Weekly Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 23

March 25, 2023; 3 Nissan, 5783

Parsha The Olah sacrifice is one of the sacrifices in this week’s Parsha that can achieve atonement on the part of the person who brings it. The Olah sacrifice can be brought using a Kosher male domesticated animal. The Midrash explains why it must be brought using a domesticated animal (a Behaima) and not brought using a non-domesticated animal (a Chaya).

The explanation is that a domesticated animal is fed by its master and is therefore given food that the owner wants to give him. A non-domesticated animal, such as a deer, eats from wherever it can obtain its food which can include vegetation that is ownerless, such as in a forest, or vegetation that is owned, such as in someone’s backyard...

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Weekly Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 22

March 18, 2023; 25 Adar, 5783

Parsha “And the princes brought the Shoham stones and filling stones for the Ephod and for the Choshen.” (Shmos 35:27)

Rashi quotes a Midrash, that the princes (“Nesiim”), pledged to donate whatever would be missing after the rest of Bnei Yisrael finished giving to the construction of the Mishkan. They underestimated the peoples’ generosity and enthusiasm. The only things left to be donated were the precious gems needed for the Kohen Gadol’s breastplate and garments. These are the precious stones referenced in the Possuk above that were given by the Nesiim...

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Weekly Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 21

March 11, 2023; 18 Adar, 5783

Parsha Bnei Yisrael had sinned by worshiping the golden calf. Moshe Rabbeinu interceded on behalf of Bnei Yisrael and begged Hashem for forgiveness. The Pasuk states: “And Hashem passed before him and [Moshe] proclaimed: Hashem, Hashem, benevolent G-d, Who is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness and truth…” (Exodus 34:36)

Rav Yitzchok Hutner ZT”L, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin, poses a fundamental question. Why did Moshe appeal to Hashem’s attribute of Emes – truth, when asking for forgiveness? In truth, from a strict justice perspective, people do not deserve to be forgiven. When dealing with forgiveness, we ask for Hashem’s kindness and mercy. Why did Moshe include Hashem’s attribute of Emes when praying for their forgiveness? ...

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