In this week’s Parsha we learn about the tragic loss of Nadav and Avihu, two amazing sons with incredible potential. The Midrash and Meforshim connect their mistake with the Mitzvah given to Aaron afterward, of not abusing wine or serving in the Mikdash intoxicated. Given the topic, I felt it apropos to discuss the Torah’s [...]
Imagine trying to put together one of those very large and detailed Lego sets without the instructions. Even using the picture on the box, it would be pretty difficult. Klal Yisroel were told to make and do things for the construction of the Mishkan that they had no idea how to do. Likewise, upon completion, [...]
Not much commentary necessary here, just straight Midrash, a little harsh but important for every parent and mechanech to think about. Some issues kids are born with, and some they cause to themselves, but how many are our fault? Do we No when its easier to say yes and give in? Do we fall for [...]
The contrast between Parshas Tetzaveh, where we learn about the Mitzvos regarding the garments of the Kohanim, and what many (unfortunately) do on Purim is striking. The fact that the Torah gives specific instructions on dress in the holiest place in the world tells us that the way we dress is an avodah. The clothes [...]
The Midrash records all the different types of gold that Hashem created, their different qualities and uses: אָמַר רַבִּי שִּמְעוֹן בֶּן לָקִּיש לאֹ הָיָה הָעוֹלָם רָאוּי לְהִּשְתַמֵּש בַזָהָב, וְלָמָה נִּבְרָא בִּשְבִּיל הַמִּ שכָן וּבִּשְ ביל בֵּית הַמִּקְדָש... אָמַר רַבִּי שִּמְעוֹן בֶּן לָקִּיש לאֹ הָיָה הָעוֹלָם רָאוּי לְהִּשְתַמֵּש בַזָהָב, וְלָמָה נִּבְרָא בִּשְבִּיל הַמִּ שכָן וּבִּשְ ביל [...]
Rashi tells us at the end of the Parsha how Nadav and Avihu at Har Sinai saw an image of Hashem. The pasuk describes this image but it is really beyond our full understanding. The pasuk goes on to say that Nadav and Avihu had a meal before this image and were chayav misa for [...]
The Midrash tells us that when Hashem said “Anochi Hashem Elokeicha”, the entire world went silent. Any small noise, anywhere in the world, even from the smallest of creatures or aspects of nature, even if unheard by others, would have “detracted from” (K’v’yachol) or distracted from Hashem's Oneness. We see for there to be a [...]
The midrash says that although the Manna tasted like whatever the eater wanted it to, if you had nothing it mind the Manna had a specific taste. The Midrash points out that the Torah describes this default taste differently in 3 places: In one it describes it as Lechem (bread), in another as Dvash (honey), [...]
The Midrash tells how during our time in Mitzraim, Klal Yisroel had stopped performing the mitzvah of Bris Milah. Hashem commanded Moshe and the other leaders of the generation to get all the people to have a bris milah before doing the Korban Pesach and leaving Mitzraim. However, many of the people were uninterested and [...]
The Pasuk says: וַיְדַבֵֵּ֥ר אֱלֹ הִ֖ים אֶל־משֶֶׁ֑ה וַיֵּ֥אֹמֶר אֵ לִ֖יו אֲ נֵּ֥י יְהֹ וה The Midrash points out that not only is this a double lashon (Hashem spoke to Moshe and said to him) but the 2 words have contradictory connotations. Vayidaber means speaking with strong language and can mean rebuke, while Vayomer is a [...]