Rabbi Chanan Morisson ( based on the writings of Harav Kook) The parashah describes terrible calamities — disease, war, famine, and exile — that result when Israel abandons the Torah. According to Talmudic tradition, the primary reason for punishment is one particular offense: corruption in the judicial arena. “As a punishment for [unnecessary] delay in … Read more
by Rabbi Doniel Baron Tapping into the fiery, spiritual energy that is embedded in every iota of creation. Fire. With dancing, leaping, flashing tongues of flame, fire lights up the Lag B’Omer night sky. Jews light bonfires to commemorate the holiday, continuing a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. Lag B’Omer is the day … Read more
by Chanan Morrison The Talmud in Nedarim 32b describes the kohanim as sheluchei didan. The kohanim act as our agents or emissaries as they perform the Temple service. Yet this idea — that the kohanim act as agents for the Jewish people – appears to violate the legal definition of the powers of a shaliach. … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison “For three years the fruit shall be ‘Orlah,’ and may not be eaten. In the fourth year, all of the fruit shall be holy, for praising God.” (Lev. 19:23-4) The Talmud in Berachot 35a quotes this verse as the source for reciting a brachah (blessing) over food. “‘Holy, for praising God’ … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison The Torah discusses various types of tum’ah (ritual impurity), the most prominent being tzara’at, a skin affliction similar to leprosy. Purification from these forms of impurity includes immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath) or natural spring. Immersion alone, however, is not sufficient; even after immersing, the individual remains impure until the … Read more
by Chanan Morrison based on Maran HaRav kook Many years ago at my father-in-law’s Seder, one of the guests raised a problem in the Torah’s account of the Exodus from Egypt which he felt was insolvable. None of the solutions that I presented to him satisfied him. Over the years I have searched for an … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison “By the first day [of Passover] you must clear out your homes of all leaven.” (Ex. 12:15) Why Clear Out Chametz? Why does the Torah command us to destroy all chametz (leaven) found in our homes during Passover? It is logical to eat matzah; this fast-baked food has a historical connection … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison based on the writings of Maran Harav kook With the construction of the Tabernacle complete, the holy structure began to fulfill its primary purpose: a conduit for communication between God and Moses. “I will commune with you there, speaking to you above the ark-cover” (Ex. 25:22). Before each actual communication, God … Read more
