Home » Shemini

Tag: Shemini

Apr 04

This Is!

In our portion the Torah provides us with identifiable Kashruth signs for animals we are permitted to eat. Animals must have both true cloven hooves and ruminate their food. Fish must have both fins and scales. The Torah names each of the 28 species of fowl that are not kosher. When our leader Moshe was …

Continue reading

Mar 24

Holy!

Holiness; being holy and making things holy is an integral part of Judaism. A mere journey through our daily prayers bring us quite often to the word Kodosh – holy – in various forms. Kodosh takes a central role when we exclaim Kodosh, Kodosh, Kodosh to G-d, as we describe how the angels praise G-d …

Continue reading

Apr 08

The Healer!

We are currently in the midst of the daily Omer count, which began the second night of Pesach and will end 49 days later, bridging the holiday of Pesach with the Holiday of Shavuos, which is on the fiftieth day. The connection between Passover, which marks our Exodus, and Shavuos, when we received the Torah, …

Continue reading

Mar 28

Who is Arneves!

The Talmud relates that King Ptolemy II forced 72 Jewish sages to translate the written Torah into Greek (The Septuagint). This was the first time the Written Torah was translated into another language and it was Ptolemy’s wish that the nations of the world gain access to our Torah. Ptolemy chose 72 Sages, and without …

Continue reading

Sep 27

The Tallest Man I Knew

(Torah Portion Shimini) The Tallest Man I Knew (A Special Tribute-See Below) Many people are under the impression that the laws of Kosher were established because of health issues, such as to protect from disease or because of the lack of cleanliness of certain species. If one follows this line of thinking, one may say …

Continue reading

Sep 27

Appreciation

(Torah Portion Shemini) Appreciation! The Torah identifies kosher animals and fish based on distinct physical characteristics. However, when it comes to fowl, the Torah lists the non-Kosher fowl by name, and the remaining species of fowl are kosher. The ultimate reason G-d took us out of Egypt was for us to accept and follow His …

Continue reading

Sep 27

The Throne

(Torah Portion Shemini) The Throne! The Torah gives us two indicators to determine if a species of animal is Kosher. A Kosher animal must have true cloven hooves, and ruminate its food. Kosher fish must have fins and scales. The Torah does not list the characteristics of Kosher fowl. Rather, it lists twenty-four birds that …

Continue reading

Sep 27

Wine

(Torah Portion Shemini) Wine! Wine consumed with moderation expands a person’s view, relaxes him and allows him to absorb things a little more. Wine gladdens one’s heart, and it is through wine that one reveals the secrets of his heart. Wine is the ultimate beverage used during our celebrations and traditions. All our celebrations have …

Continue reading

Sep 27

Role Models

(Torah Portion Shemini) Role Models! The Torah relates a tragic incident that occurred during the inauguration service of the Temple. Nadav and Avihu, two of Aaron’s sons, had their souls snuffed out by a heavenly fire for an infraction they committed in performing their service. The Torah records their father Aaron accepted the Divine judgment …

Continue reading