Parshat Parah based on the writings of Rabbi Ki Tov “This is the decree of the Torah, which Hashem has commanded, saying: Speak to the Children of Israel, and they shall take to you a completely red cow, which is without blemish, and upon which a yoke has not come.” (BaMidbar 19:2) This is an … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Not just any oil was suitable for the Temple menorah. The Torah stipulates that the oil be particularly refined, made from hand- crushed olives, so that it will “raise up a constant flame” (Ex. 27:20). Why this unusual phrase, ‘to raise up the flame’? Why not say simply, ‘to kindle the … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison The Torah reading of Terumah begins the section dealing with building the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and making the priestly clothes. These chapters are among the few in which the Torah places great emphasis on external beauty — art, craftsmanship, and aesthetics. Of particular interest is the protagonist of this unique construction: the … Read more
In the Torah portion of Mishpatim we read of an astounding account: And Moses and Aaron, Nadav and Avihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel ascended, and they perceived the G-d of Israel, and beneath His feet was like the forming of a sapphire brick and like the appearance of the heavens for clarity.. … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison “Moses awoke early in the morning and climbed Mount Sinai.” (Ex. 34:4) The text emphasizes that Moses ascended the mountain at daybreak to receive the Torah. The Sages taught that Moses’ subsequent descent from Sinai to transmit the Torah to the people also took place at first light. “Just as his … Read more
Based on the writings of HaRav Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook zts”l Why was God in a hurry at the time of the Exodus? “This is how you must eat [the Passover offering]: with your waist belted, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you must eat it in chipazon – … Read more
What are we to learn from the first commandment given to the people of Israel as a people; “ And HaShem spoke unto Moshe and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying: ‘This (HaZeh) month will be to you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.” ( … Read more
by Gavriel Horan ( Hamodia English Newspaper) “You cannot explain one moment of my survival without miracles.” Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, currently the Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv and Chairman of Yad Vashem, and the former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, is one of my personal heroes. I have long desired to meet him face … Read more
