פוסטים מאת Ari Goldwag

Bechukosai – Finding the Balance

Which was created first – the Heavens or the Earth? How can we really talk about 'first' if it was before there was time? Who was greater – Moses or Aaron? Why does the verse reverse the order of the patriarchs, speaking of the covenant with Jacob, Isaac and Abraham? Why is this verse surrounded…

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Behar – Sharing the Wealth

What is the Torah's approach to charity and 'spreading the wealth?' Why does the midrash place the idea of spiritual wealth beside the concept of material wealth? What are the mechanics of the spiritual principle behind the fact that when I share what I have – both in wisdom and in material matters – I…

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Me'ein hits 20,000

Excited to share the news that our new hit song/video "Me'ein Olam Haba" has passed 20,000 hits in less than three weeks! The video is a fun take on what happens when I 'miss the last bus' and a whole slew of things go wrong as I'm trying to get home in time for Shabbos. Baruch…

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Emor – When the Righteous Err

What is the connection between those who seek the advice of soothsayers and the Kohanim of our parsha? Why was King Saul referred to as a righteous individual despite his many mistakes? Why did Hashem seem to go along with Saul's desire to speak to Samuel (who had already died) if he did it in…

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Kedoshim – Tzion, Yosef and Kedusha

What is the concept of Kedusha-holiness? Are we to separate ourselves completely from this world? Why does the verse seem to say that we are to be holy because Hashem is holy? Why is the concept of kedusha connected to Tzion, which is Jerusalem and the Temple? Why do the blessings of redemption come from…

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Shemini – Spiritual Elders

Why are the elders of Israel invited to inaugurate the Tabernacle if they don't seem to play any role there? Why are the elders compared to the wings of a bird? What is the concept of 'elder?' Why does Hashem 'honor the elders?' What does it mean that they 'belong to Hashem?' Why does Hashem…

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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…

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Vayikra – Special Nation

What is the reason for the Jewish people's 'special nation' status? Why does the midrash stress this so much right here at the beginning of Vayikra with the founding of the Tabernacle? Why was it so important for the nations of the world that the Tabernacle be protected? Why were the nations unable to receive…

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