Divrei Mav

Pesach 2018 R idding Ourselves of Chametz The laws of Pesach (Passover) are more stringent than all the other holidays. Pesach has mitzvos (Torah commandments) not just on the holiday, but before and afterwards as well. Getting rid of the chametz (goods containing leaven) is one of these mitzvos . As it says, “ Matzos shall be eaten throughout the seven day period; no chametz may be seen in your possession…. ” ( Shemos 13:7) “ Pesach Cleaning”, not to be confused with “Spring Cleaning” can also be very tedious in preparation for Pesach . One is required to clean every space in his home where food may have gone to make sure that no chametz can be found in his possession on Pesach . Once the house is cleaned, any remaining products containing leaven are burned and/or sold (to a non-Jew) for the course of the holiday and then returned afterwards. Thereby ensuring a chametz- free environment. Pre- Pesach amidst the Jewish community can be quite hectic. As we know, cl

Parshas Tzav 2018 Hidden Strengths Often times, Hashem gave us hidden qualities or abilities that need our actions to bring them out. We can find inner strengths that we never knew about and use them in time of need. “Moshe said to the community: “This procedure is what G-d commanded [me] to do.” (Leviticus 8:5) Ahron and his sons were inaugurated as the kohanim (priests). Rashi says, when Hashem told Moshe to “ take Ahron ” He was actually telling Moshe that he had to persuade Ahron (with words) to take on the position as Kohain Gadol . Ahron felt unworthy. It was Moshe’s job to now convince his brother. The entire nation witnessed their inauguration. Ramban explains that Hashem specifically wanted it this way; that the whole nation watch as Ahron and his sons assume their roles as kohanim . The process included, cleansing from the water of the kior (tabernacle’s water basin), donning the priestly garments, anointing with oil, and bringing k

Parshas Vayikra 2018 Relating To Animal Sacrifices The book of  Vayikra  (Leviticus) deals primarily with the parameters for the relationship between  Hashem  and His nation as well as each individual. Much of this third  sefer  (book) is devoted to explaining the  korbanos  (animal sacrifices). The  korbanos  (offerings) consisted of four broad categories;  Olah  (elevation offering),  Chatos  (sin offering),  Shlamim  (peace offering) and Asham  (guilt offering). Each  korban  (sacrifice) serves a different purpose throughout the year. Some were brought with the high holidays and others with  YomimTovim  or  Shabbos . All this was an active and integral part of Jewish life. If a man sinned, his atonement was realized when he offered a  korban  and did proper  teshuva  (repentance). The atonement came through experiencing the animals’ demise at his feet while visualizing himself in its place. Recognizing he  was  truly deserving of such a fate for his sins. This wo

Parshas Pekudei 2018 Mishkan and The HaMikdash Opening with a detailed list of all the gold, silver, and copper donated to the  Mishkan ,  Parshas Pekudei  elaborates on  Moshe’s  efforts to count and supervise the donations himself. This would ensure that everyone's donations were accounted for and to show the utmost respect for this sacred project. The  Mishkan  was quite remarkable. Serving as the place for the people to connect with their Creator in the wilderness.  Hashem’s shechina  (divine presence) descended from the Heavens and rested in the  Mishkan . The  Mishkan  was only meant as a temporary “temple” while they sojourned. Sforno  points out the  Mishkan  and its parts were so lofty spiritually, they remained intact for years and years. Many of those years consisted of wars and uprisings. Yet the  Mishkan  remained standing, impervious to physical threats.  In fact,  Shlomo HaMelech’s (King Solomon’s) Beis HaMikdash  (the first holy temple) was b

Parshas Vayakhel 2018 Giving for Hashem The two parshios ( Torah portions) of Vayakhel and Pekudei parallel those of Terumah and Tetzaveh . Terumah and Tetzaveh relay Hashem’s instruction for the building of the Mishkan and the sewing of the bigdei kahuna (priestly garments), while Vayakhel and Pekudei enlighten us on how the actual construction process went down. The  Mishkan (Tabernacle) and all its vessels required a lot of precious material. Each person donated what he could for the construction project. As it says,  “Every man whose heart inspired him came; and everyone whose spirit motivated him brought the portion of Hashem for the work of the Tent of Meeting, for all its labor and for the sacred vestments.”  ( Shemos  35:21) However, it wasn’t the physical material  Hashem  wanted. He wanted their sincere efforts towards the structure where His Holy Presence could dwell. Much stress is placed on the fact that these were donations not mandatory “tax

Parshas Ki Sisa 2018 Getting Motivated Ever feel like you’re just not into it? You just CAN’T get inspired or motivated? Let me tell you why this is. Moshe after spending forty days and forty nights on Har Sinai (Mount Sinai) and speaking directly to G-d, descended only to find his people dancing and singing around an idol.  At that very moment, the luchos (tablets) fell from his hands and broke. Interestingly, there is an opinion that our biblical leaders were not only spiritual giants, but they were also something that we call a “ gibur chayil ” physical specimen. They had a very large presence, usually tall and muscle-bound individuals.  If so, how is it possible that Moshe could drop the luchos ? Granted they were made of solid stone and he had been fasting for forty days but still we’re talking about THE greatest leader of our people, a very strong person!? Medrish Tanchuma tells us exactly what happened. Moshe received the transmission