Sinai
Tzav – Expansion Within Constriction
Why are all of the Jewish people gathered at the entrance of the Tabernacle, and how do they all fit in such a small space? What is the significance of the fact that the first example of ‘a great amount fitting in a small space’ is during Creation when the primordial waters are gathered? What…
Read MoreTerumah – Receving Torah, Receiving God
Why is the story of the revelation at Sinai placed immediately before the command to build a Tabernacle for Hashem’s presence? Why is the center of the Tabernacle the place that houses the Ark of the Covenant and the Torah that is within it? Why does the Midrash introduce the command of building the Tabernacle…
Read MoreNaso – Love and Respect
Why does the Torah place the concept of the encampments next to the idea of Metzora? The midrash tells us that the Jewish people were cured of this type of ailment at Mount Sinai, and that it returned after the sin of the Golden Calf – Why is this only significant now, almost a year…
Read MoreMishpatim – Closeness and Tikkun
Why is the narrative of the revelation at Sinai interrupted with the laws of Mishpatim? Were these laws given at this point? In light of the statement of Chazal that the Jewish people had returned to the state of Adam before the sin, why were did they receive commandments that seem inapplicable to them? Why…
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