Temple Institute Podcast: Recent Episodes
Temple Institute
G-d: the Judge Who Loves Us!
We Are Here Because G-d Needs Us!
Gearing Up for the Great New Year of 5784!
The year of 5783 is about to conclude and the year of 5784 is about to begin. On Rosh HaShana we all stand before HaShem and give account of who we have been and who we intend to be, our trepidation tempered by the knowledge that HaShem Who created us wants only the best for us.
Wishing all our listeners a very good year ahead - Shana Tova veGmar Chatima Tova - may we all be inscribed in the Book of Life!
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Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelech
The future is who we are tomorrow, and there is no other option than to prepare for tomorrow today. HaShem commands us to all stand before Him today, equipped with the knowledge that teshuvah - the ability to redirect our paths, to draw nearer to G-d - is our key to a better tomorrow. Despite all the obstacles that will confront us along the way, our future is ours to decide.
Nitzavim-Vayelech (Deuteronomy 29:9 - 31:30)
Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelech is read on Shabbat:
Elul 23, 5783/September 9, 2023
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Temple Talk Radio: Standing Together Before HaShem! The Day is Short and there is Much to Do! All That G-d Asks of Us is Within Our Reach! On the final day of his life, Moshe still has so much to do! And don't we all, for who knows what tomorrow may bring? Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelech is brimming full of life lessons so vital and relevant for us today as we approach the great day of judgment - Rosh HaShana! www.templeinstitute.org
Parashat Ki Tavo The past: more enduring than the present and less obscure than the future, the past is the very ground upon which we stand. It is the first fruits of who we are, and without the past we have no path to the future.
Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8) Parashat Ki Tavo is read on Shabbat: Elul 16, 5783/September 2, 2023 www.templeinstitute.org
Parashat Ki Tavo:
Bringing it All Back Home!
Giving Back to HaShem What is His!
Blessings and Curses!
There is no such thing as a free lunch and there is no such thing as blessings without serving "HaShem, your G-d, with happiness and with gladness of heart."
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Parashat Ki Teitzei
"A man's attire shall not be on a woman, nor may a man wear a woman's garment because whoever does these things is an abomination to HaShem, your G-d." Western secular society may be way past the issue of cross dressing, but cross dressing is definitely where the Torah draws the line. Anything beyond that is most definitely an affront to our Creator.
Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10 - 25:19)
Parashat Ki Teitzei is read on Shabbat:
Elul 9, 5783/August 26, 2023
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Parashat Ki Teitzei
Wake Up! get Up! Stand before HaShem!
The Shofar of Elul - Reveille for the Soul!
The Case of the Righteous Warrior!
Elul has arrived, the shofar is sounded, and we're off - to fix and fine tune our souls and ourselves, as we prepare for our upcoming audience with HaShem. Not only the shofar, but sublime Selichot and the unsurpassable Psalm 27 are heard throughout the month of Elul. The challenge of a soldier fighting HaShem's war - seeing hidden beauty and guarding over it.
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Parshat Shoftim
"Justice, justice shall you pursue!" Easier said than done! Justice can prove to be very elusive. Bad things can happen when there is really no one to blame. How does the Torah deal with these situations?
Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18 - 21:9)
Parashat Shoftim is read on Shabbat:
Elul 2, 5783/August 19, 2023
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Getting Ready for Elul!
The Search for Righteous Judges!
The King of Israel is a Servant of HaShem!
As we get ready to welcome in the beautiful month of Elul, ("I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine"), we read parashat Shoftim, which adjures us to set up righteous gatekeepers to our ears and our eyes and our moth, so that no evil goes in and no evil comes out.
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How do we perceive life? Simple or complex? We all make plans but plans can go awry. We all hope for the best, but none of us know what tomorrow will bring. Parashat Re'eh presents us with a clear cut path and a clear cut choice: A blessing or a curse. But is it really all that simple?
Re'eh (Deuteronomy 11:26 - 16:17)
Parashat Re'eh is read on Shabbat:
Av 25, 5783/August 12, 2023
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The Place HaShem Will Choose!
Rejoicing Before HaShem, Our G-d!
A Prophet Shall Arise: True or False!
In parashat Re'eh Moshe shares HaShem's plan to choose a place for His name to reside, a place within Israel to which every soul and every family is invited to worship and rejoice!
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Parashat Eikev
The land of Israel is a gift given to Israel by G-d, a gift which transcends us as individuals, but which, nevertheless, defines us, both as individuals and as a nation with a covenant with HaShem and a responsibility to the land. We can't take it with us, but we pass it on to our children. And by doing so, we live forever.
Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25)
Parashat Eikev is read on Shabbat:
Av 18, 5783/August 5, 2023
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The Mysterious but Beloved Holiday of Tu B'Av!
From the 9th of Av to the 15th of Av: Hope for the Future!
Moshe Describes a Blessed Land Waiting for Israel!
Tu b'Av, (the 15th of Av), bears unknown origins but has many, many reasons why it, along with Yom Kippur, is the happiest day of the year for Israel. Meanwhile, in parashat Eikev, Moshe is preparing his people to enter and inherit the land HaShem promised their forefathers, describing its unparalleled beauty and warning Israel against taking either the land or HaShem for granted.
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Tish'a b'Av and Our Responsibility to HaShem!
Moshe Pleads for a Day in Jerusalem!
"Renew Our Days as of Old!"
Tish'a b'Av is upon us, the day of the destruction of the Holy Temple, a day of fasting and mourning for nearly 2,000 years. But we who have been born into a world with an independent Jewish state of Israel, a reunited Jerusalem and sovereignty on the Temple Mount can no longer afford to simply mourn. Our job is to take HaShem's blessings and build for Him a house!
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Parashat Devarim
Justice! Just what is it? Is it attainable? What do righteousness and judgment have to do with justice? We are commanded to pursue justice, but justice itself can only be attained with the help of G-d. Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1 - 3:22)
Parashat Devarim is read on Shabbat:
Av 4, 5783/July 22, 2023
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Av, a Month of Tragedy & Comfort
40 Years in the Wilderness According to Moshe
A Timely Recap of the Sin of the Spies
We welcome in the new month of Av, a month that marks Israel's greatest tragedies but also Israel's greatest hopes and aspirations. We also begin reading Deuteronomy, the fifth and final book of Torah, which records Moshe's final, 37 day address to the children of Israel.
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Parshat Matot-Masei
In parashat Matot-Masei we learn of the borders of the land of Israel that G-d has determined, even before Israel has entered into the land. Would Israel have been able to successfully return to her land after suffering a two thousand year old exile, had G-d not personally determined the map for all eternity?
Matot-Masei (Numbers 30:2 - 36:13)
Parashat Matot-Masei is read on Shabbat:
Tammuz 26, 5783/July 15, 2023
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Parshat Matot-Masei
Temple Talk Radio: The Sacred Utensils We Bring to War!
From Mourning to Rebuilding: The Changing Face of Bein HaMeitzarim.
Ups & Downs of 40 Years in the Wilderness Come to a Close.
What the world needs now, more than ever, is the Holy Temple. It is time for a united Israel to lead the world to a better future, one in which we share our space in creation with He who created us!
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Parshat Pinchas
The laws of inheritance are so basic and so self explanatory that they go unquestioned even today. But precisely during the final days in the wilderness, five sisters stood before Moshe and demanded their share of their father's portion in the land. Their claim was confirmed by none other than G-d, Himself, who wrote new laws into the Torah to accommodate their just claim.
Pinchas (Numbers 25:10 - 30:1)
Parashat Pinchas is read on Shabbat:
Tammuz 19, 5783/July 8, 2023
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Pinchas, Zealous son of Aharon!
Machlah, Noa, Choglah, Milcah, and Tirtzah LOVE the Land of Israel!
As Israeli troops enter the terror den of Jenin in order to clean it out, passions run high in this week's Torah reading of Pinchas. Pinchas is passionate in his zealous desire for HaShem's honor, and the daughters of Tzelophehad are passionate in their love for the land of Israel. Passion, when attached to a righteous cause, is rewarded by HaShem!
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Parshat Balak
We each possess the power to change our own fate and even the fate of others. But as Balak would learn, we can only change our fate, (or the fate of others), for better or for worse, if G-d gives us the green light.
Balak (Numbers 22:2 - 25:9)
Parashat Balak is read on Shabbat:
Tammuz 12, 5783/July 1, 2023
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Parshat Balak (Chukat/Balak outside Israel)
Bilaam - Prophet for Hire!
The Death of Og - Last of the Nephilim!
Bilaam, a Real Prophet with a Sordid Past!
Fearful of the peace seeking Israelites who only want to enter into their homeland, Balak, king of Moav contacts mercenary prophet Bilaam to take the Israelites out with a curse. Only one little problem - HaShem, G-d of Israel!
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Parshat Chukat
Fight fire with fire and fight snakes with a copper snake emblazoned on a pole. This seems to have been G-d's strategy for saving Israel from the poisonous snakes that He, Himself sent to quiet their complaining. Was there something truly curative about this copper image of a snake that smacks suspiciously of idolatry, G-d forbid? Or was it simply a way to get the people to pick up their heads and gaze heavenward, where their real salvation would come? Was HaShem counting upon mankind's endless quest for straws to grasp onto?
Chukat (Numbers 19:1 - 22:1)
Parashat Chukat is read on Shabbat:
Tammuz 5, 5783/June 24, 2023
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The Red Heifer - Then & Now!
Tammuz: Tough Start to a Tough Month.
Striking When Words are Needed. Where did Moshe go Wrong?
There is nothing so elusive as the red heifer, whose ashes grant us the highest level of purity, and a green light to the temple courtyards. Full of enigmas and contradictions, and also full of promise, no more and no less than life itself!
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Parshat Korach
Nothing says Ego like Korach. So full of obstinacy and pride, Korach nearly dragged the entire nation of Israel down with him into the pit of his own stubborn, overblown sense of self-importance. We all have bouts of pride and we all find it tough to admit our mistakes. But admitting our errors, saying so clearly, and moving on, is the greatest antidote to the self-imposed eternal prison cell that Korach built for himself.
Korach (Numbers 16:1 - 18:32)
Parashat Korach is read on Shabbat:
Sivan 28, 5783/June 17, 2023
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Parshat Korach
The Treachery of Korach - Then & Now!
