Moshiach Comes With Tears

Why were Yitzchak's eyes clouded over? What was the evil of Esav that he was not meant to see? Why were the angels crying at the binding of Yitzchak? Why did it take almost 80 years for those tears to have an effect and cloud his vision? What is the connection between the Akeida (binding) and Yaakov stealing the blesings? Why do the righteous people cry at the advent of Moshiach, as the ego-Evil Inclination is slaughtered? What do those tears have to do with the tears of the angels?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:53

Gog Umagog Part 3 (World War III) - Moshiach Podcast 15

What is the idea behind the three wars of Gog Umagog? Why is there a gap of 70 years from the first two until the third one? Why hasn't this third war happened yet if the 70 years have already elapsed? What does the initial restored kingdom of the Jewish people look like? Why does the process begin in a natural way (Moshiach ben Yosef) and then switch to the supernatural (Moshiach ben Dovid)? Why does it seem like the Ashkenazic world has taken a stronger leadership role in the Land of Israel in contrast to the Sefardic world? Could this have been foretold by the prophet Yechezkel (Ezekiel)? What is the meaning of the prophecy that Persia-Iran will face of with Edom-The West? Who will be the ultimate victor in that final war? Who is "Aram" in today's world?

Find out in this eye-opening edition of the Moshiach Podcast.

Moshiach Process Coming to a Close - Moshiach Podcast 14

We explore the Yalkut Shimoni in Yeshaya 60 which describes how Moshiach (ben Yosef) stands on the Beis Hamikdash and heralds the redemption, saying, "If you don't believe it, see the light that's shone." One of the main aspects of Moshiach ben Yosef is that the process unfolds before us, and it is almost impossible to discern, much like the story of Yosef with his brothers, where they were unable to recognize him. We explore the statement of the Gra (Vilna Gaon), which places Moshiach ben Yosef corresponding to the world of Esav/The West; and Moshiach ben Dovid corresponding to the world of Yishmael/Arab World. We explore the ramifications of that insofar as the Sefardic and Ashkenazic communities. We also touch on the Chofetz Chaim's prophetic prediction during World War I of a second, more serious war to come 25 years later, and the third one, that is yet to come.

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For Previous Moshiach Podcasts, Please visit this page: https://arigoldwag.com/understanding-moshiach/

MBD vs. Yishmael & MBY vs. Edom (part 3)

One of the most important questions we can ask has to do with the gemara in Succah 52A, which is (I believe) the only place in the Shas which mentions Moshiach ben Yosef. There, the gemara tells us that Moshiach ben Yosef will die in the war of Gog Umagog (according to one opinion). Interestingly (and we'll see more about this later), the gemara tells us that when Moshiach ben Dovid sees that MBY has died, he asks Hashem that he be spared, and not suffer the same fate. To this, Hashem responds that Dovid Hamelech (MBD's forebear) has already davened on his behalf and Hashem has already agreed to grant MBD life.

2 questions:

1. Why does Moshiach ben Yosef have to die (according to this opinion)?
2. Why is Moshiach ben Dovid concerned that he might die, as well?

There is a commentary on the gemara called "Einei Shmuel" who explains both of these issues.

here is my free translation:

"The Maharsha writes that when he [MBD] sees that Moshiach ben Yosef is killed in the war of Gog Umagog, he will be fearful lest he be killed as well. see there. We need to understand the concept of this fear - just because this one [MBY] is killed, does he [MBD] also have reason to fear this?

However, this is explained in Asarah Mamaros (ten teachings), the teaching of 'chakor din' part 4, chapter 16, that the concept of Moshiach ben Yosef being killed is because of the sin of his ancestor - Yeravam ben Nevat. He [MBY] will be killed to atone for him. see there. This is also explained in Megaleh Amukos 158, 159 and 252. see there.

And examine Emek Hamelech page 25, that the soul of Yeravam flew out of Yeravam right before the sin, and that soul will be in Moshiach ben Yosef in the future.

Behold they [the sages] said in Shabbos (56B): R' Y. said in the name of Rav: When Dovid said to Mefiboshes [the son of Shaul] that he and Tziva should split the field, a heavenly voice came out and said 'Rechavam [Dovid's grandson] and Yeravam will split the kingdom [of the Jewish people].' R' Y. said in the name of Rav: If Dovid had not listened to the Lashon Hara (gossip), the kingdom of Dovid would not have been split, and the people of Israel would not have served idols, and we would not have been exiled from our land. see there in Rashi.

