parsha

25:01

Mishpatim

Torah and Healing

This week's portion is the source for the idea that we should seek medical treatment when in need of healing. But if Torah says we …

26:15

Terumah

The Effects of Giving

Why is this name of this portion "Terumah" (lit. "donation") when the main point of the portion is what the donations were used for—namely the …

22:06

Tetzaveh

Mystery of the Menorah

According to a sketch made by the Rambam, the decorative goblets on the Menorah were upside down. How can we understand this when the halacha …

27:57

Ki sisa

Secret of the Left-Handed Pitcher

Why were the Ten Commandments given on two tablets? What does this teach us about the equal importance of the "do's" and the "dont's" of …

20:05

Vayakhel

The Purpose of a Fire

This week's Torah portion contains the prohibition against kindling a fire on Shabbos. What does this teach us about the role of spiritual inspiration in …

25:30

Vayikra

Selflessness & the Wood Offering

What does it really mean to make a sacrifice? What is true selflessness? In addition to the regular animal and flour offerings brought to the …

19:25

Tzav

When "Bad" Is Better Than Good

What does it mean to be truly alive? Based on one understanding of the laws of the thanksgiving offering, the greatest life is actually when …

24:34

Shemini

When to Expect Moshiach

When should we expect Moshiach to arrive? What should be the basis of our faith in his arrival? An answer can be found in this …

26:18

Tazria Metzora

All Governments Will Turn Heretical Before Moshiach

Before Moshiach’s coming, says the Talmud, “all governments will turn to heresy. ”Why should wholesale moral degradation be a sign of imminent redemption? The Talmud …

22:23

Acharei Mos

The Kohen's Clothes and Radical Self-Transformation

The Kohen Gadol's special clothing on Yom Kippur was never used again, even on a future Yom Kippur. What does this teach us about the …

25:05

Kedoshim

Would You Rather Be Rich or Go to Heaven?

The mitzvah of orlah, not eating the fruit of a tree for the first three years has an element which is difficult to understand. For …

18:23

Emor

Can Bill Gates Fly an F-15?

In the parsha of Emor, we learn about many rules of kohanim including that their slaves can eat terumah. Since we don't give terumah to …