Liven Up!
Rabbi Zvi Teichman A fascinating observation is made that when one compares the census taken at the beginningof the book of ‘Numbers’ — Bamidbar, at the onset of their forty-year sojourn, contrasting it with the count taken in our portion, at the near end of their long journey, there is a noticeable discrepancy. Whereas some […]
Not a Time For Humility
Rabbi Zvi Teichman An attempt is made by Moshe to take a shortcut on the Children of Israel’s journey to the promised land through the territory of Edom. In what appears to be a heartfelt appeal, Moshe sends a three-pronged message to the King of Edom. Firstly, he asserts their familial connection as ‘brothers’. The […]
I See the Light!
Rabbi Zvi Teichman What defines a human is the ability to communicate through words. There are two words used primarily to describe ‘talking’: וידבר and ויאמר. The power of speech can inspire as well as destroy. Moshe is summoned by G-d to instruct the Kohanim of their obligations, אמור — Say to the Kohanim… ואמרת […]
Holy Schmattes!
Rabbi Zvi Teichman Last week we sat down to the Seder garbed in our white Kittels. The Maharal explains this is done to accentuate our role at the Seder as equivalent to the High Priest who wore ‘white garments’ during the special service performed on the holiest day of year — Yom Kippur. The High […]
Open Your Hearts!
RAbbi Zvi Teichman seder since having been old enough to participate with some level of meaningful understanding. Yet, I often question myself. How has my knowledge base grown in terms of knowing the details of the story of our sojourn in Egypt and the many miracles that led up to the exodus from Egypt? Most […]
Sounds of Silence
Rabbi Zvi Teichman The Torah world is stunned by the sudden and tragic loss of the beloved and venerated Gadol HaDor, Harav HaGaon R’ Chaim Kanievsky zt”l.Unparalleled in his Torah knowledge, unequaled in his diligent devotion to the study of Torah, and incomparable in his devotion to people and their needs, we are at a […]
Nothing but The Truth!
Rabbi Zvi Teichman Nothing but The Truth! The reading this week of the second of the four parshiyos, Zachor, follows that of Shekalim, which was read two weeks ago. On Zachor we read a passage at the end of Ki Seitzei, where the Torah outlines the command to remember what Amalek did to us yet […]
Hineni!
Rabbi Tzvi Teichman Over three thousand years ago the first historic large gathering of women took place at the entrance of the Ohel Moed, the Tent of Meeting. When constructing the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, the women desired to make a unique contribution that would memorialize their united effort specifically. The Torah records that the copper […]
It Makes ‘Scents’!
Rabbi Zvi Teichman A famous anomaly related to this week’s portion is the omission of Moshe’s name from the entire reading. We are taught that this is due to Moshe after hearing from G-d, subsequent to the sin of the Golden Calf, that He intended to eradicate the entire nation saving only Moshe from whom […]
Vulnerability Is Strength
Rabbi Zvi Teichman In the realm of healthy human interaction one of the most vital traits for survival is compassion. We must be sensitive towards other people’s needs and feelings. Especially when someone else is in pain or facing a challenging ordeal we must sympathize with their plight. But what is even more critical in […]