Meaningful Ideas on the Parsha

Shemini talks about the different Kosher and Unkosher animals. Rabbi Akiva pointed out the wonders of creation, that there are creatures that have so much power in one domain, yet would die very quickly if they switch environments. Some lessons we can learn from this in our own lives.

Have a wonderful Shabbos

As we came to the second half of Pesach, we focus on the Shirah at the Yam Suf. The Pinnacle of Yetzias Mitrayim was when we reached the level of Shirah, and the pinnacle of the shirah was the proclaiming of Hashem Yimloch Leolam Vaed. A perspective on the Hakaras Hatov that brought us to that level.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a Chag Kasher V'Sameach.

Chazal tells us that when Aharon and his sons brought the last ram as part of their Kohanite inauguration they celebrated. May we learn from the Zerizus with which they celebrated, and rejoice in our successful preparation for Pesach.

A Chag Kasher V'Sameach.

A quick idea in the importance of mindfulness in our speech. Relevant to when we use Hashem's name, even to designate a Karbon. And relevant to an important Halacha in how to speak when buying meat and chicken for Pesach.

Have a wonderful Shabbos HaGadol

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The Parsha says that Moshe gathered all the Jewish people together to teach them Hilchos Shabbos. What was unique about Shabbos that it was singled out more than the other Mitzvos to be taught in this matter, and what can we learn from it?

Have a wonderful Shabbos

Why does Purim have a focus on Bein Adam LaChaveiro Mitzvos, more than we find by other Yomim Tovim?

A nice idea as explored by Rav Yeruchem Olshin.

The Navi Yirmiyahu compares Klal Yisrael to the olive tree. How are the Jewish people similar to an olive tree? Some ideas on how we stay separate, and allow our inner greatness to come forth and burn bright.

Have a good Shabbos and a Freilichen Purim

Chazal teach us that the Aharon symbolizes the Talmid Chacham and our relationship with the Torah. Some insights in the symbolism of the dimensions and makeup of the Aharon, and the transformations we seek to achieve in Torah.Have a wonderful Shabbos.

If one who strikes his Eved Canaani and knocks out a tooth, the Eved goes free. Rav Zilberstein raises the question, let's say it would be golden teeth, who would have the rights to keep the teeth? A fascinating discussion about the Halachic status of the detached limb of a living eved.

Hope you enjoy.

Have a wonderful Shabbos 

The Aseres Hadibros start off Anochi Hashem Elokecha, shouldn't it Elokeichem if it's talking to the whole Kal Yisrael? Rashi quotes that it's to be a defense for us from the Chet HaEgel, since it's written in the singular form. A pshat in the Yesod from Rav Elyah Meir Bloch, and a Mussar Shmuess I developed on the Rashi..

Chazal say the Jews were told to borrow money from the Mitzriyim so Avraham shouldn't claim the promise of wealth wasn't fulfilled. Wouldn't Hashem fulfill the promise regardless? A perspective from Rav Yeruchem Olshin in when their Redemption was completed.

Have a Wonderful Shabbos

The Sefer HaChinuch discusses why we need so many different Mitzvos to remember Yetzias Mitzrayim, and explains it's because our actions influence our hearts, and the more we do, the greater the influence. Exploring this technique in improving our Middos through the eyes of the Sefer HaChinuch and Rav Yechezkel Levenstein. Have a beautiful Shabbos

Hi,

The Torah tells us Hashem hardened Pharaoh's heart so he wouldn't send them out during the last five Makkos. Doesn't that go against the basic concept of free will? The approaches of the Rambam, the Seforno, and the Bais Halevi to this problem?

Have a wonderful Shabbos

Rabbeinu Bechayai discusses how Moshe experienced seeing a miraculous fire in the bush, then a Malach and then a Nevuah from Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Why was the revelation done in a progression, and how did he grow from examining the fire itself?

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

At the end of Yaakov's life, he blessed his 12 sons, Efraim, and Menashe. Efraim and Menashe were blessed that they would be the ones invoked when people bless their children. Why were they chosen, as opposed to blessing our sons they should be like Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov (akin to what we do by daughters)? 

Have a good Shabbos

Serach Bas Asher was the one to tell Yaakov that Yosef was alive and revive his spirits, and she was rewarded with eternal life. Some stories about her life and what we can learn from her.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

We have had many miracles in Jewish History, and many miraculous victories as well. What was unique about Chanukah that they made it into a Holiday? An approach based on the Pnei Yehoshua.

Frielichen Chanukah

When Yosef was sold to the House of Potifar, he was blessed with tremendous Siyata Dishmaya, and eventually place in charge of the home. The Torah says Potifar saw Hashem was with Yosef and was impressed by that. How does an Oved Avodah Zarah like Potifar get impressed by Yosef's connection to Hashem?

Have a good Shabbos