Aharon Defeats the Deadly Plague!
Jealousy & Hunger for Power Drive Sane Men Mad!
It seems like Korach has crawled out from his subterranean cell and returned to the streets of Israel, as former failed prime ministers and generals, borrowing from Korach's crooked playbook, seek to undermine Israel's chosen leadership. Where is a sinkhole when we need one?
Parshat Shelach
The unexpected in life by definition takes us by surprise. What preparations, what precautions can we take to soften the blow of the unexpected? Moshe made a change so minor before sending the twelve spies to Canaan we hardly notice it. But small as it was, Moshe's tweaking of Hoshea bin Nun's name changed the fate of the Israelites.
Shelach (Numbers 13:1 - 15:41)
Parashat Shelach is read on Shabbat:
Sivan 21, 5783/June 10, 2023
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Parshat Shelach - A Mission Without a Cause!
A National Meltdown of Will!
Calev & Yehoshua - the Two Who Saw the Good - and Stood Their Ground!
Picking right up where last week's reading of Beha'alotcha left off, things continue to go from bad to worse for Israel, as what proves to be a poorly planned pilot trip to Canaan goes awry in a big way. Thank G-d for Yehoshua and Calev, who, in the words of Hillel, 'are men where there are no men.' Their loyalty to HaShem and His land will place them in positions of leadership, 39 years on.
Parshat Beha'alotcha
Sometimes we just throw up our hands and give up. We don't like it. It's frustrating, even humiliating, but it happens. When Israel unjustly pressed Moshe for meat in the wilderness he hit his "I can't do this anymore" moment. Fortunately G-d stepped in and saved the day. But we are not G-d, and giving up as an admission as much.
Beha'alotcha (Numbers 8:1 - 12:16)
Parashat Beha'alotcha is read on Shabbat:
Sivan 14, 5783/June 3, 2023
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Parshat Beha'alotcha
Kindling the Temple Menorah!
On the Road with HaShem!
The Shortest Book in the Torah!
Aharon kindles the golden menorah, the Levites are consecrated, silver trumpets are cast and Israel is ready to march triumphantly into Canaan! It doesn't get better than this! And, in fact, it only goes downhill for Israel after this as malcontent sets into the Israelite encampment and Israel brings upon itself one tragic episode after another.
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We humans run hot and cold; we're up and we're down, inspired and disillusioned, filled with holy fervor one moment and sinning the next. The case of the nazir, discussed in this week's parashat Naso, takes all this into consideration.
Naso (Numbers 4:21 - 7:89)
Parashat Naso is read on Shabbat:
Sivan 7, 5783/May 27, 2023
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Shavuot - the Holiday of Giving & Receiving!
On the Third Day of the Third Month - Getting Ready for Revelation!
Caring for the Tabernacle in the Wilderness
In parashat Naso we learn of the responsibilities of the Levites, the woman accused of adultery and of men and women who take a voluntary oath of abstention and become nazirim. This Thursday evening begins Shavuot, the pilgrimage festival of the bringing of the first-fruits, the twin loaves and the receiving of Torah at Sinai, and its message of gratitude to HaShem for bringing us into the land He has promised us!
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Parshat Bamidbar It is the mystery inherent in life, the inexplicable and unexplainable, that affords us a glimpse into a world that modern science cannot even admit to. The desert Tabernacle and its sacred vessels, made by man, are invested by G-d with a parallel dimension beyond our ability to comprehend. That is what makes them sacred.
Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1 - 4:20)
Parashat Bamidbar is read on Shabbat:
Iyar 29, 5783/May 20, 2023
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Flags of Israel, Flags for Jerusalem!
Beginning the Book of Numbers
The Israelite Desert Encampment
We begin our reading of the book of Numbers just as we ready ourselves for Jerusalem Day - celebrating 56 years since the liberation and reunification of the holy city of Jerusalem - Israel's eternal capital!
The great granddaddies of the flags that we wave on Jerusalem Day were first raised high by our ancestors at Sinai - each tribe their own flag - to show their love for HaShem! www.templeinstitute.org
Parshat Behar-Bechukotai
Acts of kindness express an intrinsic desire within the human soul to infuse one's life with meaning. The Torah mandates laws intended to encourage this noble inclination, to bring out the best in mankind.
Behar-Bechukotai (Leviticus 25:1 - 27:34)
Parashat Behar-Bechukotai is read on Shabbat:
Iyar 22, 5783/May 13, 2023
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Celebrating Lag B'Omer
Behar-Bechukotai - Israel's New Relationship with the Land The message of the Jubilee Year Today Israel celebrated the holiday of Lag B'Omer and took out terrorist leadership in Gaza. The freedom granted servants in the Jubilee year reminds us that we are all servants of HaShem and no other. HaShem's exclusive ownership over our lives is what keeps us free!
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Parshat Emor Rav Gedaliah focuses on the popular holiday of Lag B'Omer, which occurs this coming week on Monday evening - Tuesday. Lag B'Omer is a holiday whose origins are shrouded in mystery, and celebrates the life and passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, to whom the Zohar, Judaism's most important Kabbalistic work, which explores the mysteries of creation and beyond, is attributed. In short, the tremendous popularity of Lag B'Omer is a living testament to humanity's fascination with the deep mysteries of life.
Emor (Leviticus 21:1 - 24:23)
Parashat Emor is read on Shabbat:
Iyar 15, 5783/May 6, 2023
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Pesach Sheni - The Holiday of 2nd Chances
On the 15th of Iyar the People Complain, & on the 16th Manna Appears for the First Time!
Lag B'Omer & Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
We all deserve a second chance and no one knows that more than HaShem, who built 2nd chances (teshuvah) into the very fabric of creation. The miracle of manna, which began to appear on the desert floor on the 16th of Iyar teaches us the responsibility for earning a living and the purpose of our labors, a lesson Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai needed to be reminded of when he emerged from a cave thirteen years after entering.
Acharei-Mot Kedoshim
The double Torah reading of Acharei-Mot Kedoshim contains two lists of sexual prohibitions. For thousands of years these prohibitions were universally accepted as being both moral and grounded in basic biology. Today, of course, people pushing progressive agendas are throwing out all the rules, and "follow the science" has fallen out of fashion when it comes to the undeniable anatomical differences between men and women. Defend the propriety of the Torah prohibitions and you know what to expect. Nevertheless, believing in G-d and staying faithful to His Torah may be the only option left for those who refuse to be swept away in the madness.
Acharei-Mot Kedoshim (Leviticus 16:1 - 20:27)
Parashat Acharei-Mot Kedoshim is read on Shabbat:
Iyar 8, 5783/April 29, 2023
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Parashat Acharei Mot Israel's Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma'ut
From Lament to Dance, from Sackcloth to Joy!
After the Death of the Holy Ones
Israel's most dramatic two days of the year are Yom HaZikaron, (Israel Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers), immediately followed by Yom HaAtzma'ut, (Israel Independence Day). We honor our fallen soldiers and civilian victims of terror on Yom HaZikaron, through remembering them and expressing eternal gratitude, and we sanctify their ultimate sacrifice by celebrating on Yom HaAtzma'ut the incredible state of Israel they have bequeathed us!
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The double Torah reading of Tazria-Metzora the Shabbat is sandwiched between two modern era appointed days: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom HaAtzma'ut (Israel Independence Day). The two days of colossal meaning for the people of Israel, while recent in their coming into being, nevertheless symbolize the great arc of Jewish history from the days of Avraham right up to the present.
Tazria-Metzora (Leviticus 9:1 - 11:47)
Parashat Tazria-Metzora is read on Shabbat:
Iyar 1, 5783/April 22, 2023
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Purity - A Path to Holiness!
We Are What We Eat & We Are What We Speak!
Rosh Chodesh Iyar - The Season of Bright Light!
The double Torah reading of Tazria-Metzora leads us deep into the world tahara - purity - and tum'a - impurity. What does it mean? Where does it come from? With the inauguration of the desert Tabernacle a shift in our metaphysical reality occurred, one in which holiness becomes both an imperative and achievable.
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Language is a heavenly gift that allows us to communicate and to share our perceptions of what G-d is. But can language come anywhere close to describing G-d? The Torah, which insists on G-d's complete and utter lack of any physicality, nevertheless is determined to put words to what G-d is.
Shemini (Leviticus 9:1 - 11:47)
Parashat Shemini is read on Shabbat:
Nisan 24, 5783/March April 15, 2023
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Seventh day of Passover!
Stand-off at the Sea of Reeds!
A Time for Initiative & a Time for Routine!
The 7th day of Passover celebrates the crossing of the Sea of Reeds. The newborn nation of Israel raised four alternative scenarios, but HaShem would have none of it: stepping into the sea is the only option! There is a time for prayer but this is a time for action! Wishing everyone a Chag Shevi'i shel Pesach Sameach - a Happy 7th Day of Passover! Helping to make HaShem's dream of a Sanctuary in which His Presence can dwell amongst us, in the work of the Temple Institute! Join us in our efforts! https://www.templeinstitute.org/donate
It's Korban Pesach Time!
Telling Our Stories of Freedom on the Seder Night!
The Busiest Day of the Year for Israel!
We have been working furiously to get our houses and ourselves ready for Passover, and on the 14th of Nisan we have one last task to do: the Passover offering! The Passover offering is a wake-up call for Israel and the world - and the prelude to our telling our children how we were taken by HaShem out of Egypt, an event which we bequeath to our children by reliving our own participation in the exodus from Egypt. Wishing everyone a very happy Passover - the Festival of Freedom!
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The Secret of Passover
The Passover Seder contains so many elements: Matzah, bitter herbs, four cups of wine, charoset, the afikoman, and, of course, the Haggadah - the telling of the exodus from Egypt. But the main ingredient of the Seder experience, the most essential ingredient, isn't seen, nor is it tasted or touched. The main active ingredient of Passover is placing ourselves alongside our ancestors and reliving our own redemption from Egypt. The story of Passover remains just a story, unless we place ourselves within it, making it real, for ourselves and our children, and our children's children.
Tzav (Leviticus 6:1 - 8:36)
Parashat Tzav is read on Shabbat:
Nisan 10, 5783/March April 1, 2023
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Celebrating Nisan the Month of Our Redemption
Passover: Reliving Our Own Exodus from Egypt The Unbearable Integrity of Animal Offerings.
