Category: Uncategorized

  • Life is Hard, So What

    History teaches us that we will suffer tragedies in our lives. It is not that we will suffer them but what do we learn from them and how do we get up and rebuild.

  • Do What God Wants

    In the middle of the narrative the Torah suddenly instructs us about what is permitted to eat. The meaning is that we cannot do what we want to do, but to follow God’s instructions.

  • Hubris Before the Fall

    The hubris of Aaron’s sons was what lead to their downfall. The fact that Aaron did not correct their behavior shows that a parents’ responsibility is to make sure their children do not fall into the trap of hubris.

  • Do What is Right

    When the sons of Aaron brought an unauthorized offering in the Tabernacle they were punished with death. This is to teach us that we should do what is right, not what we feel is right.

  • New Beginnings

    All great things in the history of the Jewish people begin in the month of Nisan. That is the real Jewish new year since that is the month the Tabernacle first began to operate.

  • Going Above and Beyond

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.