On Friday, May 16, Jews around the world will celebrate Lag Ba’omer. Lag Ba’omer is a joyous day. In Israel, thousands flock to Miron, the burial site of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the second-century Talmudic sage who passed away on this day.
Rabbi Shimon was the first to publicize and record …
In this week’s Torah portion, we learn about the high priest entering the Holy of Holies on the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur, to secure forgiveness for the nation. How could one person’s entry into a sacred chamber atone for everyone’s sins?
To answer this question, we must explore the secret of the Holy of Holies. What was it like inside? How did it feel to enter? What impact did entering have on the high priest, and how did it affect others? Read the full story »
The weeks leading up to Passover were incredibly hectic for me, and I didn’t have time to follow the news. Several weeks in, I realized that I was much more relaxed as a result. The news cycle is so filled with negativity that it seeps into our bones and mindset. …
Insects churn their legs with astonishing speed. Their unique respiratory system delivers oxygen to their limbs efficiently, allowing them to move quickly. They are also very well coordinated, allowing them to alternate between swinging their legs and standing still. Yet, they barely make headway. Aunts must take hundreds of steps …
The Shabbat before Passover is called Shabbat Hagadol, the great Shabbat. There are several reasons for this moniker, primarily that a great miracle occurred that day.
On this day, the Egyptian firstborn observed Jews leading lambs down the public streets to their homes. This was surprising because the Egyptians worshipped lambs. …
This week’s Torah portion is all about sacrifices. The Hebrew word for sacrifice is korban, which means closeness. There are two ways to view an offering: (a) something I give up for G-d, (b) something that draws me close to G-d. The question is what religious worship means to you. …
The Torah portion we read this week is Pekudei, which means accounting. In it, Moses accounts for every donation collected for the Tabernacle and lists them in precise detail.
This got me thinking about the accounting we must make every so often to clear up unsettled issues. I am talking about …
Purim: When G-d wakes Up
The Megillah tells the story of King Ahasuerus, who could not sleep in the middle of the night. He asked his servants to read the palace chronicles to him, and they read about Mordechai saving the king’s life. He immediately ordered Haman to reward Mordechai by …
This week, we read about the vestments worn by the priests and high priests. An elegant tunic, topped by a flowing robe with golden tassels was girded by a majestic sash and adorned by a fashionable apron and a diamond-studded breastplate. A golden forehead plate and a beautiful turban headdress …
G-d instructed Moses to convene a team of superior artisans to lead a team to build the Tabernacle. Though the leaders were superior artisans, anyone could volunteer; one did not need an exceptional pedigree to earn a place on the team. All it took was a required skill set. The …