Parashat Tzav teaches us to clean yesterday's ashes to make way for a new day, just as Passover preparation teaches us to remove from our souls all the chametz (leavened food) of pride and hubris and self-importance, so that we can once again leave Egypt and escape our own self-imposed bondage.
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Animal offerings. It is always such a challenge for us moderns to wrap our brains around such a notion. Were the ancient Israelites, (you know, the ones who stood at Sinai and received the Torah directly from G-d), a primitive group of primates who performed a primitive practice of animal offerings, or were they really onto something that we can't even begin to imagine today?
Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1 - 5:26)
Parashat Vayikra is read on Shabbat:
Nisan 3, 5783/March 25, 2023
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Casting Fresh Eyes on the Book of Leviticus!
Why Offerings are so Dear to HaShem!
Passover is Just Around the Corner!
The Book of Leviticus opens with HaShem making room for Moshe inside the Tabernacle and inviting him (and us) to join Him in this new shared reality! And the first thing HaShem wants to discuss with Moshe is offerings! Why are offerings so important to HaShem? And why we need to rethink our understanding of what the offerings are all about.
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A fabulous Midrash about Israelite women, mirrors, the hosts of Israel, the copper laver used for sanctifying the hands and feet of the kohanim, sex and the holy Tabernacle. Moshe frowned, but G-d smiled at the initiative taken by the Hebrew women, and paid them special honor.
Vayakhel-Pekudei (Exodus 35:1 - 40:38)
HaChodesh (Exodus 12:1-20)
Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei is read on Shabbat:
Adar 25, 5783/March 18, 2023
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Israel Rolls Up Their Sleeves and Builds a House for G-d to Dwell Within!
Shabbat Parashat HaChodesh: Marking the Day of our Past and Future Redemption!
Six Days of Creation and Six Months to Build the Tabernacle Mark the Completion of Creation!
Wow! One can hardly catch their breath as they read through this week's double Torah reading, Vayakhel-Pekudei, which tells the story of the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. Nothing seems to motivate the children of Israel like building a place in which to welcome HaShem into the neighborhood!
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Spiritual visions. Religious experiences. What are they? How do we perceive them? How do we hold on to them? Ki Tisa, which tells the turbulent story of the golden calf, which follows Moshe's 40 days atop Mount Sinai with G-d, and is followed by Moshe's vision of HaShem's 13 attributes of mercy, is a primer in different ways of perceiving the same reality.
Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11 - 34:35)
Para (Numbers 19:1-22)
Parashat Ki Tisa is read on Shabbat:
Adar 18, 5783/March 11, 2023
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The Finishing Touches of Creation!
Smashing the Tablets of the Law: Moshe's Finest Hour?
Betzalel & Ohaliav: Craftsmen Imbued with the Spirit of Prophecy!
As G-d wraps up His forty day private conversation with Moshe atop Mount Sinai, trouble brews below, in the form of a golden calf, threatening everything that G-d and Israel have accomplished together. Meanwhile, the Tabernacle, the final detail of creation, remains hanging in the balance.
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The Holiday of Purim
Purim, the holiday of great joy and celebration, commemorates not only the victory of the Jews of ancient Persia over their would be killers. Purim also celebrates the unparalleled endurance and tenacity of the Jewish people throughout the ages. But what is the secret of Jewish longevity? Perhaps the answer is to be found in Megillat Ester - the Book of Esther, itself, which we read not once, but twice, on Purim. Purim is celebrated this year on Monday evening-Tuesday. Happy Purim!
Tetzave (Exodus 27:20 - 30:10)
Zachor (Deuteronomy 25:17-19)
Parashat Tetzave is read on Shabbat:
Adar 11, 5783/March 4, 2023
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Clothing Our Brothers with Honor & Glory!
Parashat Zachor: Remembering to Destroy the Evil Amalek!
The Kohen Gadol: A Brother to Us All!
Parashat Tetzave is all about fashioning the intricate garments of the Kohen Gadol, (High Priest), who bears the names of all his brethren, engraved upon the gemstones of the breastplate, resting upon his heart. And parashat Zachor, which we read on Shabbat preceding Purim, reminds us of our divinely assigned task to root out hate and destroy Amalek for once and forever! Remember: Helping to make HaShem's dream of a Sanctuary in which His Presence can dwell amongst us, in the work of the Temple Institute! Join us in our efforts! https://www.templeinstitute.org/donate
Torah insists that G-d cannot be imagined or described in any physical way. How does this square with building a Tabernacle, and how does the Ark of the Covenant help to facilitate our line of communication with an unimaginable G-d?
Terumah (Exodus 25:1 - 27:19)
Parashat Terumah is read on Shabbat:
Adar 4, 5783/February 25, 2023
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Building a Place for HaShem in Our World!
The Final Piece in the Puzzle Called Creation!
Making HaShem's Dream Come True!
"And they shall make Me a sanctuary - and I will dwell in their midst!" G-d wants to enter our world, but we need to open the door! Are we of generous heart? Are we willing to give and to do what it takes in order to invite G-d in? G-d has perfected and burnished every corner of creation, but only we have the ability to let Him in. Helping to make HaShem's dream of a Sanctuary in which His Presence can dwell amongst us, in the work of the Temple Institute! Join us in our efforts!
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Do we think for ourselves?
Or are we following the pack?
Just how independent are we from social pressure and current trends? Knowing when to toe the line, and when to stand alone is a crucial part in making the right decision.
Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1 - 24:18)
Parashat Mishpatim is read on Shabbat:
Shevat 27, 5783/February 18, 2023
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The Half Shekel Offering!
Living as Brothers, so that HaShem Can Live Amongst Us!
Justice is Holy!
Parashat Mishpatim comes to help Israel establish a just and caring society, a society that HaShem can be an intimate part of. Parashat Shekalim - the Half Shekel Offering - is an invitation and an opportunity for all who want to be part of a better world and be a partner in the building of the Holy Temple, to do so! We are each all only a half, but together we complete one another, and together with G-d we are One!
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Beliefs - we all have them! Today one of the most commonly held beliefs is the belief in One G-d. But at the time of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai the widely held belief in a multitude of gods was the number one misconception that the Torah set out to eradicate. The Torah was so successful that belief in polytheism is hardly a concern today. But the flip side of monotheism - the belief in no G-d, in no meaning and in no purpose to life - is today's idolatry.
Yitro (Exodus 18:1 - 20:23)
Parashat Yitro is read on Shabbat:
Shevat 20, 5783/February 11, 2023
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Yitro Rejoices - G-d is One!
Love, Family & the Revelation at Sinai!
Lofty & Exalted - G-d Gets Down to Earth!
After seven exhausting, adventure-filled weeks, battling Pharaoh's army, hunger, thirst and Amalek's sneak attack, Israel arrives at last at the Mountain of G-d - Sinai! And just before a united nation receives the most powerful revelation in world history, Moshe receives a family visit from his father-in-law Yitro, his wife Tzipporah, and his two sons, Gershom & Eliezer.
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Music! We can't live without it! It lifts us up when we are down; it calms our nerves when we are overwrought. And sometimes, it simply bursts forth from our lungs as an expression of great gratitude for a miracle wrought and a blazing vision of the future!
Beshalach (Exodus 13:17 - 17:16)
Parashat Beshalach is read on Shabbat:
Shevat 23, 5783/February 4, 2023
The Bright Light of Faith & the Dark Night of Doubt!
A Nation Learns to Walk with G-d!
The Blessing of Rain!
Finally free from Egypt and out from under the burden of slavery, the children of Israel have a lot of growing to do in very trying circumstances. Their first and most crucial challenge is learning to trust in HaShem. Breathtakingly high peaks of faith and devastatingly deep caverns of doubt characterize our generation today.
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Things happen. Are they just coincidence, or "the finger of G-d" as Pharaoh's advisors opined? G-d, deeming mankind to be skeptical by nature, employed ten plagues, when only one would have sufficed, just to be certain that man gets the point.
Bo (Exodus 10:1 - 13:16)
Parashat Bo is read on Shabbat:
Shevat 6, 5783/January 28, 2023
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Glad Tidings of the Month of Shevat!
G-d Gets Real & Delivers a Final Fatal Blow to Egypt!
Freedom is Not a Spectator Sport!
We welcome in the month of Shevat, a month closely identified with the Torah, itself! Meanwhile, back in Egypt, HaShem is taking down Pharaoh for the last time, and calls upon Israel to retake their lives back, beginning with taking control over time itself, and choosing sides: either serve G-d, or stay enslaved to Pharaoh forever!
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Things happen and we react. Sometimes we act predictably. Sometimes less so. Sometimes our reactions are appropriate. Sometimes not. Sometimes our reactions to what is happening around us are so profoundly irrational and self-defeating that we question our own soundness of mind. Pharaoh moderated his reactions throughout each of the ten plagues, but his persistent "No!" to Moshe's demands reminds us that a cool head and a clear headed recognition of the reality of G-d go a long way in making proper responses when things go awry.
Va'era (Exodus 6:2- 9:35)
Parashat Va'era is read on Shabbat:
Tevet 28, 5783/January 21, 2023
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G-d Wants Israel as His People!
G-d Gets a Handle on Man's Inner Musings!
Va'era: Seeing HaShem as Never Before!
Moshe is discouraged, but there's no going back ! G-d is bent on taking Israel out of Egypt, and to do so He will mess with the very laws of nature the He established at the beginning of time. The current fight in Israel over the nature of Israel's highest court of justice and why it is so important.
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Our minds are a mystery to us. As much as we are the captains of our minds' thoughts, sometimes it seems that our minds have a mind of their own, as thoughts and desires beyond our control pop into our consciousness. With the help of G-d, Moshe rid himself of his lingering doubts before returning to Egypt to liberate his people.
Shemot (Exodus 1:1- 6:1)
Parashat Shemot is read on Shabbat:
Tevet 21, 5783/January 14, 2023
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Israel: From Welcomed Guests to Persecuted People in the Twinkling of the Eye!
The Children of Israel Cry Out and G-d Remembers!
The Upside of the World's Condemnation of Ben Gvir's Time on the Temple Mount!
The book of Exodus begins in fast motion as Israel's VIP treatment in Egypt quickly, quickly descends into enslavement and genocide. But in their darkness the children of Israel cry out to HaShem, who has a plan, and pulls out all the stops to get a reluctant Moshe on board!
