korbanos
Tzav and Purim – North and South
Why is the korban olah (fully burnt sacrifice) related to the north, while the shelamim (partly burned, partly eaten) is related to the south? Why are the concepts of exile, Gog and Moshiach related to the north, while redemption, Gog’s fall, and the rebuilding of the Temple related to the south? Why can’t a northerly…
Read MoreVayikra – Soul Desire
Why does the Torah refer to the one who brings a flour offering as ‘one who offers his soul?’ What is the difference between an animal offering and a flour offering? How is the concept of ratzon-desire related to nefesh-soul? How can one come close to God if he has no good deeds to show…
Read MoreTzav – Purity of Intent
Why is Aharon’s name not mentioned in the commands to the Kohanim until the olah sacrifice is commanded? Why does Hashem specifically desire Aharon’s service despite his involvement in the sin of the Golden Calf? Why does one midrash seem to imply that Aharon must be forgiven, while the other seems to imply that Hashem…
Read MoreVayikra – Prayer and sacrifice
What is the concept of the sacrifices? What is the connection between sacrifice and prayer? Why are both of these concepts called ‘avodah’ – service? What is the difference between service of Hashem and the service of idolatry? What is the deeper reason why the sacrifices were completely consumed by the body with no waste,…
Read MoreVayikra – Expansion in Limitation
What is the deeper meaning of the concept of the korbanos? How does the sacrifice of animals enhance our relationship with Hashem? Why was Noach able to bring all the Kosher animals as sacrifices, whereas the Jewish people were limited to domesticated animals like cows and sheep? What is the deeper meaning of Hashem’s call…
Read More