Divrei Mav

Parshas Emor 2018 Eat the Bullet There is a mitzvah (commandment) in the Torah that potentially can be fulfilled be everyone but isn’t. This mitzvah is to die “ al kiddush Hashem ” (for the sake of G-d). Emor contains 63 mitzvos ; 24 positive (performative) and 39 negative (prohibitive). Of these 63, Mitzvah #295 and Mitzvah #296 (of the 613) are both very important and have very practical everyday application. Mitzvah #295 is, “ And you shall not desecrate My holy Name ” and Mitzvah #296 is, “ So that I may be sanctified among the children of Israel ”. These two mitzvos are actually part of the same passuk as it says, “ You shall not desecrate My holy Name, so that I may be sanctified among the people…” (Leviticus 22:32) We are forbidden to do anything that will desecrate Hashem’s Name. In Hebrew this is called a “ chillul Hashem .” When we can, we are supposed to sanctify His Name bringing about “ kiddush Hashem ”. To be m’challel (dese...

Parshas Acharei Mos 2018 Live Because of Them Hashem distributes the issur (prohibition) of immorality in Parshas Acharei Mos with a list of all the forbidden relationships for one to associate. Included in this list, for example are one’s relatives and the relatives of one’s spouse. Intriguingly, almost mid-sentence Hashem states, “Observe My statutes and ordinances -which a person shall do, and live because of them .” (Leviticus 18:5). Ramban comments, this statement is actually referring to each mitzvah that pertains to man and his fellow (social commandments). This category of mitzvos is called, “bein adam l’chavairo” (between man and his friend). In this category you’ll find mitzvos governing debts and loans and the prohibition against stealing and robbery, for example. With each one you observe, you promote a life with law and order ultimately creating peace, says the Ramban . Others are of the opinion, the phrase “ and live because of them ” means ...