In memory of Reuven ben Sarah Why Aaron Was Chosen Skeleton in the Closet Bumpy Road to Priesthood Fulfilling Phylacteries Contaminated Water Purification Why Aaron Was Chosen Vayomer Moshe el Aaron krav el hamizbeach…v’chaper – “And Moshe said to Aaron, ‘Approach the altar…and atone” (Vayikra 9:7) Rashi explains that Aaron was afraid and embarrassed to…

The Everlasting Purim Happiness – Guaranteed(?) As Purim approaches, many of us are filled with a feeling of anticipation and excitement, looking forward to the simcha this special day can bring. However, after Purim, many often experience disappointment, feeling that simcha somehow passed them by. There is tremendous potential in Purim day, and if utilized…

The Masked You Undercover in Shushan Everybody knows there is a minhag (custom) to dress in costumes on Purim. This minhag is not just a silly children’s activity – there is deep significance behind the masks and costumes we wear on Purim. A mask or costume hides one’s identity. This theme – of hiding one’s…

In memory of Reuven ben Sarah 1.It’s a Matter of Principle Vayikra el Moshe vayedaber Hashem eilov mei’ohel mo’ed leimor”- And (Hashem) called out to Moshe and Hashem spoke to him from the ohel mo’ed, saying…” (Vayikra 1:1) The Midrash Rabbah (1:15) learns from this pasuk that even a dead animal is better than a…

1.Trust Me Moshe and the Mockers “Eileh pekudei Hamishkan mishkan ha’eidut asher pukad al pi Moshe…” – These are the calculations of the Mishkan…which were accounted for by the command of Moshe. (Shemot 38:21) In this week’s parsha, the Torah makes an accounting of where all the gold and silver that Klal Yisrael donated for…

Jewish Remedy to Relaxation  “Six days [a week] your work shall be done and on the seventh day…rest” (Exodus 35:2).   In this pasuk, there seem to be two commandments: to rest on the seventh day, and to work the other six days.  But is there really a mitzvah to work six days a week?…