Author's posts
Jun 13
Colors & Flavors!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Bamidbar
The Tribe of Levi was designated as the representative of G-d and the Jewish people to serve in the Temple. The Kohanim, Aaron and his descendants, were chosen to perform the actual Temple services and functions, such as the sacrifices and offerings. The rest of the tribe of Levi were watchmen of the Temple, the …
Jun 06
When is the Date!
As we stand poised a short few days before the Holiday of Shavuos, it is pertinent to reflect on the basics of the holiday. The Torah describes the holiday of Shavous as a holiday when the land owners in Israel are required to begin bringing their first budded fruits to the Temple and ceremoniously present …
May 30
Cancel the Appointment!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Vayikra
Toward the end of the Parsha, the Torah tells us that if one wishes to donate the value of his ‘soul’ or the value of another person’s ‘soul’ to the Temple treasury he can take such a vow. The Torah sets a fixed Shekel amount that the one who made the vow must give towards …
May 23
Rhythm!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Vayikra
Our Parsha begins with the Mitzvah of Shemitta – the Sabbatical seventh year when it is prohibited to plant or make improvements in gardens and fields the Land of Israel. It is also prohibited to do commerce with what grew wild in the fields. During the Shemitta year; the land is considered ownerless – thus …
May 16
Launched!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Vayikra
We are currently in the seven-week counting period between Pesach and Shavuos, known as Sefiras HaOmer – the counting of the Omer. Today is the 26th day of the Omer count. The Torah in this week’s portion describes the Mitzvos pertaining to the counting of the Omer. When the Jews entered the Land of Israel …
May 09
Fill Up!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Vayikra
The Parsha begins with G-d commanding us, Kedoshim Tihiyu – Be Holy! The question is to what degree does G-d expect us to be holy? The Medrash relates, you may think that G-d wants us to be as holy as Himself, therefore the verse concludes, I am G-d. My Holiness is beyond all. So what …
May 02
Tomorrow is…
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Vayikra
This Shabbos, before the Mussaf service, we will bless the new month of Iyar and announce that Rosh Chodesh will be Sunday and Monday. When Rosh Chodesh falls out on a Sunday a special Haftorah which opens with the words, “Tomorrow is the Chodesh,” is read. Before describing what the Haftorah deals with, an introduction …
Apr 25
Out of the Blue!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Passover Messages
Our forefather Yaacov’s entire family came down to Egypt to join Yosef, the viceroy of Egypt, and settled in the section of land called Goshen. This idyllic arrangement lasted for 94 years until Levi, the last of the tribal heads, passed away. During this time the Jews proliferated and became very successful. The Pharoh became …
Apr 17
State of Timelessness!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Passover Messages
In the beginning of the recital of the Hagadah we reveal the Matzos and say, ‘Ha Lachma Ania.’ We refer to the Matzah as the symbol of our slavery and affliction, because Matzah was consumed by our ancestors in Egypt during their enslavement since it takes less time to bake and takes longer to digest …
Apr 10
Defiance!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Vayikra
This Shabbos is called Shabbos Hagadol – the great Shabbos. Let us examine how this Shabbos got its name. The Talmud explains that on the Shabbos before the Jews left Egypt, each Jew took a male lamb and tied it to their bedposts. When the Egyptians saw this, they asked what they were doing. The …
Jewish Heritage Connection
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Parshas Kedoshim
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