Giving Up Your Life
The choice of words used to describe the sacrifices and the notion that we are bringing our inner beast to the altar are discussed.
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True Sacrifice
The sacrifices one made during Temple times were not simple animal offerings, but symbolic offerings of man’s inner beast.
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Primordial Man
The bearer of an offering is referred to as an “adam” instead of “ishi.” While both translate to “man,” the former implies that one must emulate Adam when bringing an offering.
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What’s in a Name?
The Hebrew word vayikra, “and he called,” used by the Torah to describe Adam’s calling the name of every creature displays the significance of naming…
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Terms of Termination
The literal and figurative implications of the Hebrew word “hashbatah,” which means “terminate,” are debated by Talmudic sages Rabbi Judah and Rabbi Shimon.
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Wide Angle Lens
Ethics of Our Fathers teaches: If we view the whole person rather than focus on the parts that are wanting, we will surely find much that is meritorious.
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The Dust of History
The cosmic struggle to reconcile spirit and matter are captured in the story of Jacob and Esau and the battle between these two opposing forces.
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Emor: How Do I Find a True Rabbi? Part 1
Rabbi Simon Jacobson answers a critical question: how does one find an authentic, truthful educator when it comes to Torah learning?
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Metzorah: In Search of Eden
The continued presence of both the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and particularly the Euphrates, indicates the ongoing presence of the Garden of Eden in this world.
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