impurity

Chukas – Pure From Impure

Why is the Red Heifer specifically red? Why must it be completely burnt? How is it that the one involved in preparing it becomes impure, and yet it causes those who use it to become pure? What is the depth behind the midrash’s statement that numerous great people were the progeny of individuals who were…

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Tazria – Later and Earlier

In describing the birth of a child and the circumcision on the eighth day, why does the Torah bother to tell us about the conception as well as the impurity of the mother for seven days following birth? What is the connection between this verse and the verse in psalms which speaks of God fashioning…

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Behaaloscha – Holiness Amidst Impurity

In this week’s parsha podcast, we study the lesson of R’ Nosson on the verses which speak about the Pesach Sheni – the second chance at bringing the Passover sacrifice, which was revealed through the request of those who were impure, and therefore unable to bring the Pesach sacrifice in its correct time. This is…

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Chukas – Sweetening judgments

Why does the mitzvah of the red heifer immediately follow the accusation against Aharon of being unworthy? why must it be completely red? What does the color red represent? Why is it specifically a cow? What is the significance of the involvement of the Kohen in this process? Why does he become impure as the…

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