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Biblical Faith – with Shmuel “Sam” Peak
Weekly series with new shows available every Tuesday.
Chapter 5
Mishnah 1a
The Messages of Numbers
The Hebrew language is unique, because Hebrew words describe not only an object but its very essence. For example, the Hebrew word for “eye” means both the anatomical eye and the essence of vision. Similarly, the numbers quoted in the mishnayot of this chapter have a deeper meaning which transcends mere quantity.
Dedicated to Jerry and Penny Dean
The Torah concepts of tahara and tum’a, imperfectly translated as spiritual purity and impurity, are impossibly difficult for us to entirely grasp through our intellect. And this is because, simply put, these concepts, or the realities that they express, are so much greater than our own individual selves. The period of impurity which visits a mother upon the birth of a child bespeaks of the passage of pure and perfect knowledge from one world to the next, and the necessary loss that results. The extended period of impurity upon the birth of a daughter reflects the more perfect image of G-d that is embodied in the female soul.
Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59)
Parashat Tazria is read on Shabbat:
II Adar 27, 5771/April 2, 2011
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This upcoming Shabbat, (March 26), we read the special Torah reading, Parashat Parah, Numbers 19, all about the parah adumah – the red heifer. A necessary part of Passover preparation during the time of the Holy Temple, the reading of the Torah description of the statute of the red heifer continues to be part of our tradition today. In spite of it all, the red heifer remains to this day the most compelling and elusive mystery in the Holy Torah. Yet what the mystery reveals about our own nature and our relationship with G-d is most enlightening.
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Light to the Nations – with Rabbi Chaim Richman
Weekly series with new teachings available every Thursday.
Next week on Light to the Nations:
Music of the Holy Temple, Part IV
Nothing is holier than great music, and the holiest music was that produced by the Levitical Choir in the Holy Temple. With musicologist Rabbi David Louis.
Dedication: Dedicated to Rabbi Chaim & Rena Richman, on their wedding anniversary.
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On the eighth day of the inauguration of the Tabernacle, the first day of the month of Nisan, a whole new reality overtook creation. As fire rushed down from heaven to consume the first offering placed upon the altar on this the first day of the Divine service in the Tabernacle, Nadav and Avihu, the righteous sons of Aharon the High Priest, sought eternalize the moment, to make the momentous now be forever. Their error in implementation cost them their lives. Torah prescribes for the rest of us a way to succeed where they failed.
Shmini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)
Parashat Shmini is read on Shabbat:
II Adar 20, 5771/March 26, 2011
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Temple Talk is a weekly internet radio webcast with Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven of the Temple Institute.
This week features:
Nadav & Avihu: Keeping it Kosher and Making the Most of This World
The Red Heifer and Political Correctness: It Takes Modesty to Recognize Our Limitations
This week’s Torah portion begins with the words “And it was on the eighth day…” And this day was none other than Rosh Chodesh Nisan, the first day of the month of Nisan, soon to be upon us. What is so special about this day, that led our sages to declare that it was “decorated with ten crowns?” What is the connection between the dedication of the Tabernacle and the creation of the world?
Purim is past and Passover is just around the corner. This Shabbat, “parshat Para,” is the third “Special Shabbat” in the sequence that leads up to Passover and is dedicated to the Red Heifer. Temple Talk focuses on this mysterious precept and explores the essence of purity in an impure world.
Temple Institute Links:
Program Link – Website – Support – Newsletter – Contact Us
Biblical Faith – with Shmuel “Sam” Peak
Weekly series with new shows available every Tuesday.
Mishnah 29b
Rabbi Elazar HaKappar says: Blessed is He, before Whom there is no iniquity, no forgetfulness, no favoritism and no acceptance of bribery, for everything is His.
Rambam explains “no acceptance of bribery” to mean that HaShem’s judgment is not affected by the fact that a person has done many mitzvoth. He explains the Mishnah to mean that no matter how many mitzvoth one has credit, one is punished for each transgression and rewarded for every mitzvah, because mitzvoth and sins do not cancel each other.