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There is nothing so sublime or beautiful as a heartfelt blessing bestowed upon a loved one. But what is a blessing? Is it a feel good gesture, designed to cheer up the recipient? Or is it much more than that?
Vayechi (Genesis 47:28 - 50:26)
Parashat Vayechi is read on Shabbat:
Tevet 14, 5783/January 7, 2023
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The End of the Beginning - the Closing Chapters of Genesis!
Israel's New Minister of Internal Security Ascends the Temple Mount!
Yaakov Can't Wait to Leave Egypt & Go Back Home!
The book of Genesis goes out not with a bang but with the slamming shut of a coffin, and the first signs of the long dark stretch of servitude ahead for the children of Israel. But G-d has seen to it they already possess the key to ultimate freedom from slavery: brotherhood, forgiveness and unity! Panic sets in to Israel's left as Ben Gvir steps foot on the temple Mount - as Minister of Internal Security. As of this writing the sky hasn't fallen and WW III has not begun!
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Belief - what is it? What is it based on? What causes us to believe? What causes in us disbelief? Believing or not believing something, or in something, is a defining part of who we are, yet we have no say in the matter and no control over it. We either believe something or we don't. Or sometimes, as in the case of Yaakov, our disbelief can change in an instant to belief, for no understandable reason.
Vayigash (Genesis 44:18 - 47:27)
Parashat Vayigash is read on Shabbat:
Tevet 7, 5783/December 31, 2022
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Yosef & His Brothers - Together Again!
Three Dark Days in Tevet.
Man makes Decisions and G-d has a Plan!
Yosef is reunited with his brothers and they are truly together - for the very first time! Serach the daughter of Asher breaks the news gently to Yaakov - and merits a very long life! And the month of Tevet, which begins in the bright light of Chanukah, has some dark days to share with us, but the takeaway message of Chanukah remains clear: a little light can banish a whole lot of darkness!
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Imagine a world leader today basing his or her long term economic plans on a dream! Or appointing an imprisoned slave, with no prior experience, background or university degree to be his chief economic advisor! What a field day our wise pundits would have! Yet our world today, with its total reliance on technology and high degreed experts in every field, would do well to achieve one tenth of the success than that of Yosef's dream interpretation and economic planning, which saved a world from starvation. Abdicating our G-d given instincts to microchips and 'isms' has only made our lives more void of purpose and meaning.
Miketz (Genesis 41:1 - 44:17)
Parashat Miketz is read on Shabbat:
Kislev 30, 5783/December 24, 2022
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The Birth of Brotherly Love!
The War of the Maccabees rages on Today!
Celebrating Rosh Chodesh on Shabbat Chanukah!
G-d was working full time to bring Yosef and his brothers together, but only the brothers themselves could realize their deep down inner love for one another, own up to their errors and forgive one another. Today G-d wants His people to be free to be true to Him here in the land of Israel, but it is up to us to fight the fight against all those who wish to see us disappear!
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Decisions, decisions, decisions! How they can come back to haunt us! Parashat Vayeshev contains a series of questionable decisions. If given a second chance, would the same decisions have been made?
Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1 - 40:23)
Parashat Vayeshev is read on Shabbat:
Kislev 23, 5783/December 17, 2022
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The Maccabees - Religious Fanatics or Freedom Fighters (or both)?
Brotherly Strife Spoils Yaakov's Plans of a peaceful Retirement
Making the Necessary Preparations for G-d to Dwell Amongst Us!
Yosef's youthful hubris caused his brother's to resent him and sell him into slavery. Many centuries later the Maccabean warriors would rise up against their Jewish brethren, not out of jealousy but in order to stamp out their Hellenizing attempts to assimilate into the Greek culture and abandon the ways of their fathers.
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Technology! What is it good for? We have had it since man kindled his first fire, and today there is little, if anything at all in our lives that hasn't been touched or transformed by technology. Technology is synonymous with progress, but is it always a positive thing? An oft overlooked verse in this week's parasha sheds light on ancient technology.
Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4 - 36:43)
Parashat Vayishlach is read on Shabbat:
Kislev 16, 5783/December 10, 2022
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Wrestling with G-d!
Prepare for the Worst & Hope for the Best: Yaakov meets Esau.
Looking Forward to Freedom of Worship for All on the Temple Mount.
Yaakov earns the people-defining name of Israel - "who wrestles with G-d and men - and prevails" and it is incumbent upon our generation to live up to Yaakov's legacy by wrestling with whomever we need to - including ourselves - to earn the right to pray freely and openly on the Temple Mount!
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We all have goals that we strive for. Yearnings that we long to achieve. But when we do attain our goals, are we satisfied? Or do we strive for more? Is our nonstop aching to achieve a good thing? A bad thing? Or is it simply human?
Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10 - 32:3)
Parashat Vayeitzei is read on Shabbat:
Kislev 9, 5783/December 3, 2022
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The Place of the Holy Temple
The Dream of Yaakov
A Mountain, a Field and a House
We sleep, we dream... But what do we do when we wake? Yaakov dreamt an awesome dream, he woke, he stood and he made a vow to build a house for Hashem! After 2,000 years of exile from our land - from this holy place - we have awoken - and we are back. It is time to make good on our father Yaakov's vow, and build a "House of G-d" - build a house for HaShem!
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Making mistakes is easy. Owning up to our mistakes can be a bit more difficult. Overshadowed by both his father and his son in many ways, owning up to a mistake may have been Yitzchak's greatest achievement.
Toldot (Genesis 25:19 - 28:9)
Parashat Toldot is read on Shabbat:
Kislev 2, 5783/November 26, 2022
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The Red Heifer Special!
Chanan Kupietsky - The Man Behind the Red Heifers!
From the Heart of Texas to the Land of Israel!
It all began on the Temple Mount, with a thought that led to a question that led to a conversation. A seed was planted, and soon after a remarkable "coincidence" sparked a three-year global search for a perfectly red, unblemished red heifer. Chanan Kupietsky, the man behind the red heifer tells the story of the search for the red heifer that he personally led, the people he met, the heifers he inspected, and how, with unceasing efforts and limitless energy, he ultimately brought five red heifers from Texas to Israel, all five being eligible candidates to be the one to bring the highest level of biblical purity back to the world. Don't miss this fascinating, full-length interview!
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What makes a place holy? Perhaps being the place of the burial of the father of monotheism, and the final resting place of the six patriarchs and matriarchs, plus Adam and Eve, and four thousand years of uninterrupted veneration and worship of the One True G-d at the site. Or perhaps simply the chills you feel when you stand at the Machpelah cave in Hevron which Avraham avinu purchased long ago.
Chayei Sara (Genesis 23:1 - 25:18)
Parashat Chayei Sara is read on Shabbat:
Cheshvan 25, 5783/November 19, 2022
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Avraham Purchases the Machpelah Cave in Hevron!
The Long-lost Tribe of Dan!
Chayei Sara - Life, Death & the Garden of Eden!
Avraham’s purchase of the Machpelah Cave for a burial site for Sara is the first of three land purchases in Israel recorded in Torah, followed by Yaakov's purchase of land in Shechem, where Yosef is buried, and David's purchase of a threshing floor on Mount Moriah, where the Holy Temple stood! The Jews of Ethiopia have returned to Israel, ending a 2,700-year-old exile, and brought with them the holiday of Sigd!
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There is a side of G-d that determines all, making no allowances for human initiative. But there is another side of G-d, a side that listens to man, taking man's desires under consideration, and allows man to make choices. Coming to terms with these two sides of the One G-d is a lifetime of challenge.
Vayera (Genesis 18:1 - 22:24)
Parashat Vayera is read on Shabbat:
Cheshvan 18, 5783/November 12, 2022
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Avraham Puts G-d on Hold!
HaShem Seeks Avraham's Input in Managing the World
The Rejuvenating Power of Laughter
G-d goes full-partner with Avraham sharing His plans with Avraham and hearing Avraham's concerns. Yet when G-d wants to bless Avraham and Sara with a son, He does so by surprise, and teases Sara for her laughter at the idea of bearing a child at her advanced age.
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Fate! Destiny! These are loaded terms, but what do they mean? Does destiny really exist? And if it does, how does it look? While we may feel like we are in the grip of destiny, it is often opaque, only achieving clarity in hindsight.
Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1 - 17:27)
Parashat Lech Lecha is read on Shabbat:
Cheshvan 11 5783/November 5, 2022
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Who Was Avraham & Why Did G-d Call Him?
Election Day in Israel: Choosing Our Temporal Leaders
Avraham: Testing & Being Tested by HaShem
Today the people of Israel are choosing who will lead the nation, but many years ago G-d chose Avraham to step out of the unknown and onto center stage in the history of mankind. Why Avraham? What did he have that so delighted G-d?
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Unity! We strive for it. We long for it. We can accomplish so much when we achieve it. But is unity always a good thing? Is unity always invoked for righteous ends? The story of the Tower of Babel shares G-d's opinion concerning human unity and its perils.
Noach (Genesis 6:9 - 11:32)
Parashat Noach is read on Shabbat:
Cheshvan 4, 5783/October 29, 2022
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The BitterSweet Month of MarCheshvan!
Praying for Rain in the Land of Israel
Can G-d Forget?
We welcome in the new month of Cheshvan, also known as Marcheshvan - bitter Cheshvan - due to its traditional lack of holidays. But two new holidays have popped up in recent years, a sign that the Holy Temple will soon be built! G-d's great disappointment with man and the promise of Noach - who "found grace in the eyes of HaShem." (Genesis 6:8)
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What is good and what is evil? These are fundamental questions. How we answer them is crucial to who we are and the nature of the world in which we live. We can search for the answer in the holy Torah, but the holy Torah seems to ask the question right back at us. Perhaps a close look at the story of Cain and Abel can give us some insight into the potential for good and evil always present within us.
Bereshit (Genesis 1:1 - 6:8)
Parashat Bereshit is read on Shabbat:
Tishrei 27, 5783/October 22, 2022
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The Death of Moshe, the Birth of Creation The Endless Depth of the Torah
Man's Responsibility to Creation
On Simchat Torah we read of Moshe's greatness and of G-d's creation, not just the how of creation, but the why of creation, and Moshe's role in maintaining G-d's bond with Israel. All of creation is for our benefit and our reason for being is to preserve and perfect creation. We are partners with HaShem.
