First, there was the screaming and yelling. When my blanket was thrown off and I felt the freezing air, I finally woke wup. It was 3 am and we had seven minutes to get dressed in full uniform and be … more

Shortly after the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, the Torah tells us that Moshe “announced to Aaron and ‘his surviving sons,’ telling them to take the remainder of the meal offering … more

The final chapter of Parashat Shemini contains more than 20 pasukim that discuss various aspects of the laws of kashrut. Therein, the Torah gives us general guidelines for determining the status of … more

Having given all the instructions for the kohanim, in chapter 8 we see Moshe being given precise instructions to set the stage for Inauguration Day. In one of the most immediate cause and effect … more

The final verse in parasha Tzav, “And Aaron and his sons did all the things that the L-rd commanded through Moses,” contains the unusual phrase, “that the L-rd commanded through … more

Sefer Vayikra begins with a call from G-d to Moshe: “G-d called to Moses, speaking to him from the Communion Tent.” In a celebrated gloss, Rashi, basing himself upon Midrash Rabbah, … more

How does the opening of the book of Vayikra, which we begin this Shabbat, relate to us today? Our service is not the Service of the Temple, it does not include sacrificial lambs and goats and … more

A lady passing a young boy on the street noticed he was entranced by a pair of shoes in a store window. “My, but you’re in such … more

Sha’ah ba’yetziah!” These were the words every IDF soldier dreaded hearing. Loosely translated as “an hour when you’re headed out,” it meant that for some … more

Our parasha contains the sole instance in the Tanach of the expression, “He took and placed (va’yikach va’yitan) the testimony into the ark” (Shemot 40:20). Rashi explained … more