The first seven Sidrot in the book of Vayikra concentrate on the laws relating to the purity and holiness of the whole nation of Israel. The Sidra of Emor focuses on the holiness of the priests who were obliged to adhere to a higher standard of sanctity than others. The first verse in the Sidra […]
The Sidra of Shemini begins with an account of the dedication of Aaron and his four sons as KOHANIM. It took place on the eighth day, after seven days of purification from all their sins and sanctification to become servants of the Almighty. The eighth day has great significance in the Bible. Circumcision takes place […]
The Sidra of Tzav is addressed to the KOHANIM with the instructions to them how to prepare and offer up the sacrifices on behalf of the nation and also on behalf of individuals. According to a famous interpretation by Rashi, the word Tzav, which means ‘command’, denotes encouragement to perform it with urgency and […]
During Sukkot, we read the Scroll of Kohelet, which is one of the five scrolls, to be found in the third Biblical section which is called ‘Writings’. In Hebrew the section is called Ketuvim. The Hebrew word for the Bible is Tanach, which is an abbreviation for Torah, Neviim, the prophets, and Ketuvim. The section […]
The name of the Sidra means “you will command”. This most unusual beginning of a Sidra has attracted rabbinic comment. In particular, our rabbis have noted the complete absence of Moses name from this Sidra. Since this is the only Sidra which does not mention his name, there must be a reason. Three reasons have […]
The Book of Vayikra is devoted almost entirely to the laws of the sacrifices and the conduct of the priests who served in the sanctuary. For this reason our ancient rabbis called the book TORAT KOHANIM and it is this name that became known in the Greek speaking world and in other European languages. […]
The Sidra of Vayakhel begins with the statement that Moses assembled the whole nation together, which included the women and children. It was a rare assembly which was necessary after the grave crisis of the building of the golden calf and Moses’ smashing of the tablets. It was most encouraging that despite everything […]
The opening commandment in the Sidra of Ki Tissa instructs Moses to conduct the census which took place by means of a contribution of half a Shekel from each person over the age the 20. The age of 20 was the military age in ancient times. Therefore, it is to be assumed that Moses […]
The Sidra of Tetzaveh is unique in that it does not mention the name of Moses. All other Sidrot, since his birth, mention him. However, in this Sidra, Aaron is at the centre of our attention and his name is mentioned many times. The Almighty’s decision to omit Moses name comes to stress the two […]
The name of the Sidra means LAWS. We shall also read, today, for the Maftir, a small section from the beginning of the Sidra of KI TISSA, which is called Parashat Shekalim. This is always read on the Shabbat which precedes the New Moon of Adar and it is the first of four special portions […]