The Torah uses the number eight to teach that we are both physical and spiritual beings. Our physicality is expressed by our having bodily needs. Our spirituality is expressed by our commands to make ourselves better.
Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal
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Know Your Limitations
Moses was told to anoint Aaron, his brother, to be High Priest. This is to teach us that we all have limitations. And we should know them.
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We’re On The Way
Part of the thanksgiving offering was 10 loaves of 3 different types of unleavened bread and 10 loaves of leavened bread. This is to teach that we are on a path. We are not there yet but will arrive.
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Make the Mundane Exciting
The Daily Offering teaches us to be excited about daily Mitzvot. The can get boring but if we approach them with right attitude it can change our lives.
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No Work is Beneath Us
Every morning the first thing that a priest had to do in the Temple was to clean the ashes from the day before. This is to teach us that there is no honest work that is beneath our dignity.
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The Centrality of Israel
Shushan Purim is celebrated in cities that were wall at the time of Joshua. Why, since Joshua lived centuries before the story took place. This is to teach the centrality of Jerusalem to the Jewish people.
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Why The Jews?
The question is why the Jews are the only people who have faced genocide throughout history. The answer is simple. The Jews represent a morality from God. And many people do not want to be moral.
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Who is The King?
God seemingly does not appear in the Book of Esther. The truth is we see God’s providence in all that takes place.
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Be Alert To Danger
The Fast of Esther is to remind us that we should be aware of problematic leaders. We should be alert to the dangers facing us in these situations.
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Know Before Whom You Stand
While Mordechai wanted to something due to the danger the Jews were in, Esther explains that only she is able to deal with the situation since she knew how Achashverosh operated, what made him tick.