Death

Found 12 Search results

1. The Two Narratives of Vayikra

   Rabbi Dr. Avraham Walfish

   תאריך פרסום: תשע"ב | |

   Unlike the other four books of the Humash, Vayikra is devoted exclusively to commandments and laws. In the entire book there are only two brief narratives: the death of Nadav and Avihu in chapter 10 and the execution of the blasphemer in chapter 24. Although these two narratives seem to be unrelated, a close reading will reveal how they are thematically related, and explicate their pivotal role in developing the ideas and values of the book of Vayikra.

2. Of Death and Defilement (Audio)

   Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 19 minutes

   Tazria, a parsha dealing with various cases of impurity as they pertain to the Mikdash, may appear to begin an interruption - why doesn't “Acharei Mot” come right after Shemini, the preceding (and related) narrative? This shiur argues that Tazria is a natural continuation to Shemini, presenting the proper way for priests to engage with God, tum'a and tahara and encounters with death.

3. Mizmor 16

   The Past, Present, and Future King

   Rabbi Avi Baumol

   Mizmor 16, recited at funerals, asks us at the present time - facing peril or death - to look to the past to our trusting relationship with God in order to actualize and maintain a significant relationship with Him in the future.

4. Mizmor 23

   Providence, Guidance, a Rod and a Staff: A Study of Life at a Time of Death

   Rabbi Avi Baumol

   Mizmor 23 focuses less on death and more on the guidance of the merciful Shepherd, as God nurtures us in green pastures and on peaceful waters. It is a message of wisdom and understanding of the circle of life, recognizing that the pursuit of justice defines the life that we lead for the sake of God.  

5. Mizmor 49

   "Blessing One's Soul: "The Formula for a Meaningful Life

   Rabbi Avi Baumol

   The theme of Mizmor 49 is to impart wisdom about the futility of life when it involves only a desperate hunt for honor. When one takes the time and care to bless one’s soul while still in the land of the living, that person will truly be praiseworthy.

6. The Truest Thing I Know

   Avidan Freedman

7. Why is Para Aduma Called "Chuka"?

   Rabbi Ezra Bick | 36 minutes

    We examine the commentary of Ramban on the beginning of Parashat Hukkat about the strange and perplexing aspects of the “Para Aduma” ritual. We explore ideas in the words of Ramban about the nature of tum’a, the relationship between the Written and Oral Torah, and explanations for the apparent anomalous sacrificing outside the Mikdash, fraught with the dangers of crossing the fine line between Avodat Hashem and Avoda Zara in this setting.  Ramban argues that tum’a is life being overcome by sin, and through the Para Aduma ritual, one drives out sin by reconnecting with God, the Source of purity.

8. Tazria-Metzora: Joy in Children

   Rabbi Jay Kelman

9. Shmini: Comforting Cousins

   Rabbi Jay Kelman

10. Acharei Mot: Preparing for Yom Kippur

    Rabbi Jay Kelman

11. Shemini: Close to G-d

    Rabbi Jay Kelman

12. Emor: The Joys of a Kohen

    Rabbi Jay Kelman