Based on this, the main cause of the sin of Yeravam was Dovid. Being that Moshiach ben Yosef is killed for the sin of Yeravam; which ultimately was caused by Dovid, we can understand Moshiach ben Dovid's fear that he would also die. To this Hashem reassures him that he will live."

end piece of "Einei Shmuel."

We see many remarkable things here. I would like to point out that MBY is not just an individual, but also a process. The same is true of MBD. So when we see that there is an idea of death surrounding the individual MBY, we can also say that the MBY process involves death. When we speak of the process of MBD, in contrast, we can see that there could be a concern of death in that process, as well (just like MBD himself is concerned), but we are assured that there is no death there.

Another example of this is in the redemption of Mitzrayim (Egypt) - the last two plagues - darkness and death of the firstborn - these two correspond to the last two sefiros - Yesod and Malchus. Paralleling this, MBY corresponds to Yesod and MBD corresponds to Malchus. It is remarkable to note that during the plague of darkness 4/5ths of the Jewish people died. This corresponds to Moshiach ben Yosef and his process. When it came to the death of the firstborn - the Jewish firstborns should have also died! They were only saved because Hashem gave them a specific directive to place the blood on the doorposts - only this act would spare them of death. This corresponds to the aspect of Moshiach ben Dovid - where death could happen... but doesn't.

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I will leave you now with a few more questions we need to ask:

According to the opinion (the GR"A) who says that MBY will not die, what happens when MBD comes - does MBY step down? do they both rule? Can there be two kings with one crown?

What is the depth of what we're witnessing today - with the ingathering of the exiles it seems that the Ashkenazic and Sefardic streams are mixing in Israel to some extent - do the rules still hold true? What happens when MBY-Ashkenaz and MBD-Sefard come together?

Can we surmise which stream will produce the actual Moshiach ben Yosef and the actual Moshiach ben Dovid?

What is the significance of the fact that Yeravam (a fallen MBY) was the leader of the ten tribes, as opposed to Rechavam (MBD) who was the leader of Yehuda and Binyomin? Can we see a parallel that can apply to MBY-Ashkenaz and MBD-Sefard?

Why is it that in the geulah of Purim - we seem to have bypassed the problem of the Jewish people's death - which Haman attempted - and which would correspond to MBY - and we went straight to the aspect of MBD where the Jewish people are ascendent and saved from death?

What does that mean for us, as we face off with the same Persian foe? Can we expect things to be similar today?

MBD vs. Yishmael & MBY vs. Edom (part 1)

Sometimes a very simple concept can have very vast significance and a far reaching impact.

The sefer Kol Hator says that Moshiach ben Dovid corresponds to Yishmael, while Moshiach ben Yosef corresponds to Edom.

If we take this a bit further, MBD corresponds to the Sefardic world, which made their home in the Arab lands. MBY corresponds to the Ashkenazic world, which made its home in the lands of Edom.

There are so many more things to say based on this.

For now, I'll let you all mull it over.

But I'll leave you with a question that might be explained in light of this idea (and remember that because reality is holographic, MBD is always contained in MBY and vice versa).

Why did WWI and WWII seem to have it's strongest immediate impact on the lands of Edom and the Ashkenazic world?

Terumah - Excitement vs Joy

What is the difference between the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the Mikdash (Temple)? Why does one constantly move, while one is only in a single location? What is the difference between the joy of the month of Adar and Purim as opposed to the month of Nissan and Pesach (Passover)? What is the depth behind the two ways people gave to the Mishkan - some from heirlooms passed for generations for this purpose, others from wealth they had just obtained? What is the difference between Moshiach ben Yosef and Moshiach ben Dovid?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:20

Vayeshev - Free Will Spectrum (Yosef vs. Yehuda & MBY vs MBD)

What is the difference between Yosef and Yehuda's approach to free will and our level of involvement in doing God's will? Why did the brothers say that there was a difference between the dreams of Jacob and Joseph? What character attributes did they work on to receive prophetic dreams? Where does one cross the line and find oneself in God's exacting justice? What was the deeper message of the dreams of Pharaoh's baker and his winemaker?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:40

