Rabbi Sacks observes that Moses acted spontaneously on many occasion; why were Nadav and Avihu punished for their spontaneous, yet sincere, actions? He notes that Nadav and Aviv were Kohanim, whereas Moses was a prophet—two different forms of leadership.
The parashah addresses the chattat—the sin offering, which varies by the particular individual, for sins that were committed inadvertently. A contemporary example would be answering the phone on Shabbat because you forgot that the day was Shabbat. Today, such a sin is typically not viewed as such. He continues with another example: you are caught driving 50 mph in a 30 mph zone, although you know that your speedometer is inaccurate.
Cantor Seth Ettinger: Hey Mickey! Hamantaschen Purim Parody
Rabbi Sacks references Rebecca Costa’s argument that civilizations die when their systems are unable to solve complex problems. They tend towards drastic solutions such as human sacrifice and religious consolations. He contrasts this scenario with Judaism, which emphasizes substitutes for sacrifice – acts of kindness and study.
Rabbi Sacks references Rebecca Costa’s argument that civilizations die when their systems are unable to solve complex problems. They tend towards drastic solutions such as human sacrifice and religious consolations. He contrasts this scenario with Judaism, which emphasizes substitutes for sacrifice – acts of kindness and study.
it isn’t festive without a video from The Maccabeats!
Rabbi Ruditsky contrasts the book of Leviticus with Exodus: In the latter, the emphasis is on who Israel would become, whereas in Leviticus the emphasis is on inner holiness. In Judaism we practice cheshbon hanefesh, and remember ‘from where we come, where we are going, and before Whom we stand’…
Rabbi Ruditsky contrasts the book of Leviticus with Exodus: In the latter, the emphasis is on who Israel would become, whereas in Leviticus the emphasis is on inner holiness. In Judaism we practice cheshbon hanefesh, and remember ‘from where we come, where we are going, and before Whom we stand’…
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Musical Treats: “Clergy Girl: Parody Based on Barbie Girl”
Written & Conceived by: Rabbi Jaclyn Cohen
Directed by: Cantor Lizzie Weiss & Tess Cutler
Videographer / Editor: Tess Cutler
When Moses convened the community, he essentially created the community by bringing the people together. Did they all agree with each other? And is it necessary that everyone in the community today agree? Rabbi Barenblat brings this key theme of the parashah to the communal dissension over the current situation in Gaza.