Apr 4, 2024
Shemini | Who Are "Those Who Are Close To Me"? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
What did Moshe mean when he said הוא אשר דבר השם בקרובי אקדש?
The dramatic and climactic narrative of the "Eighth Day" is shattered by the tragic death of Nadav and Avihu, which is followed by Moshe's words (of...
Mar 28, 2024
Tzav | What is Torat Ha-Olah? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
Why doesn't the opening section of Parashat Tzav actually talk about the korban ha-olah - even though it's titled zot torat ha-olah?
The first seven chapters of Vayikra are devoted to detailed instructions regarding the various קרבנות; the first five,...
Mar 14, 2024
Pekudei | On the First Day: The Commemorative Function of the Mishkan, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
Why was the Mishkan's inauguration commanded to take place on Rosh Chodesh of the first month (Nissan)?
As Sefer Shemot moves towards its festive conclusion, Moshe is commanded to raise up the Mishkan on the "First day of the...
Feb 29, 2024
Ki Tisa | What Was Written On the Second Set of Tablets? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
After Moshe breaks the Luchot - which, until that point, were only referred to as לוחות העדות ("Tablets of Testimony") - Hashem commands him to carve out new ones and Hashem states that He will write on these newly hewn tablets...
Feb 22, 2024
Tetzaveh | The Strange Placement of the Golden Altar, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
Why is the מזבח הקטורת commanded separately - and much later - than all of the other כלים of the משכן?
After the detailed prescriptions for the construction of the Mishkan and its appurtenances, the Torah describes a lengthy...