) upon which most of the korbanot were brought.

Temple Sacrifices Today!

discussing the relevance of the Temple sacrifices in our time - how past sacrificial offerings contribute to today's rebuilding of Jerusalem, and how learning about sacrifices today will serve us in the future.

The Courage of Identity Crises

Good leaders know their own limits. They do not try to do it all themselves. They build teams. But learning your limits, knowing there are things you cannot do can be a painful experience.

Tzav – An Officer's Command

The verb that is used is one of strength. Just as in a well-disciplined army, an officer's commands are fulfilled to be able to execute grand strategies, so, too, in Jewish life. The only way that the great strategy of connection with the Creator, living a holy life and being a kingdom of priests and a holy nation can be fulfilled is by obeying and observing commandments.

Temple Sacrifices Today!

The Medrash says that the Olat Hatamid sacrifice drives the rebuilding of Jerusalem today. What is so special in this sacrifice.

Left- and Right-Brain Judaism

Destructive and Self-Destructive

Tzav 5779

Tzav 5779

THANK YOU, G-D

The Ability to Give In – part II

Last week we started to discuss why Yonadav, the son of David’s brother Shama, was willing to advise and encourage David’s oldest son, Amnon, to rape his half-sister. We showed how Shama and David’s other two oldest brothers were unwilling to accept the fairness of their younger brother David having been chosen over them for the kingship. The “debt was paid” with Yonadav’s involvement in creating a stumbling block to the development of David’s dynasty. We will continue developing the story along these lines.

The Matzoh Shoppers Guide – Part II