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Our planet has faithfully sustained humankind since time immemorial. But for reasons founded or unfounded, man is growing fearful of our planet's staying power and is busily designing alternatives to farm grown fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses. But as man's eons old connection to mother earth fades away, we can count on the Jews to vigilantly maintain a traditional connection and dependence upon the earth for our Torah mandated tasks and responsibilities, such as dwelling in sukkot made of organic material, and possessing the arba minim - four species - required by Torah for the proper observance of Sukkot.
Special Sukkot reading:
Exodus 33:12–34:26, Numbers 29:29-31
Tishrei 20, 5783/October 15, 2022
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Temple Talk Radio: Placing Our Trust in HaShem and Ourselves in Our Sukkot!
The Water Libation Ceremony Reenactment Lights up Jerusalem!
Unprecedented Numbers of Jewish Pilgrims on the Temple Mount on Sukkot!
We have entered the final and most advanced stages of our month of Tishrei odyssey of recognizing HaShem's sovereignty on Rosh HaShana, re-enlisting in His world, owning up to our faults and addressing them and coming clean with HaShem on Yom Kippur, and now, in the litmus test of our sincerity and our total trust in HaShem, we build and sit in our fragile sukkot for seven whole days, protected only by HaShem's love for us, with no illusions and no pretenses, and there is nothing more joy inspiring than placing all our trust in HaShem. Chag Sukkot Sameach - Have a Happy Sukkot!
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The song "Ha'azinu - Listen (O heavens)," which is written by Moshe, but sometimes seems to slip into a direct communication by G-d, and delivers a harsh, no quarter given message concerning those whose faith waivers, confronts us with the question: who is more zealous about our manner of worship: man or G-d?
Ha'azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-52)
Parashat Ha'azinu is read on Shabbat:
Tishrei 13, 5783/October 8, 2022
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Are our lives predetermined? Or do we have free will? Or do both free will and fate play a part in our lives’ trajectory? The Torah itself poses this question, and, as for the answer, leaves us guessing. The predetermined can, at times, be unavoidable, but free will, nevertheless, grants us the ability to swim against the tide.
Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:1-30)
Parashat Vayelech is read on Shabbat:
Tishrei 6, 5783/October 1, 2022
NITZAVIM & ROSH HASHANA MESSAGE!
We like to imagine that we are better off and know better than our ancestors of long ago. But hw would we stand up to the tests that they faced, the binding of Yitzchak, which we read on Rosh HaShana, for example? In parashat Nitzavim we are told that we are "all standing this day before the Lord, your God," and that it is "not only with you am I making this covenant and this oath, but with those standing here with us today before HaShem, our G-d, and also with those who are not here with us, this day." Think again! We are all equal before HaShem, regardless of who we are and our place in the timeline of man. This is the message of Rosh HaShana. Have a blessed year - Shana Tova!
Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9 - 30:20)
Parashat Nitzavim is read on Shabbat:
Elul 28, 5782/September 25, 2022
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The Red Heifers Have Arrived!
We Are All Standing Before HaShem Our G-d!
Let the Shofar Take You to HaShem!
Making history and fulfilling prophecy all at the same time, five perfectly red heifers have arrived in Israel, all the way from Texas, with love! What a great way to close out the Hebrew year 5782 and begin 5783 - which starts Sunday evening - Rosh HaShana! Listen to the sound of the shofar - let it carry you home - back into the arms of HaShem - He's expecting you!
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It's easy to believe in G-d when times are good. And it's tough to believe in G-d when times are hard. But without the difficult times maybe we take the good time for granted. To see G-d in the picture, everywhere, in good times and in bad, that's the secret to the longevity of the Jews, and to living our lives to the fullest. Is this the reason why parashat Ki Tavo contains a seemingly endless list of rebukes should Israel stray? To teach us that as bad as things can get, G-d is always with us, and better times will come?
Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8)
Parashat Ki Tavo is read on Shabbat:
Elul 21, 5782/September 17, 2022
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Entering the Land, Re-entering Eden!
Rosh HaShana - A Day for Discovering Who We are Meant to Be!
Living Life with Purpose and Joy!
The gift of the land of Israel is the gift of starting all over again, only better! And the gift of Rosh HaShana, the Day of the Sounding of the Shofar, is also a day of starting all over again for all of creation. What we make of our brand new world depends on the person we decide we will be.
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"A man's attire shall not be on a woman, nor may a man wear a woman's garment because whoever does these things is an abomination to HaShem, your G-d." A commandment that for millennia caused nary an eyebrow to be raised, in today's ever changing post-modern societies, would certainly cause quite a storm. The Torah is unwavering in insisting that the difference between men and women is nothing less than sacred. Once something as seemingly trivial as wearing the garments of the opposite sex becomes the norm all else that is considered holy and upright is endangered. Is this where we draw the line in order to preserve the Torah way of life?
Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10 - 25:19)
Parashat Ki Teitzei is read on Shabbat:
Elul 14, 5782/September 10, 2022
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The Wordless Power of the Sound of the Shofar!
Capturing the Holy Spark in Ourselves & in Others, and Setting it Free!
Don't Be an Amalek: Treat G-d's World with Compassion!
Here in the thick of the month of Elul we are busy at work, trying to rediscover our true selves. Sometimes it's like all out warfare and we must rise above ourselves in order to emerge victoriously. Sometimes it's just a matter of being mindful of the beautiful world that G-d has created for us, and doing our best to care for it and treat all living things with compassion.
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"Is the tree of the field a man, to go into the siege before you?" Torah asks us. Or does it? Is this a question or a statement? Is a man like a tree? Or is a tree like a man? Is a tree a meaning filled, independent entity created by G-d? Or is a tree an extension of man's wants and necessities?
Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18 - 21:9)
Parashat Shoftim is read on Shabbat:
Elul 7, 5782/September 3, 2022
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Being Good People - Being Ourselves!
The Task of Repairing and Realigning Who We Are in Elul!
Judges and Righteousness in All Our Gates!
The month of Elul has begun, a month of intensive self-reflection and honesty about who we are and where we're at - and making every effort to get to who and where we should be, in time for Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. Peaceful prayer on the Temple Mount is an unprecedented privilege that should not be passed up. Every prayer and every footstep on the Temple Mount brings us one step closer to the Holy Temple, itself!
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Is there a contradiction between Moshe's assertion that "You are children of HaShem, your G-d" and his follow-up statement that "you are a holy people to HaShem, your G-d, and HaShem has chosen you to be a treasured people for Him, out of all the nations that are upon the earth?" What does it mean to be G-d's "treasured people?"
Re'eh (Deuteronomy 11:26 - 16:17)
Parashat Re'eh is read on Shabbat:
Av 30, 5782/August 27, 2022
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The Place: G-d's Choice & Ours!
Getting Ready for the Month of Elul!
Working to Attain a Red Heifer!
In parashat Re'eh Moshe reveals his vision of the Holy Temple, calling it "the place which HaShem, your G-d will choose." But it's our choice, also, isn't it? It's up to us today to choose to roll up our sleeves and make it happen! The difficulties we are currently encountering in moving forward with raising an unblemished red heifer are signs from above that we are on the right road! This upcoming Shabbat is Rosh Chodesh Elul, beginning the month long process of soul searching and preparation for Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur!
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"And He afflicted you and let you go hungry..."
Why would G-d do such a thing?
To teach us that in struggle and hardship character is built and he who emerges stronger from his trials knows "that man does not live by bread alone, but rather by, whatever comes forth from the mouth of HaShem does man live." Stick with G-d and flourish!
Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25)
Parashat Eikev is read on Shabbat:
Av 23, 5782/August 20, 2022
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The Precious Land of Israel!
A Whisper About the Red Heifer!
Keep Our Covenant with HaShem & HaShem Will Keep Us!
The land is a blessed source of life, a gift from HaShem! We must keep His covenant and perform His commandments with all we've got, and G-d will keep us safe and prosperous in our land. It's that simple! Sharing a tidbit of news about the red heifer - but keep mum!
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"Hear, O Israel: HaShem is our G-d; HaShem is one!" Or, as put elsewhere in this week's reading, "know that HaShem He is G-d; there is none else besides Him." Or, as stated a third time in this week's reading, no less emphatically, "You shall not have the gods of others in My presence." There is One G-d, and One G-d only. Ancient man often imagined powerful gods dwelling in phenomena all around them. Is modern man so different?
Va'etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23 - 7:11)
Parashat Va'etchanan is read on Shabbat:
Av 16, 5782/August 13, 2022
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A 9th of Av Like No Other!
The Great Privilege of Living in the Land of Israel!
Building the Holy Temple with Every Footstep Taken on the Temple Mount!
On Tish'a b'Av 2,200 Jews had the privilege to do what Moshe pleaded with G-d to do, but was denied: to set foot on "this good mountain and the Lebanon," the Temple Mount! Nothing speaks the future Holy Temple like being on and praying on the Temple Mount. This coming Thursday evening - Tu b'Av - one of two happiest days on the Hebrew calendar!
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Stuff happens - and it bears consequences. Moshe recaps the incident of the spies, which occurred 38 years earlier, and he lays the blame for G-d's refusal to let him into the promised land on the sin of the spies. Why? What's the connection?
Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1–3:22)
Parashat Devarim is read on Shabbat:
Av 9, 5782/August 6, 2022
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Make for Me a Sanctuary - Today! Building the Temple, Settling the Land - It's all about Faith!
Loving Your Neighbor & Building the Holy Temple!
No one says it better than Moshe our teacher: You've got to have faith in HaShem, for it was He who created the earth and gets to decide who gets what. It was He who decided that the land of Israel belongs to the children of Israel, and all He wants in return is that we build for Him a Sanctuary, so that He can dwell amongst us! Is that too much to ask? Is it?
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Justice comes in many forms, and we all want justice. But justice sometimes must give way to atonement. The curious case of the accidental murderer and the Kohen Gadol.
Masei (Numbers 33:1–36:13)
Parashat Masei is read on Shabbat:
Av 2, 5782/July 30, 2022
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The Journeys of Our Lives!
Getting Serious About Building the Holy Temple!
