Dovid Saks
Author's posts
Apr 26
Bounce it Around!
The Torah commands us to wave and offer an Omer measurement of newly harvested barley in the Temple in Jerusalem on the second day of Passover. The Torah prohibits us from eating grain from the new crop until this offering was performed; any grain that had taken root by this time became permitted. The Torah …
Apr 19
Take Control!
The Torah portions we read this week deal mostly with Tzoraas – discolorations that appear on one’s body, clothing or the walls of one’s house as a result of him speaking Lashon Harah – speaking ill of another – even if it is true, or spreading a false rumor and the like. The discoloration was …
Apr 12
Solomon needs the Shamir!
The Torah tells us that no metal tools may be used to cut stone in the construction of the Temple. Conventional hammers and chisels were not to be used, because metal is associated with weapons that eliminate life and is thus inappropriate to be used in the construction of the Temple which embodied life and …
Mar 29
We Got Answers!
G-d foretold to Avraham that his descendants would be enslaved for many years, and then He promised that He would redeem them. One might ask, why did G-d place us in Egypt in the first place? Perhaps G-d wanted to prove through the miraculous plagues and the exodus that He exists and is in control …
Mar 22
Winds and Rain!
The Torah mandates that a fire always be present upon the outer large Altar of the Temple, where the components of the sacrifices that were burned, were offered. The Kohanim – priests would continually add wood to this fire so that it would always burn, for there is a prohibition for this fire to become …
Mar 15
Rejuvenate!
This Shabbos we observe Rosh Chodesh Nissan, which the Torah calls the first month of the year. Logically one would assume that Tishrei, the month that is host to Rosh Hashana and the beginning of our calendar year, would be the one assigned as the first month of the year. However, G-d, due to His …
Mar 08
Sockets & Beams!
Before the reading of the Megilla in the synagogue this past Wednesday night, you may have noticed a number of plates or baskets marked for various Tzadakah opportunities. One of the familiar signs on these baskets is, “Machtzis Hashekel – The half-Shekel”. This is a remembrance for the yearly half-Shekel silver coin that each male …
Feb 28
We See It!
The drama, the fear and the redemption we experienced in the Purim story, is not as astounding as the open miracles revealed to us during our redemption from Egypt. There are really just a few players in the Purim story; King Achashvairosh, Queen Vashti, Haman, Mordechai and Esther. In fact, it appears to have been …
Feb 15
Harmony and Love!
We are excitedly anticipating the marriage of our son Chaim this coming week. I therefore wish to share an inspiring message the Rabbi of Gur, Rabbi Pinchus Menachem Alter o.b.m., gave to a groom before his wedding day. There was once a simple villager who had a deep desire to see the king. He decided …