Tazria - Later and Earlier

In describing the birth of a child and the circumcision on the eighth day, why does the Torah bother to tell us about the conception as well as the impurity of the mother for seven days following birth? What is the connection between this verse and the verse in psalms which speaks of God fashioning Man 'later and earlier?' What is the concept of Man being created originally as a composite of both Male and Female? What does it mean that Adam was created in a state where he filled all of reality?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:31

Shmini - Talent and Torah

What was the sin of Nadav and Avihu that caused their death? What is the connection between being married and bringing the ketores-incense offering? Why is the Hebrew word for marriage 'kiddushin' which also means holiness? What is the proper approach to using one's talents?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 16:14

Tzav and Purim - North and South

Why is the korban olah (fully burnt sacrifice) related to the north, while the shelamim (partly burned, partly eaten) is related to the south? Why are the concepts of exile, Gog and Moshiach related to the north, while redemption, Gog's fall, and the rebuilding of the Temple related to the south? Why can't a northerly and southerly wind blow at the same time? What does it mean that both will blow in the future time? Why can't a groom enter the house before he is invited by his bride?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:27

Step by step

Quote of the Day - Charles Atlas - "Step by step and the thing is done."

This popped up on top of my screen in my gmail.

We want it now.

...or yesterday.

nah, rather it now.

We want our way, and we know what's best.

And we have no idea. We think that we were wronged. We think that we have a right.

And we were, and we do.

And we don't.

That's Yosef. He says to his brothers - yes, I had a right to do with you as I wish.

And I chose to connect to something so much deeper and so much higher.

And I chose forgiveness.

Yes, you wronged me.

Yes, you destroyed me.

Yes, you took away my rights and you trampled them and sold me into slavery and I ended up in jail for 12 years.

But that was all Hashem.

Don't you see where I am?

My mouth is speaking to you. Don't you see? My mouth = malchus. I am king.

not despite what you did to me.

Because of what you did.

Really, what you didn't do.

What He did. For all of us.

Step by step and the thing is done.

This story isn't over yet.

Just wait. Just wait. Just wait.

Vayikra - Soul Desire

Why does the Torah refer to the one who brings a flour offering as 'one who offers his soul?' What is the difference between an animal offering and a flour offering? How is the concept of ratzon-desire related to nefesh-soul? How can one come close to God if he has no good deeds to show for himself?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:36