40 Years in the Wilderness Come to a Close!
G-d instructs us all to chart the stations of our lives' journeys, for to travel is to grow intellectually, spiritually, and closer to HaShem. Staying in the same place too long distances us from HaShem. The new month of Av is just around the corner. What does the Kohen Gadol have to do with a man accused of manslaughter?
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What we say and what we do influences others. This was Moshe's concern when the leaders of Reuven and Gad asked to settle lands east of the Jordan River.
Matot (Numbers 30:2 - 32:42)
Parashat Matot is read on Shabbat:
Tammuz 24, 5782/July 23, 2022
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Building the Holy Temple Today!
Making a Vow and Keeping Our Word
Biden's Middle East Follies
In our day mourning for the loss of the Holy Temple is not enough. The time has come to build. Isn't that why we are here? Thinking about what we pray for and meaning it! Joe Biden's tepid trip to Israel and the Middle East.
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"The buck stops here!" That could be the motto of Pinchas, the man who stepped into the abyss and secured himself a place in history forever, when he saw what had to be done and did it.
Pinchas (Numbers 25:10 - 30:1)
Parashat Pinchas is read on Shabbat:
Tammuz 17, 5782/July 16, 2022
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Temple Talk Radio: The Five Sisters Who Helped Write the Torah!
Pondering His Demise, Moshe Seeks a Successor
Pinchas, Thinking Fast, Saves the Nation!
Pinchas, the grandson of Aharon, acting with zealotry, saves the day and the five daughters of Tzelophchad present a learning argument to gain an inheritance, proving that the younger generation that grew up in the wilderness, are ready to take the reins of leadership. HaShem instructs Moshe to anoint Joshua as his successor to lead Israel into the land. Just around the corner: the three weeks - getting serious about rebuilding the Holy Temple!
Who was Bilaam? A true prophet? A sorcerer? A mercenary wordsmith? Whatever he truly was, and whatever his real intentions were, Bilaam, the heathen prophet, nailed it when he blessed Israel and predicted Israel's survival in the distant future.
Balak (Numbers 22:2 - 25:9)
Parashat Balak is read on Shabbat:
Tammuz 10, 5782/July 9, 2022
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Who Was Bilaam - A Saint or a Sinner?
The Slippery Art of Saying One Thing and Meaning Another
Difficult Questions from the Mouth of a She-Ass
Bilaam, a mercenary prophet-for-hire, drives a hard bargain before agreeing to use his power to curse with his mouth and with his evil eye, only to be stymied by G-d, who places the words in Bilaam's mouth, just as He placed them in the mouth of Bilaam's she-ass. A lesson in humility.
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Parashat Chukat is full of the inexplicable: the mystifying ordinance of the red heifer, a missing thirty nine years of Israel's experience in the wilderness, and life and death itself. One constant runs through and ties all these mysteries together: the inexorable march of time.
Chukat (Numbers 19:1 - 22:1)
Parashat Chukat is read on Shabbat:
Tammuz 3, 5782/July 2, 2022
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Take for You a Perfectly Red Unblemished Heifer
The Temple Institute is Working to Raise a Red Heifer
The Logic Defying Power of the Red Heifer Ashes
This week's parashat Chukat shares with us the laws of the red heifer - the "secret ingredient" which allows us to stay focused on life and doing G-d's will, and will enable us to renew the sacred service of the Holy Temple. Meanwhile, the Temple Institute is working steadily and quietly to raise a red heifer in Israel, an essential component in making prophecy and the Holy Temple a reality!
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We treasure our independence yet find ourselves following the pack. We strive to go our own way, yet we are capable of being led like sheep. What were the motives behind Korach's rebellion?
Korach (Numbers 16:1 - 18:32)
Parashat Korach is read on Shabbat:
Sivan 26, 5782/June 25, 2022
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Wealth, Prestige & Knowing One's Place
The Power of the Incense Offering
This week's parashat Korach sees the collapse of Israel's current Bennett led government, just as last year's parashat Korach witnessed its formation. What does the ever ambitious Naftali Bennett have in common with the populist power grabber Korach? Lots, it turns out. The power of the incense offering and the test to determine G-d's chosen leaders.
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What is motivation? Where does it come from? How do we muster it? Where does it lead us? A fascinating insight from the case of the gatherer of wood on Shabbat.
Shelach (Numbers 13:1 - 15:41)
Parashat Shelach is read on Shabbat:
Sivan 19, 5782/June 18, 2022
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Trust in Hashem! The Land He Promised is Very, Very Good!
Ten Bad Spies Spoil an Entire Nation!
The Ever Changing Reality on the Temple Mount!
Israel experiences a meltdown as the spies share wild tales of invincible foes and unconquerable nations in the land of Canaan. So close to entering the land that they will now never enter into, the children of Israel suffer the painful consequences of a shameful lack of faith in HaShem.
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We sometimes lose the forest through the trees, the big picture in a cloud of small, and ultimately insignificant details. Two unusual verses in this week's Torah reading, Beha'alotcha, teach us to take a moment and see what is really important in our lives, and in our personal journeys.
Beha'alotcha (Numbers 8:1 - 12:16)
Parashat Beha'alotcha is read on Shabbat:
Sivan 12, 5782/June 11, 2022
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The Gift of the Temple Mount
Traveling in the Wilderness by the Word of HaShem
The Six Day War: Did Israel Lose the Plot?
When G-d places into Israeli hands the Temple Mount after 2,000 years of yearning and prayer, it can only mean one thing: ascend and build! Why did Israel shy away from the prophetic moment in 1967? Parashat Beha'alotcha is a vivid lesson in being on top of the world, and then, all of a sudden, losing your balance. 55 years of unabated effort is bringing Israel back to the Temple Mount, readier than ever to inherit a glorious future!
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Torah describes the case of the sotah, a woman accused by her husband of being an adulteress, at great length, yet the description itself is difficult to grasp and the mechanics of the Temple ceremony described are even harder to understand. Yet this was the prescribed remedy for an otherwise intractable situation.
Naso (Numbers 4:21 - 7:89)
Parashat Naso is read on Shabbat:
Sivan 5, 5782/June 4, 2022
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Temple Talk Radio: Celebrating Jerusalem Like Never Before!
Shavuot: A Day of Receiving Torah and Offering Our First Fruits
The Children of Israel Being Counted in the Wilderness and Being Counted Today in Jerusalem
It has been a very exciting week with an unprecedented show of joy and pride and solidarity with the holy city of Jerusalem on the 55th anniversary of its liberation and reunification in the 1967 Six Day War. Unhappy with the peaceful show of love for Jerusalem the media decided to tarnish the event with a distorted brush. No such journalists were present at Sinai when we received Torah directly from HaShem, but we were there and we know exactly what went down and what went up! Have a happy and inspired Shavuot!
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Parashat Bamidbar, which opens the book of Numbers, names, numbers, arranges and assigns banners and roles to the tribes of Israel. Tribal affiliations and obligations have largely vanished from the world. And while the Jewish world today is not strictly tribal in its formation, tribal associations and responsibilities still play a very large part of Jewish identity.
Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1 - 4: 20)
Parashat Bamidbar is read on Shabbat:
Iyar 27, 5782/May 28, 2022
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Getting ready for a Big Jerusalem Day!
Book of Numbers: Israel Gets Down to Earth in the Wilderness!
Don't Blink: History is Happening on the Temple Mount!
This week we read parashat Bamidbar, where the Israelite tribe each gets a flag, and this coming Sunday is Jerusalem Day, when the traditional Israeli flag march is set to garland Jerusalem with the White and the Blue! Jews are praying on the Temple Mount, judges are permitting them and the police are doing their damnedest to put an end to it. Wait, aren't the police supposed to uphold the law, not break it?
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Lag Ba'Omer is a stand-alone holiday in Israel. Its origins, shrouded in mystery, are unique, to say the least. It is primarily known as the day of the passing of the great 2nd century CE sage, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, known as the author of Judaism's premier mystical work, the Zohar. Once a year, for one day, all of Israel takes leave of the humdrum rational world and celebrates the sublime beauty of the mystical side of existence.
Bechukotai (Leviticus 26:3 - 27:34)
Parashat Bechukotai is read on Shabbat:
Iyar 20, 5782/May 21, 2022
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Israel, G-d & the Big "If!"
Life Lessons of Manna!
Government of Israel Being Supported by Supporters of Terror!
It was during this week, one month after Israel left Egypt that manna began to appear in the desert, nourishing Israel for 40 years and teaching us that G-d will provide if we make the effort to gather up His blessing each day. Bechukotai, the last reading of Leviticus, promises great blessings, but only if Israel strays true to HaShem. Arab violence is increasing as Israel's government totters and falls into the arms of terror supporters.
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The shemitta (Sabbatical) year, which applies only to the land of Israel, bestows the land a year of rest, a year in which all agricultural activity comes to a halt. What is the purpose of the shemitta year? To institute crop rotation in Israel? To allow the land a year to replenish its energy and life giving nutrients? Or to be a "Sabbath to HaShem," as Torah states? How is Israel to relate to the beautiful land G-d has given her?
Behar (Leviticus 25:1 - 26:2)
Parashat Behar is read on Shabbat:
Iyar 13, 5782/May 14, 2022
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The Jubilee Reset!
Joe Biden's Delusional Policy Concerning Jerusalem, the Temple Mount & Jewish Rights
Jewish Presence on the Temple Mount Saving Israel from a Hostile Takeover
Parashat Behar is all about the Shemitta Sabbatical cycle, and the Jubilee year of liberation, and the modern state of Israel is slowly but surely getting on board. And just as Israel is getting in sync with Shemitta, Jubilee and the requirements and privileges of living in the land of Israel, The American administration is going all out to undermine HaShem's program of prophecy and redemption in the land of Israel.
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Do we hold anything sacred anymore? Well, once upon a time we did, and to blaspheme the sacred was simply not tolerated. We read this week of a man who blasphemed G-d's sacred name and paid a terrible price for his transgression. His punishment in our modern minds no doubt seems extreme, but have we simply lost the beautiful, life enriching awe of the sacred?
Emor (Leviticus 21:1 - 24:23)
Parashat Emor is read on Shabbat:
Iyar 6, 5782/May 7, 2022
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Yom HaZikaron - Israel Memorial Day
Meriting to Live in the Age of Redemption!
By the Word of G-d and the Blood of His People!
