Divrei Mav

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 Tetzaveh 2018 Level Up! Video games don't always come with instructions on how to win. Maybe a little booklet on how to set up your game or troubleshoot it but never on how to actually win. If you want to you might be able to find a “cheat-book” online or at the library. Generally, you have to figure it out on your own. Life, you could say is like this too. We were put here to accomplish and grow, to advance from one level to the next. We have to avoid hazards and overcome obstacles. However, we only have one life and we can't afford to blow it! The kohanim (priests) were instructed to have their garments made for use in the mishkan (tabernacle) and then later in the Beis HaMikdash (temple). These were very special garments of particular materials and designs. Hashem had Moshe speak to and instruct the artisans himself. This was because, as the Ramban  (Nachmanadies) points out, only Moshe...

Parshas Terumah 2018 Equal Opportunities for Greatness   The way we see it, life isn’t fair. We’ve all heard that before. It never was, and it never will be. There are successful people who run the world and others who just barely get by. Everyone wants to be successful, but Hashem doesn’t give everyone the same opportunity to reach greatness in his/her lifetime. Or does He? The parshios (plural for parsha) of Terumah and Tetzaveh are somewhat infamous. It’s monotonous and tedious as each of these parshios discuss the construction of the mishkan (tabernacle), its holy articles, and priestly vestments in great length. We receive a detailed accounting of everything from the temple itself, to the very pegs in each board. The weave of every garment and the measurements of every plank are all recorded in these parshios . Perkei Avos (Chapters of Our Fathers) mentions a concept of three figurative crowns one can wear on a spiritual plateau.  1. “ Kesser Torah”...