The Link Between Shabbat & Civil Law

Mar 20, 2019

This week’s parasha, Tzav, the second in Sefer Vayikra completes the Torah’s description of the various sacrifices to be offered in the Mishkan and later in the Holy Temples in Jerusalem. Yet the sacrificial service was not an end in itself or even the primary object of these commandments. Instead, the many rules and restrictions created the means by which mankind could harness powerful instinctual emotions of sacrifice without falling into idol worship. The ultimate goal of the sacrificial service is thus most closely related to prayer, supplication, and activities that lead to true knowledge and recognition of God.

What is the Miracle of Purim?

Mar 15, 2019

Next Wednesday night and Thursday, Jews around the world will gather to read and hear Megilat Esther, the Scroll of Esther. This book of the Tanakh relates events in Jewish history that took place over an 11-year period. Are we to see the events depicted in the Megillah as natural occurrences or as miracles?