Ketoret

Found 11 Search results

1. The Eighth Day and the Sin of Nadav and Avihu

   Prof. Jonathan Grossman

   What was the sin of Nadav and Avihu? This article offers an explanation related to the status and function of the kohanim, and the standing of non-kohanim in relation to the Divine Presence.

2. The Incense and Korah's Dispute

   Rabbanit Sharon Rimon

   The incense appears twice in Parashat Korah: once in the context of the incense test, and a second time when Aharon stops the plague. What is unique about incense? Is it of essential significance, or only secondary to the other vessels of the Mishkan? Why is the Altar of Incense mentioned separately from all other holy vessels?

3. The Daily Sacrifice (29:38-46)

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   The episode describing the daily Burnt Offering seems to be out of place, and is repeated in greater detail in Parashat Pinchas. Is there a relationship between the daily offering and the daily incense?

4. The Significance of the Incense

   Rabbi Yehuda Rock

   This article analyzes the various appearances of the incense; apparently the incense signifies God's presence as a result of the sacrificial offerings. Why then did Nadav and Avihu die while offering incense? Why was the incense chosen to test kedusha and God's choice?

5. The Yom Kippur Service

   Rabbi Yair Kahn | 12 minutes

   The tragedy of Nadav and Avihu highlights the tension between the concepts of the “thirsting for the living God” and “No man shall see me and live”. Our parasha continues from where Shemini left off and prevents the tragedy from recurring by emphasizing the importance of the ketoret (the incense cloud) as necessary in the Kohen Gadol's entrance to the Holy of Holies, as the steps of the Yom Kippur Service are presented.

6. The Incense Challenge

   Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 30 minutes

   The rebellion of Korach, Datan, Aviram, and the 250 men offering incense is complex, with multiple agendas. The holiness incense “test” suggested by Moshe is perplexing, especially in light of the Nadav and Avihu story. Was it a death threat? If so, would it not have been an obvious one? Why did the men agree to it?

7. Parshat Tetzaveh

   Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 40 minutes

   The verses describing the construction of mizbe'ach haktoret (the gold altar) are seemingly out of place, not listed among all the other vessels of the mishkan, despite their similarities in terms of materials, instructions, and construction. Why is this mizbe'ach listed separately? Rabbi Chanoch Waxman focuses on the nature of ketoret, placed alongside the aron ha'edut, both in the Torah and in the mishkan itself. This crucial connection teaches us about the means by which the Divine presence is brought forth by human initiative on a daily basis and about the presence of God in the world. 

8. Parshat Shemini

   Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 36 minutes

   Why is the Torah unclear about the cause of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu? What is the reason for God's harsh reaction? How are we to understand the tragic event? Examining the story within its larger context provides answers to these questions, and teaches us about the function of the Kohanim as facilitators of God's presence in the world.

9. The Best of Times: The Reigns of Yerovam ben Yoash and Uziya

   Rabbi Alex Israel

   The long and impressive reign of Yerovam ben Yoash sees the Northern Kingdom reaching the summit of its regional power and material prosperity. The prophet Amos who prophesies during this period, reveals a society of enormous wealth, complacency, and security and yet bearing startling inequalities of income, and outrageous exploitation of the poor by the rich.

   Uziya's long reign is filled with a long list of impressive accomplishments: Military conquests, extensive fortification of Jerusalem, development of agriculture and a cutting-edge military. However, his successes lead to arrogance and his eventual downfall, plagued till his death with Tzaraat. Yishayahu describes a society in Yehuda similar to what Amos described in the North.

   While Sefer Melakhim dwells almost exclusively on the issue of idolatry, Amos and Yishayahu highlight the sins of arrogance and social injustice. Amos warns of an earthquake which shakes the kingdom a mere two years after Amos begins his prophecy. And yet, even with a national disaster of this proportion, Israel and Yehuda fails to harness its peace and wealth towards kindness, justice, and communal support.

10. Complaints after the Ketoret Test

    Rabbi David Silverberg

11. Parshat Korach Part 3: The Plague in the Aftermath of the Rebellion

    Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 25 minutes

    This podcast discusses the Divine fire that consumed the 250 men who offered the Ketoret, and compares this story with the episode of Nadav and Avihu.

    Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com