Archive for the ‘ 3- Vayikra ’ Category

Dvar Torah Parshat BeChukotai 5772 2012

We read this week what is known as the Tochacha, dire warning of the evil and misfortunes that will befall the Jewish people in the Land of Israel if they abandon the Torah and do not follow its practice. After all these dreadful and disastrous tragic events befall the country and the Jews do not [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat BeHar 5772 2012

The Portion begins by instructing us concerning the laws of Shmita or the Sabbatical year. The fields are to lay fallow, no planting and no harvesting. A number of verses later the Torah says: וְכִי תֹאמְרוּ מַה נֹּאכַל בַּשָּׁנָה הַשְּׁבִיעִת, “If you will say, ‘What will we eat on the seventh year? Behold we will [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Emor 5772 2012

The Torah relates laws that pertain to the Kohen and then says: ויקרא וְקִדַּשְׁתּוֹ, “You shall sanctify him…”. (Lev. 21,8) Chazal understand this to mean that we must give honor to the Kohen. That is why he is given the privilege of leading the Grace After Meals. That is why he is given the first [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Achre Mot-Kedoshim 5772 2012

The Portion of Kedoshim tells us that we must be holy. Just exactly how are we supposed to act to be holy? The Torah tells us how by explaining all the different moral and ethical laws we should follow. Unfortunately, there are people who think that by cutting oneself off from the community and living [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Tazria-Metzora 5772 2012

The Torah tells us that a house can have a נֶגַע, an affliction, and the wall upon which it is found has to be destroyed. Chazal give us many reasons why a house can have a נֶגַע. All the reasons are based on the one belief that the owner has committed Lashon Harah, slander, or [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Shemini 5772 2012

Nadav and Avihu, two sons of Aaron, were consumed by fire on the day of the inauguration of the Mishkan. Why did this happen? There are various reasons given. Rabbi Soloveitchik gives a very unique answer. He does not quote all the Midrashic explanations but refers directly to the reason the Torah mentions. The Torah [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Tzav 5772 2012

The Kohanim had to wear special garments when they performed their duties in the בית המקדש. If they wore regular clothes and not the specifically designated clothes of the Kohanim their service was void and was not acceptable. Clothing is an important indication of a person’s status and often his profession. Soldiers, policemen and firemen [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Vayikra 5772 2012

The Torah is discussing the various sacrifices that one must bring to atone for a transgression. Among these laws we find also sacrifices that a נשיא or the ruler of the people must bring when he transgresses. This in itself is noteworthy that the נשיא, the ruler of the Jewish people, should be guilty of [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Bechukotai 5771 2011

If the Jewish people will keep the Torah and follow the dictates of the Torah, Hashem promises in this week’s Sidra that He will bring many blessings upon our people. One of the assurances is: VA’ACHALTEM LACHMECHEM LASOVAH VISHAVTEM LAVETACH BE’ARTZECHEM, “…you will eat your bread to the full and you will dwell securely in [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Behar 5771 2011

In today’s Torah reading we are told about the SHNAT HAYOVEL, the Jubilee Year. One of the commands states: UKRATEM DROR BA’ARETZ LECHOL YOSHVE’HA, “…and you shall proclaim freedom throughout the land for all its inhabitants…” (Lev. 25,10) This is a directive to free all Jewish slaves. Slavery was permitted by the Torah because this [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Kedoshim 5771 2011

There is a verse in the Torah reading of this week that deals with the treatment of two different types of handicapped individuals. LO TEKALLEL CHERESH VELIFNE IVER LO TITTEN MICHSHOL, “You shall not curse the deaf, and you shall not place a stumbling block before the blind…”. (Lev. 19,14) This verse is obviously admonishing [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Achrei Mot 5771 2011

It is indeed a desirable trait to keep oneself spiritually holy at all times. One should study, pray, and do Mitzvot to the best of their ability. This is an admirable characteristic. Aharon the Kohen Gadol was probably one of the holiest men in Jewish history. Yet the Torah in today’s portion restricts him in [ READ MORE ]

TAKE THE POLL

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 75 other followers