What is the inner meaning of lighting the menorah in a way that the flames arise on their own? What does it mean that “Ahron did not deviate”? 

What is the inner meaning of lighting the menorah in a way that the flames arise on their own? What does it mean that “Ahron did not deviate”?

Behalotcha part 1 - Raising up the flames

We’re not in Leviticus anymore, yet the Levites are taken up a lot of the ink. As Rambam taught, anyone can choose to live life like a Levite.

We’re not in Leviticus anymore, yet the Levites are taken up a lot of the ink. As Rambam taught, anyone can choose to live life like a Levite.

Behalotecha part 2 - Consecration of the Levites

G-d leaves it up to Moshe to decide whether or not to send the spies. He does, and tells them what to look for and what to bring back.

G-d leaves it up to Moshe to decide whether or not to send the spies. He does, and tells them what to look for and what to bring back.

Shlach Part 1 - Free Choice is Given

Was there anything positive that came out of all the kvetching and challenging of G-d and Moses that went on in the desert?

Was there anything positive that came out of all the kvetching and challenging of G-d and Moses that went on in the desert?

Behaltocha Part 6 - The "Ahm" Starts Kvetching Again

After 10 days shy of a year, on the 20th of Iyar, we move from Sinai on (what could have been) a three-day journey to the promised land; 2) Moshe asks Yisro to stay 

After 10 days shy of a year, on the 20th of Iyar, we move from Sinai on (what could have been) a three-day journey to the promised land; 2) Moshe asks Yisro to stay

Behalotcha Part 5 - On the Move

...and don't wait till you're "settled" to "set up shop." Every day and every moment is a whole world. 

...and don't wait till you're "settled" to "set up shop." Every day and every moment is a whole world.

Behalotcha Part 4 - Hashem's In Charge...

The people who were impure and couldn’t offer the Pesach offering are offered a second chance. And so are we. 

The people who were impure and couldn’t offer the Pesach offering are offered a second chance. And so are we.

Behalotcha Part 3 - Second Chances

The spies circle the land over 40 days. They return with the mammoth fruits and defeatist report. Caleb and Joshua fight for the truth: if the Creator gives you a job in His world, no giant is tall enough to stop you.

The spies circle the land over 40 days. They return with the mammoth fruits and defeatist report. Caleb and Joshua fight for the truth: if the Creator gives you a job in His world, no giant is tall enough to stop you.

Shlach Part 2: "We were like grasshoppers"

Kalev argues against fear but the Israelites don't buy it. Moses argues with G-d about their fate, which, in end, is that the generation of the Exodus will not enter the Land of Israel, whereas Kalev will inherit Chevron.

Kalev argues against fear but the Israelites don't buy it. Moses argues with G-d about their fate, which, in end, is that the generation of the Exodus will not enter the Land of Israel, whereas Kalev will inherit Chevron.

Shlach Part 3: "No reason to fear"

Why is the source of ten for a minyan derived from the spies? Two reasons.What is the "gateway talk" that leas to lashon hara?Forty years in the desert for the Israelites (except Caleb and Joshua, the Levites, and the women, who all get to enter the Land). 

Why is the source of ten for a minyan derived from the spies? Two reasons. What is the "gateway talk" that leas to lashon hara? Forty years in the desert for the Israelites (except Caleb and Joshua, the Levites, and the women, who all get to enter the Land).

Shlach Part 4: The Verdict

A live class on various topics in Torah, exploring the rich wisdom of Judaism, from biblical stories to Talmud, from Maimonides to Chasidic thought. Class is given by Rabbi Yosef Marcus, director of Chabad NP and editor of the Kehot editions of the Pirkei Avot, Haggadah, Psalms, and Megillat Esther. Visit www.chabadnp.com for more info and to support the class. For questions or comments, email rabbi@chabadnp.com.

How does Challa connect to the spy story? And why is someone who says Shema but doesn't don tefillin like "offering a sacrifice without libations"?

How does Challa connect to the spy story? And why is someone who says Shema but doesn't don tefillin like "offering a sacrifice without libations"?

Shlach Part 5: Challa is the answer to the spies

Why does the Parsha wrap up with the laws of Tzitzit? And why therefore are women exempt therefrom? Techincally, women are exempt from all time-related mitzvot -- and Tzitzit are only obligatory at night. But...we propose that the parsha ends with Tzitzit since it is the answer to the spies' fears, since wearing Tzitzit will remind you of your mission and you won't be "consumed by the land." Yet the women were never frightened by the words of the spies in the first place and therefore merited to enter the Land. Only the men were told they would have to die in the desert. So...it follows that women are exempt from Tzitzit. See also Kli Yakar on the first verse of the parsha regarding what would have happened in the spies were women instead of men.