Israel enters into its annual two day emotional whirlwind, beginning with Yom HaZikaron - Israel's Memorial Day for its fallen soldiers (24,068) and victims of terror (4,216), a sombre day of mourning, remembrance and reflection, followed immediately by Yom HaAtzma'ut - Israel Independence Day, a day of joyful celebration, gratitude, song and prayer. We are grateful for every moment and every breath we breathe here in the land of Israel - Our land of Israel - back after 2,000 years, and planning to stay till the end of time!
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"You shall be holy, for I, HaShem your G-d, am holy." What does it mean to be holy? How do we achieve holiness? And how does holiness apply to the myriad commandments in this week's Torah reading that don't seem to have any connection, one with the other, let alone with the lofty concept of being holy?
Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27)
Parashat Kedoshim is read on Shabbat:
Nisan 29, 5782/April 30, 2022
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Loving your neighbor, Loving yourself
The Colossal Hypocrisy of Muslim Claims of Sanctity on Temple
Mount What Does it Mean to Be Holy?
As the month of Ramadan drags on and Muslim violence and desecration on the Temple Mount continues unabated, while peaceful Jews are banned from the Mount, it becomes more urgent than ever that Israel makes a radical change in its policy of appeasement of Muslim terrorists and discrimination against Jewish worshipers. What a different world we would live in if we could all abide by the Torah commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself, I am HaShem."
Acharei Mot discusses in great detail the service in the Holy Temple of the day that came to be known as Yom Kippur. Perhaps the oddest and most obscure aspect of the day's unique rituals is the sending of the scapegoat to Azazel in the wilderness, where it will be thrown off a sheer cliff, taking with it the burden of the sins of Israel. What are we "moderns" to make of this strange way of expiating sin?
Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1 - 18:30)
Parashat Acharei Mot is read on Shabbat:
Nisan 22, 5782/April 23, 2022
(In the diaspora, an 8th day of Passover is observed. A special Passover reading from Torah is read on Shabbat. For the next few weeks there will be a discrepancy between the Shabbat Torah reading in Israel and in the diaspora.)
Counting for Ourselves - Secrets of the Omer!
Temple Mount Terror from the Religion of Peace (Islam)!
The Sefirat HaOmer 49 Day Program for Self Improvement!
Passover is celebrated all throughout Israel this week, as Muslim terror rages on the Temple Mount. When will the government of Israel ever stand up to these yearly provocations? Meanwhile, this Thursday evening begins the seventh and final day of Passover, the anniversary of the splitting and crossing of the Sea of Reeds! Pesach sameach - happy Passover!
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As Israel prepares to leave Egypt, HaShem tells them that He "will pass to smite the Egyptians, and He will see the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, and HaShem will pass over the entrance, and He will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses to smite you." (Exodus 12:23) Who or what was this "destroyer?" What was G-d's relationship to this destroyer? Why was the destroyer necessary? Special Passover reading (Exodus 12:1 - 51) The special Passover reading is read on Shabbat: Nisan 15, 5782/April 162, 2022
Getting Ready for Passover! Responsibility & the Birth of Freedom! The Passover Offering is a Must Do Commitment! Today we are busy preparing for Pesach, cleansing our homes of leaven and baking matzot. In Temple times we are to leave our homes, pack our bags and head for Jerusalem where we will eat from our Passover offerings. The Passover offering is a must do commandment which we neglect at our own great peril. All we need is a temporary altar and a green light from the authorities. Chag Kasher veSameach - have a very happy Passover!
Imagine a disease that affects the walls of your house. It looks like a bad case of mildew, but the Torah considers it to be of real concern. The house must be inspected by a kohen and in extreme cases the house must be evacuated for a duration. In the most extreme cases the house must be destroyed. But by finely interpreting the exact wording of the Torah, our sages discover that there may be a silver lining to the household disaster.
Metzora (Leviticus 14:1 - 15:33)
Parashat Metzora is read on Shabbat:
Nisan 8, 5782/April 9, 2022
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THE TEN CROWNS OF THE NEW MONTH OF NISAN - COMING THIS SHABBAT!
TZAR'AT & THE BOOMERANG EFFECT OF EVIL TALK WHEN THE SHECHINAH ENTERS THE TABERNACLE PURITY BECOMES ACHIEVABLE Rosh Chodesh Nisan is coming and Passover preparations are going into high gear. The Torah laws of purity are becoming ever more relevant as we advance towards the building of the Holy Temple, from which G-d's presence casts a new light on all reality. Making sure to keep pure what goes in and what comes out of our mouths!
Red Heifer Update!
Inaugurating the Tabernacle
The Perfect Moment & the Tragedy that Followed
This coming Shabbat we read both parashat Shemini, all about the inauguration of the desert Tabernacle, and parashat Parah - all about the ordinance of the red heifer! We break many months of silence concerning our current efforts to raise a red heifer in order to share a very tight-lipped update about the Temple Institute's expanded efforts to make the red heifer a reality in our time.
Elevating a Soul!
Beyond Good & Evil & the Purim Challenge!
Staring Down Evil & Uniting the People!
Purim is almost upon us and the supreme challenge to see G-d in the world, even when He seems so hidden. On Purim we learn that the key to seeing G-d is by being joyful and the key to being joyful is learning that beyond our world of good and bad there is a higher world where only good exists, and that is why we strive on Purim to go beyond "bless Mordechai" and "curse Haman!" Wishing everyone a very, very happy Purim!
Nothing gets us going like motivation! When we have it, we fly! When we don't, we don't. What is motivation? Where does it come from? A fresh look at the unprovoked attack by Amalek on Israel, which we recall this week as we read parashat Zachor, may shed some insight.
Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1 - 5:26)
Parashat Vayikra is read on Shabbat:
Adar II 9, 5782/March 12, 2022
This Shabbat is also parashat Zachor! (Deuteronomy 25:17-19)
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Man Making Room for G-d, G-d Making Room for Man
Offerings Upon the Altar: What Are They All About?
Purim & Remembering Never to Forget!
We begin the book of Leviticus with a near silent whisper from HaShem to Moshe to join Him in the Tabernacle, and this Shabbat, being the Shabbat before Purim, we tack on to our Torah reading the commandment never to forget the unprovoked, cruel attack by Amalek upon Israel as they wandered through the wilderness. And in between we witness G-d's great pleasure as He takes in the "sweet savor" of the offerings of Israel.
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Making Room For G-d!
Completing the Tabernacle & G-d's World With It.
The Improbable, Unlikely & Irresistible Month of Adar (II) The book of Exodus comes to a resounding close in this week's reading of Pekudei. Having been delivered by G-d from Egypt, Israel now makes room for G-d to join them on their journey to the promised land! Moshe assembles the Tabernacle and G-d's glory fills it. Adar II is about to begin, and increasing our joy is the order of the day!
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Nothing lifts us up like giving! While our natural instincts may tend toward looking out for number one, the act of giving is what truly makes us human. In Vayakhel we read of how the entire nation of Israel rose up to the occasion, and gave and gave, both of their possessions and of their talents, to make for HaShem a Sanctuary so that He can dwell amongst them.
Vayakhel ((Exodus 35:1 - 38:20)
Parashat Vayakhel is read on Shabbat:
Adar I 25, 5782/February 26, 2022
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All the wise-hearted people
Peace, Harmony & the Building of the Holy Temple!
Putting the Final Touches on G-d's Beautiful Creation!
The children of Israel, rebounding from the folly of the golden calf, roll up their sleeves, and get to work building a Sanctuary in which HaShem can rest His presence amongst His people. Every man and woman, their hearts filled with a spirit of generosity gives of their possessions for the building of the Tabernacle. Their hearts imbued with wisdom and understanding and knowledge, they set out to fulfill G-d's desire for a Place among His people. They approve of Betzalel as their foreman and all work as one to fulfill G-d's will. This Shabbat: Parashat Shekalim - the Half Shekel Offering!
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Ki Tisa ((Exodus 30:11 - 34:35)
Parashat Ki Tisa is read on Shabbat:
Adar I 18, 5782/February 19, 2022
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Betzalel & the Wisdom, Understanding & Knowledge of Creation!
The Colossal Mishap of the Golden Calf
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Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20 - 30:10)
Parashat Tetzaveh is read on Shabbat:
Adar I 11, 5782/February 12, 2022
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G-d Loves His Children to Love One Another!
Linking Arms & Creating a Sacred Space for HaShem!
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Terumah (Exodus 25:1 - 27:19)
Parashat Terumah is read on Shabbat:
Adar I 4, 5782/February 5, 2022
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Opening Our Hearts & Lifting Ourselves Up!
2 X Adar & the Gift of Time!
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Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1 - 24:18)
Parashat Mishpatim is read on Shabbat:
Shevat 27, 5782/January 29, 2022
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Choosing to be Free!
Laying the Groundwork for the Holy Temple!
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Yitro (Exodus 18:1 - 20:23)
Parashat Yitro is read on Shabbat:
Shevat 20, 5782/January 22, 2022
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G-d's Big Day For the Benefit of Man!
G-d's Love & Irrepressible Presence!
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Beshalach (Exodus 13:17 - 17:16)
Parashat Beshalach is read on Shabbat:
Shevat 13, 5782/January 17, 2022
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Life Lessons of the Manna
Faith, Determination & Moving Past the Impassible
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Shemot (Exodus 1:1 - 6:1)
Parashat Shemot is read on Shabbat:
Tevet 19, 5778/January 6, 2018
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Making a Mockery of Man's Pretensions
Shevat: Month of Hope & Renewal
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Shemot (Exodus 1:1- 6:1)
Parashat Shemot is read on Shabbat:
Tevet 21, 5782/December 25, 2021
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The Undaunted Courage of the Hebrew Midwives! Pharaoh Forgets, but G-d Remembers! www.templeinstitute.org
Vayechi (Genesis 47:28 - 50:26)
Parashat Vayechi is read on Shabbat:
evet 114, 5782/December 18, 2021
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Why We Fast on the 10th of Tevet
The Blessings of Yaakov: A Sign of Things to Come?
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Vayigash (Genesis 44:18 - 47:27)
Parashat Vayigash is read on Shabbat:
Tevet 7, 5782/December 11, 2021
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The Bright Lights of Chanukah and the Dark Night of the Colosseum
Yosef & His Brothers: From the Pit to the Palace
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Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1 - 40:23)
Parashat Vayeshev is read on Shabbat:
Kislev 23, 5782/November 27, 2021
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Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4 - 36:43)
Parashat Vayishlach is read on Shabbat:
Kislev 16, 5782/November 20, 2021
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Archaeological Adventurers in Jerusalem!
