Rebbe Akiva
Shmini – Accessing the Transcendent
What is the depth of the idea of the loss of the students of R’ Akiva between Pesach and Shavuos? Why do Nadav and Avihu die during the great joy of the dedication of the Mishkan? What was the significance of the fact that they did not ask Moshe and Aharon for advice? What is…
Read MoreKi Savo – Rejoicing in darkness
Why does the Torah speak at length about the curses, and only cursively about the blessings? Why does this parsha start off with the obligation of bringing the first fruits, which is only an obligation in Israel, only for the seven special species, and only to be brought to the Temple to a Kohen? Why…
Read MoreShemini – True leadership
What was the sin of Nadav and Avihu? What was their motivation to bring this fire into the holy of holies? Didn’t they know this place was only for the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur? Why is their death the introduction for the order of the Yom Kippur service? Why was it such a grave…
Read MoreShavuos and the light of Moshiach
What is Rebbe Akiva and his students’ connection to this time between Pesach and Shavuos? Why did they die then, and why do we mourn it to this day? What are the three times in history that the light of Moshiach was revealed, and how does this connect to Shavuos? What is Rebbe Akiva’s role…
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