Why does the Parsha wrap up with the laws of Tzitzit? And why therefore are women exempt therefrom? Techincally, women are exempt from all time-related mitzvot -- and Tzitzit are only obligatory at night. But...we propose that the parsha ends with Tzitzit since it is the answer to the spies' fears, since wearing Tzitzit will remind you of your mission and you won't be "consumed by the land." Yet the women were never frightened by the words of the spies in the first place and therefore merited to enter the Land. Only the men were told they would have to die in the desert. So...it follows that women are exempt from Tzitzit. See also Kli Yakar on the first verse of the parsha regarding what would have happened in the spies were women instead of men.

Shlach Part 6: Why women are exempt from Tzitzit

Korach -- egotistical populist driven by jealousy, or spiritual yearner seeking closeness to Hashem? Both?

Korach -- egotistical populist driven by jealousy, or spiritual yearner seeking closeness to Hashem? Both?

Korach Part 1: Korach Questions Aaron's Appointment

Dathan and Aviram dig in their heels, even ready to be blinded (or: claiming they cannot be "blinded," i.e., fooled). Moshe says he's never taken even one donkey from the Israelitesand asks G-d not to turn to the offering (which offering? two interpretations) of the rebels.

Dathan and Aviram dig in their heels, even ready to be blinded (or: claiming they cannot be "blinded," i.e., fooled). Moshe says he's never taken even one donkey from the Israelitesand asks G-d not to turn to the offering (which offering? two interpretations) of the rebels.

Korach Part 2: Moshe's Accountant Makes a Surprise Appearance

Moshe makes one last attempt to sway Dathan and Aviram; the earth swallows Korach and his cohorts; the pans of the 250 incense offerers are used to coat the Copper Altar.

Moshe makes one last attempt to sway Dathan and Aviram; the earth swallows Korach and his cohorts; the pans of the 250 incense offerers are used to coat the Copper Altar.

Korach Part 3: Drastic Measures

Without a prayer, Moses asks Aaron to stop a plague by offering incense. It works. G-d commands Moses to have each tribe present a staff and Aaron's staff miraculously blossoms and produces almonds. Why almonds?

Without a prayer, Moses asks Aaron to stop a plague by offering incense. It works. G-d commands Moses to have each tribe present a staff and Aaron's staff miraculously blossoms and produces almonds. Why almonds?

Korach Part 4: Aaaron's Run-in with the Angel of Death

It's human nature to be jealous, and Korach takes it to an extreme. But Aaron is not just "not jealous" -- he rejoices in Moshe's appointment as leader. This is also the connection to the kehunah being called a "covenant of salt." Why salt?

It's human nature to be jealous, and Korach takes it to an extreme. But Aaron is not just "not jealous" -- he rejoices in Moshe's appointment as leader. This is also the connection to the kehunah being called a "covenant of salt." Why salt?

Korach Part 6: Aaron and Korach are Polar Opposites

Known as the Chok of all Chukim, the rationale for the laws of the Red Heifer escaped even King Solomon. We'll dive into these laws and see how the Chassidic masters applied them in how to overcome the "inner death" of lethargy and numbness. 

Known as the Chok of all Chukim, the rationale for the laws of the Red Heifer escaped even King Solomon. We'll dive into these laws and see how the Chassidic masters applied them in how to overcome the "inner death" of lethargy and numbness.

Chukat Part 1: The Quintessential Counterintuitive Law

The Torah reiterates the mysterious law by which the one handling the purifying waters becomes impure and Rashi offers the homiletic interpretations of Rabbi Moshe HaDarshan about various aspects of the red heifer.

The Torah reiterates the mysterious law by which the one handling the purifying waters becomes impure and Rashi offers the homiletic interpretations of Rabbi Moshe HaDarshan about various aspects of the red heifer.

Chukat Part 2: Parallels Between Red Heifer and Golden Calf

Miriam passes away; the well dries up; Israelites complain; Moses rebukes and hits the rock. Lessons in staying calm under fire and the  high standards that the saintly are held to.

Miriam passes away; the well dries up; Israelites complain; Moses rebukes and hits the rock. Lessons in staying calm under fire and the  high standards that the saintly are held to.

Chukat Part 3: Losing Your Temper will Cost You

A live class on various topics in Torah, exploring the rich wisdom of Judaism, from biblical stories to Talmud, from Maimonides to Chasidic thought. Class is given by Rabbi Yosef Marcus, director of Chabad NP and editor of the Kehot editions of the Pirkei Avot, Haggadah, Psalms, and Megillat Esther. Visit <a href="http://www.chabadnp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.chabadnp.com</a> for more info and to support the class. For questions or comments, email rabbi@chabadnp.com.

Torah On My Mind with Rabbi Yosef Marcus

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