The Mystery of an Embrace!
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Being in the Right Place at the Right Time !
The Month of Kislev: All You've Got to do is Dream!
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Toldot (Genesis 25:19 - 28:9)
Parashat Toldot is read on Shabbat:
Kislev 2, 5782/November 6, 2021
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The Holiday of Sigd: From Longing to Celebration!
Kislev is Coming: A Month of Light & Liberation!
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Temple Jam with Abba Horwitz and Yitzchak Reuven is back!
We are continuing a weekly 15-20 minute podcast! Getting ready for the new year.
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Temple Jam with Abba Horwitz and Yitzchak Reuven is back!
We are continuing a weekly 15-20 minute podcast! Getting ready for the new year.
www.templeinstitute.org
The Youthful Life of Sara
Eliezer Trusts in HaShem & FInds for Yitzchak, Rivka
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Temple Jam with Abba Horwitz and Yitzchak Reuven is back!
We are continuing a weekly 15-20 minute podcast! Getting ready for the new year.
www.templeinstitute.org
We all know the difference between good and evil, but do we all agree on what is good and what is evil? Where would we fall on the scale of righteousness if put to a difficult test.
Vayera (Genesis 18:1 - 22:24)
Parashat Vayera is read on Shabbat:
Cheshvan 17, 5782/October 23, 2021
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Avraham Puts G-d on Hold to Welcome Three Strangers
G-d & Avraham Pursue Justice Together
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And Now it's Time to Pray for Rain!
Avram & HaShem - A Beautiful Friendship!
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The Mysterious Figure of Chanoch (Enoch)
The Bittersweet Month of Cheshvan.
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It's All Temporary - the Sukkot Secret to Happiness!
The Four Species Bind Us All Together
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Temple Jam with Abba Horwitz and Yitzchak Reuven is back!
By Popular Demand we are continuing a weekly 15-20 minute podcast! Getting ready for the new year.
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Yom Kippur: We Are All In It Together!
Shabbat Shabbaton - the Sabbath of Sabbaths - Yom Kippur - has arrived! It's time to stand up before HaShem and be counted. It takes two to tango and it takes two to atone - man & G-d! And don't forget to make amends with anyone you may have hurt.
Gmar Chatima Tova - may we all be written and sealed in the Book of Life!
Temple Jam with Abba Horwitz and Yitzchak Reuven is back!
By Popular Demand we are continuing a weekly 15-20 minute podcast! Getting ready for the new year.
www.templeinstitute.org
Temple Jam with Abba Horwitz and Yitzchak Reuven is back!
By Popular Demand we are continuing a weekly 15-20 minute podcast! Getting ready for the new year.
www.templeinstitute.org
Celebrating the Birthday of Man with our Father & Creator!
Rosh HaShana - the birthday of Man - is right around the corner, and all we need to do is show up and make ourselves heard through the sounding of the shofar. It is we, ourselves, who write our names into the Book of Life, and it is we, ourselves, who determine who we are going to be in the upcoming year. Choose life and attachment to HaShem - and have a sweet and blessed year!
Why So Very Many Curses?
This week's Torah reading, Ki Tavo, describes the beautiful ceremony which surrounds the bringing of the first fruits to the Holy Temple. What makes the first fruits offering so unique and why does Torah connect it to Israel entering her land?
Temple Jam with Abba Horwitz and Yitzchak Reuven is back!
Due to Popular Demand we have returned and are now a new weekly 15-20 minute podcast! In our first jam we focus on the month of Elul, the month of introspection, soul searching and of reconnecting with G-d.
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Temple Jam with Abba Horwitz and Yitzchak Reuven is back!
Due to Popular Demand we have returned and are now a new weekly 15-20 minute podcast! In our first jam we focus on the month of Elul, the month of introspection, soul searching and of reconnecting with G-d.
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Kabul in Chaos & Wildfire About Jerusalem
The world is witnessing harsh times as America flees Afghanistan and thousands of acres of Jerusalem forest go up in flames, the victim of arson. Time for some real reflection on what we are doing in the fight against evil and the urgent need to raise up the sparks of holiness all around us. Ki Teitzei gives us some clues as to how to do it.
Judges & Prophets & Soldiers & Kings
Getting down to the spiritual business of upgrading who we are in the month of Elul Is echoed in this week's Torah reading of Shoftim - Judges - who we appoint to judge in the gates of our cities and also in the portals of our hearts and souls. The sublime sound of the shofar is a call to HaShem that we are still here!
Temple Jam with Abba Horwitz and Yitzchak Reuven is back! Due to Popular Demand we have returned and are now a new weekly 15-20 minute podcast! In our first jam we focus on the month of Elul, the month of introspection, soul searching and recommitment, and of reconnecting with G-d.
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The Blessing of Today - Make it Work for You!
Parashat Re-eh - "See!" which ushers in the new month of Elul next week is a wake up call for each of us as individuals and for humanity as a whole! Look around you - see the beauty of G-d's creation and find your place within it. Get ready for a month of fine tuning and personal recalibration as we recreate ourselves - the children of G-d - each in our own unique and purposeful way!
Talking Holy Temple, Rebuilding, Q&A all things Temple.
The three weeks, the nine days and the fast of Tisha Ba'v. www.templeinstitute.org
Talking Holy Temple, Rebuilding, Q&A all things Temple.
The three weeks, the nine days and the fast of Tisha Ba'v. www.templeinstitute.org
Talking Holy Temple, Rebuilding, Q&A all things Temple.
The three weeks, the nine days and the fast of Tisha Ba'v. www.templeinstitute.org
Talking Holy Temple, Rebuilding, Q&A all things Temple.
The three weeks, the nine days and the fast of Tisha Ba'v. www.templeinstitute.org
Talking Holy Temple, Rebuilding, Q&A all things Temple.
The three weeks, the nine days and the fast of Tisha Ba'v. www.templeinstitute.org
Talking Holy Temple, Rebuilding, Q&A all things Temple. The three weeks, the nine days and the fast of Tisha Ba'v. www.templeinstitute.org
Talking Holy Temple, Rebuilding, Q&A all things Temple. The three weeks, the nine days and the fast of Tisha Ba'v. www.templeinstitute.org
Talking Holy Temple, Rebuilding, Q&A all things Temple. The three weeks, the nine days and the fast of Tisha Ba'v. www.templeinstitute.org
Talking Holy Temple, Rebuilding, Q&A all things Temple. The three weeks, the nine days and the fast of Tisha Ba'v. www.templeinstitute.org
Talking Holy Temple, Rebuilding, Q&A all things Temple. The three weeks, the nine days and the fast of Tisha Ba'v. www.templeinstitute.org
Talking Holy Temple, Rebuilding, Q&A all things Temple.
The three weeks, the nine days and the fast of Tisha Ba'v.
www.templeinstitute.org
The land of Israel: Ours for the taking
When your own government expresses ignorance about the primacy of the Temple Mount, the Holy Temple and the right to prayer in the holiest of places, you need to dig in, double down and lead the way! Soaring words in parashat Eikev show us that our biggest fan is G-d, Himself, if we only stick by His side and never part.
Tu bAv & Shabbat Nachamu: Love, Consolation & a Change in the World.
1679 Jews ascended the Temple Mount on Tisha bAv, prayed on the Mount and descended from the Mount more determined than ever to build the Holy Temple that Moshe, in this week's parashat Va'etchanan, implored G-d to see. Israel's stumbling government of opposites cannot stop the momentum of Jewish return to the Temple Mount, which grows stronger from day to day.
Correction: Yitzchak accidentally stated that Tu bAv is on Friday. Tu bAv falls on Shabbat.
Beginning Deuteronomy: Moshe Tells It as He Sees It!
We are in the 9 days of intensified mourning leading up to the 9th of Av - the day of the destruction of both Holy Temples - but now that the Temple Mount is in our hands isn't it time to stop the mourning and begin the building? Our generation has merited a huge responsibility. We must not kick it on down the road. Mourning when we can be building is nothing short of scandalous. What would Moshe say? We'll find out in the book of Deuteronomy!
The Month of Av: Calamity Followed by Comfort
As we conclude our reading of the book of Numbers the Children of Israel are getting anxious about getting into Canaan and getting hold of their tribal inheritances. All except for Gad and Reuven who have their hearts set on the green pastures east of the Jordan. The five daughters of Tzelophchad make yet another well-earned appearance, but who is the mysterious Serach, daughter of Asher?
The Daughters of Tzelophchad Claim Their Portion Before HaShem
We have entered into the three weeks "bein hameityzarim" - between the straits - in which we intensify our sadness over the destruction of the Holy Temple nearly 2000 years ago. But more important than mourning in our day is redoubling our efforts to see to it that the Temple is rebuilt, soon in our days! The zealotry of Pinchas and the proud determination of the daughters of Tzelophchad are apt role models for our day.
Israel's Secret Weapon: The Love of Family
What began with Bilaam has spread like wildfire in our generation: a thousand wanna-be Bilaams try their hand each day to curse Israel online, in print and in the halls of power around the world. If only they knew that G-d cares not for their curses and blesses Israel tenfold for every curse they hurl her way. The Fast of the Seventeenth of Tammuz, a day of infamy soon to become a day of joy and festivity!
The Death of Aharon, a Poignant Reminder of the Passing of Generations.
The Torah ordinance par excellence, the red heifer, reminds us living life as per G-d's word lifts us above the fray and sets us apart from the disbelieving and the go-along-with-the-flow crowd. Both Miriam and Aharon die, as a new generation makes its way to the land of Israel. Flag day is happening in Jerusalem and a strange new government faces its very first test.
Between Life & Death, Aharon Saves a Nation.
The only thing more frightening than reading the story of the rebellion of the no-holds-barred Korach, in his desperate grasp for power, power, and more power, is to see it all happening again today, here in the land of Israel. When nations lose their nerve, even for an instant, the ne'er-do-wells step in to reap the whirlwind. Korach sought G-d's throne, using Moshe & Aharon as a stepping stone, and ended up six feet under, buried alive, forever.