Timeless Torah

Are you a day person or a night person? "That," as Shakespeare would say, "is the question." To be more exact, "That is the question in this week's Biblical portion."

At first glance, the portion does not seem to be talking about the human race at all, much less personalities. The entire focus of this week's reading is on animals; be it bulls, sheep or goats. It is sacrifices, that the Torah is discussing, not people. However, in truth, G-d is less mindful of the animals than He is of the individuals who are bringing the creatures.  read more »

Let me guess...you went Pesach shopping today...You hurt your back shlepping those 50 pound bags of potatoes...You met so many other Jews spending so much money, you’re wondering how much impact this will have on the U.S. economy....And you’re thinking, “No wonder matzoh is called the ‘Poor Man’s Bread’. By the time you finish acquiring the wine, meat, fruits and vegetables, you’re a poor man!”  read more »

The Midrash asks, “Why does the verse refer to the laws of the Olah (Burnt) offering as Torah? Perhaps one might say: When the Holy Temple stood, we were able to bring sacrifices and achieve atonement. But now when there is no Temple, how are we to achieve forgiveness? Says Hashem: If you will study the Torah (meaning the laws) of the Olah, I will consider it as if you had actually brought the sacrifice.”  read more »