http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php Type description here... en-us Wed, 09 May 2012 15:01:12 -0700 Wed, 09 May 2012 15:01:12 -0700 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Today we have another "double portion” (two parashot portions rolled into one), entitled "Acharey-Kedoshim”, being Leviticus 16.1-20.27. This is a very important parasha in many ways. Let me address why it carries great importance. In this portion, we are given many legal instructions that have to do with how God saw fit to build Israel’s society. In this parasha, we find the "Father Instruction”, termed in Hebrew the "av” (which means "father”). An "av” in ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1336600646 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1336600646&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1336600646 Wed, 09 May 2012 14:57:26 -0700 Tazria-Metzora&nbsp; "Bodily Issues/Skin Diseases” Today’s parasha is Tazria-Metzora ("bodily issues-skin diseases”, Leviticus 12:1-15:33). I should be an expert on the skin disease portion of our text after this winter’s struggle that I had, but thanks to God, I am well again! The skin around my eyes has returned to looking and feeling normal. Our parasha deals with when and how a person gets ritually cleansed from "niddah” (Hebrew for ‘a state of ritual impurity’). In such a ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1336600871 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1336600871&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1336600871 Wed, 09 May 2012 15:01:11 -0700 Tsav "Command” The parasha this Shabbat is entitled "Tsav” ("Command” [the verb]), and is Leviticus 6:1 - 8:36 (however, the portion starts at 6.9 in the English text). The regulations concerning the ‘olah (whole animal) offering are detailed. The Hebrew ‘olah’ means to "go up”; it is the same word used to describe an immigrant to Israel, who "goes up” to Israel (an ‘oleh). It is also the same word used for Israel’s national airline company, ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1333588263 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1333588263&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1333588263 Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:11:03 -0700 Our parasha, and our previous one, focus on building the "Mishkan”, the Tabernacle. This was the place where God was present, and the place for worshippers to come and give their offerings to Him. It is interesting that the people had been slaves in Egypt: they were hard-driven makers of bricks, bricklayers and storehouse builders for Pharaoh. They were not schooled or apprenticed in delicate metalwork, artwork or in how to build a Temple for ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1331344840 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1331344840&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1331344840 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:00:40 -0700 Today’s reading portion is "Tetsaveh” "Instruct” (a verb in the command form). It is Exodus 27:20-30:10. This parasha portion is a technical one. It answers the question: "What is the Holy Place in the Tabernacle supposed to look like?” "What items should be in it?” And finally, "What should these items be made out of?” Again, the world ‘tetsaveh’ means ‘to instruct’, and God tells Moshe to do in 27:20: "And you, you instruct the people of Israel, that they take first ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1331064562 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1331064562&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1331064562 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:09:22 -0700 Today’s parasha is " Mishpatim ” ("Laws that have a Heavenly source”), and is Exodus 21.1-24.18. Chapter 22, verse 31 expresses WHY God gave these laws to Israel. "You are to be my holy people” (NIV). That is a powerful and revealing verse. God chose Jacob and his descendants to be a nation that reflects His righteousness, a light to the dark world of idolatry that was around them. But this could only be done if, as a ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1329611381 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1329611381&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1329611381 Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:31:38 -0700 "Yitro” (Jethro) is our reading for this Sabbath. Ex. 18.1-20:23. A volley of my favorite verses in all of the Torah occurs in chapter 19. So we will focus on Exodus 19, verses 4-6. Verse 4 states: "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” These words describe the event of the exodus from Egypt. What does it mean that Israel was ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1328902866 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1328902866&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1328902866 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:41:06 -0700 Our parasha &nbsp; Today’s reading is "Beshelach” (in the "sending forth”, or "exodus”), and is Exodus 13.17-17.16.&nbsp; Immediately we see that Israel had to take a route out of Egyptian influence that was NOT the easiest, nor quickest, route home. Now think about that: centuries of slavery had just ended, the entire nation was poised and ready to make a bee-line into the Land of their Fathers. So, why the following verses? &nbsp; When Pharaoh let the people go, ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1328724540 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1328724540&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1328724540 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:09:00 -0700 Our parasha &nbsp; Today’s parasha was "Bo” ("Come”, consisting of Exodus 10.1-13.16). It is the story of the last two plagues, and the leaving of Egypt. We talked about many different aspects of this narrative in our study this morning. I want to focus in on just one little point in this incredible recounting of the exodus. &nbsp; Exodus 10 tells us about the eighth plague: locusts. Sometimes it’s hard for a biblical narrative to seem real to us. ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1328048648 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1328048648&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1328048648 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:24:08 -0700 Our parasha &nbsp; Today’s parasha is entitled " Shemot ” ("Names”), which is the Hebrew name for the book of Exodus. And so our scripture portion is Exodus 1.1-6.1. In it, we read of the enslavement of Israel, of the early life and calling to Moses, and the foundation is set for the story of the exodus from Egypt. What a jam-packed parasha! There ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1326498153 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1326498153&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1326498153 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:24:24 -0700 Our parasha &nbsp; This week’s parasha is entitled " Vayigash ”, meaning, " and he approached ”, and is Genesis 44.18-47.27. It is one of the most touching portions of the Bible. Joseph and his father Jacob, after 20 years of separation, finally meet up with each other. Neither knew that the other one was alive. &nbsp; Living here in Israel, every so often we read ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1325295879 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1325295879&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1325295879 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:44:39 -0700 Our parasha &nbsp; Genesis 41:1 - 44:17 is our portion today, entitled " Miketz ” ("at the end of…”).&nbsp;&nbsp;It is one of the most touching and awe-inspiring pieces of narrative in the Bible. Usually we comment on Joseph’s strategy and thoughts on re-uniting with his family. But this year, let us look at another aspect of this portion. The situation in the Land of Israel was getting critical; drought ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1324692671 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1324692671&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1324692671 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:11:11 -0700 Our Parasha This week we study parashat " Vayeshev ” ("And he settled down…”, Genesis 37.1-40.23). I can’t think of a better illustration of God’s sovereign supervision over human affairs than in this story. This narrative is full of human emotions, and seeming tragedy, but in the end, we see God’s Mighty hand in action to work His will. While reading the text this week, I was struck ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1324261832 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1324261832&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1324261832 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:30:32 -0700 Our parasha &nbsp; The scripture portion for this week is entitled "Vayishlach”, ("and he sent”), and is Genesis 32.4-36.43. We read about how Jacob left his not-so-upright Uncle Lavan, and was on his way home with his family. However, to get home, Jacob had to cross dangerous territory--his only known "enemy” was right there, coming to find him. &nbsp; The messengers returned to Yakov, and said, "We went to your brother Esav, and he is coming to meet you ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1323594032 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1323594032&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1323594032 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 02:00:32 -0700 Our parasha &nbsp; This week’s scripture portion is "Toldot” (histories, or family history) and is Genesis 25:19-28:9. The student of the Bible is often faced with a bit of a dilemma from this portion: we know that Jacob was one of our forefathers, and a great man of faith. Yet we feel ambiguous towards him, because of the idea that he finagled the covenant promises away from his older brother. So often my students have great respect ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1322263547 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1322263547&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1322263547 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:25:47 -0700 Our parasha &nbsp; Today’s scripture portion is entitled "Chayei Sarah” (the life of Sarah), and is Genesis 23.1-25.18. Our portion begins with the death of Sarah, and tells us how Abraham acquired a place to bury her. The place is called the Macpelah Cave, and the area was in the hands of the Hittite nation at the time of Abraham (about 1900-1800 b.c., some 3,900 years ago), and so he had to acquire burial ground from them. &nbsp; Today, ...<br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1322032184 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1322032184&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1322032184 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:09:44 -0700 Our parasha Our scripture portion is entitled&nbsp; Vayera (aô&#8706;r´¥yÅw - And He appeared). Genesis 18.1-22.24 Two parts of today’s reading really impressed me this year, as they both portray our father Abraham as a man who saw things in a special way.&nbsp; I refer to chapter 18, particularly verses 1-2, 20-30, and the Akeida, chapter 22:1-24. &nbsp; In both of these narratives, Abraham saw the reality of the situation that was not apparent to the naked eye. ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1321338878 Rabbi David Friedman http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1321338878&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1321338878 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:05:56 -0700 Parashah Mattos (Bamidbar 30:2-32:42) "HaShem spoke to Moshe, saying, "Take vengeance for the Children of Yisrael against the midianites; afterward you will be gathered unto your people.” &nbsp; "They massed against Midian, as HaShem had commanded Moshe, and they killed every male… and Balaam son of Beor they slew with the sword.” &nbsp; "The commanders of the thousands in the legions, the officers of the thousands and the officers of ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1311228826 General http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1311228826&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1311228826 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:14:01 -0700 Parashah Pinchas&nbsp; (Bamidbar 25:10-30:1) This Torah portion is yet another portion full of gems.&nbsp; First of all it begins just after the action of Pinchas to kill an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were fornicating in the presence of G-d and the assembly.&nbsp; The plague that had resulted had already killed twenty-four thousand people, and based on the zealous action of Pinchas an unknown number of lives were saved. &nbsp; Therefore say: ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1310357704 General http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1310357704&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1310357704 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:15:04 -0700 Parashah Balak ( Bamidbar 22:2-25:9) Balak saw what Yisrael had done to the Amorite.&nbsp; This frightened the people.&nbsp; The difference between fear and faith is unclear to many people.&nbsp; Both are believing something unseen.&nbsp; Fear is inherently negative, and faith is inherently positive.&nbsp; Balak chose to believe the fear, Balak chose to believe that the children of Yisrael were going to "lick up our entire surroundings, as an ox licks up the greenery of ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1310017932 General http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1310017932&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1310017932 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:52:12 -0700 Parashah chukas (Bamidbar 19:1-22:1) HaShem spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, saying:&nbsp; This is the decree of the Torah, which HaShem has commanded, saying:&nbsp; Speak to the Children of Yisrael, and they shall take to you a completely red cow, which is without blemish, and upon which a yoke has not come.&nbsp; You shall give it to Elazar the Kohen; he shall take it out to the outside of the camp and someone shall ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1309620228 General http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1309620228&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1309620228 Sat, 02 Jul 2011 08:23:48 -0700 Parashah chukas (Bamidbar 19:1-22:1) HaShem spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, saying:&nbsp; This is the decree of the Torah, which HaShem has commanded, saying:&nbsp; Speak to the Children of Yisrael, and they shall take to you a completely red cow, which is without blemish, and upon which a yoke has not come.&nbsp; You shall give it to Elazar the Kohen; he shall take it out to the outside of the camp and someone shall ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1309620229 General http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1309620229&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1309620229 Sat, 02 Jul 2011 08:23:49 -0700 Parashah Shelach (Bamidbar 13:1-15:41)&lt;?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> &nbsp; Fear vs. faith just outside of the promised land. &nbsp; &nbsp; "Hashem spoke to Moshe, saying, "Send forth men, if you please, and let them spy out the land of Canaan that I give to the Children of Yisrael; one man each from his father’s tribe shall you send, every one a leader among them.” &nbsp; Bamidbar 13:1-3 &nbsp; So, why the "if you ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1307946509 General http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1307946509&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1307946509 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:28:29 -0700 Parashah Nasso&nbsp; (Bamidbar 4:21-7:89) Then adonai &nbsp;spoke to Moshe, saying,&nbsp;"Speak to Aharon and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of yIsrael. You shall say to them: Adonai bless you, and keep you; adonai&nbsp;make His face shine on you, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And be gracious to you; adonai&nbsp;lift up His countenance on you, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And give you peace.’ "So they shall invoke My name on the sons of yIsrael, and I will bless them.” Let’s make ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1307123396 General http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1307123396&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1307123396 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:49:56 -0700 Parashah Bechukosai&nbsp; (Vayikra 26:3-27:34) Persistence and the Kingdom of G-d &nbsp;" If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out, then I shall give you rains in their season, so that the land will yield its produce and the trees of the field will bear their fruit.&nbsp; ‘Indeed, your threshing will last for you until grape gathering, and grape gathering will last until sowing time. You will thus ... <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1306451617 General http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1306451617&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1306451617 Thu, 26 May 2011 16:13:45 -0700 Currently being updated thank you for your patience All previous&nbsp;archive of&nbsp;Parasha studies will be available soon <br clear="all"> http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1306305107 General http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1306305107&comments=comments http://www.levhashem.org/documents/blog_1.php?entry_id=1306305107 Thu, 26 May 2011 16:15:34 -0700