Shmini - Quiet Love

What is the difference of approach between Moshe and Aharon when Nadav and Avihu die? How does each of their approaches parallel the path of Yosef and Yehuda (and Moshiach ben Yosef vs. Moshiach ben Dovid)? If one is in a place of grace, as in the way of Moshiach ben Dovid, does that mean that one does not act any longer? How does one approach the tragedies that befall him or her in life?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:22

Vayigash - Joining As One

What is the significance of Judah's stepping up to Joseph? How does that affect and parallel future events that occur to the Jewish people? Why is the separation needed? Why is this parsha always read this time of year at the beginning of the month of Teves and after Chanukah? What is the concept of the fourth aspect - Netsach/Victory?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:35

Dovid, Yosef, the sixth hour and the seventh hour

I thought that title would get your attention. And, to boot, this is post number 607. Cool. Someone recently left a comment on the blog that they miss my moshiach messages. I wrote back that the messages are still there, you just have to know how to hear them.

I don't need to say too much, but I will say that if you listen carefully to this parsha podcast, you will get a good idea of where we are holding and we are headed. It also has the potential to explain a lot of what is going on now. But you will have to put all the old pieces together to get it. If you listen carefully, you will understand why I don't blog or speak too much about Moshiach anymore. But I explained that before. Review is good.

In any event, here's how the podcast appears everywhere else I've put it up:

Vayakhel - Moshiach, Mishkan and Shabbos (21:42)
What is the significance of the fact that all that was done in constructing the Mishkan (tabernacle) is the foundation of the prohibitions on Shabbos? What is the difference between the service of Hashem through the Mishkan as opposed to Shabbos? How is Shabbos connected to Dovid and Moshiach ben Dovid, as opposed to the Mishkan, which is connected to Yosef and Moshiach ben Yosef? Why is the Mishkan the atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf? What is the depth of the fact that the sin occurred at the end of the sixth hour, when Moshe was late in returning? What was at the root of the sin of the Golden Calf?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Succos and Yosef

What is the connection between Yosef and Succos? Why do we read the prophecies of Gog and Magog during Succos? Why do we leave our homes and enter these temporary dwelling places? How do we remind ourselves of the fact that Hashem is constantly in our lives?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 15:40

Haazinu - Hashem's Crown of Dew

What is the difference between dew and rain? Why is the Torah referred to in both ways? What is the concept of the verse which refers to Hashem's 'head' as being full of dew? Why does Hashem reference that concept in consoling Moshiach ben Yosef in his difficulties? How do we honestly crown Hashem our king on Rosh Hashana?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:39

17th of Tammuz and Yosef

The 17th of Tammuz is known as the day of the breaking of the luchos (tablets), which occurred in the year 2448. It was a day that should have been the greatest celebration - the completion of the pact between Hashem and the Jewish people! Instead, it became a day of sadness throughout history, that represented the loss of our relationship with Hashem. And yet, it does represent the loss in a direct way - for we could still have come back into that relationship - through the building of the Mishkan (tabernacle), through the teshuva and prayers of the entire Jewish people.

But a year and three months later, in 2449, we lost that as well, on the day of Tisha B'av. The ninth of Av, as well, should have been a day of great celebration. We were to receive news about the beautiful land of Israel that we were about to begin to conquer. Instead of it being a day of elation, it became a day of sadness through the ill report of the spies.

It is remarkable that Tammuz is the month of Yosef's birth. Furthermore, Av is a month that Yosef is active in (as per the Maharsha in Sanhedrin 12A). How are we to understand this in light of the negative events that occurred in this month?

The essence of Yosef (and Moshiach ben Yosef, by extension) is his hidden nature. This manifests in a number of ways. The first way is that he experiences tremendous difficulties and challenges. These mask the underlying theme of his life which is growth through the challenges. That which on the surface seems like death and destruction, is shown to actually be the source of his life. His great leadership is born as a result of his great difficulties.

Tammuz and Av are the months when the sun holds its greatest sway. The days are long, and the heat is at its peak of the year. Esav and the powers of evil are represented by the sun, and thus, we can see that the very nature of reality shows that Esav has power in these months. As Rashi says on the verses that describe the birth of Yosef, Yosef is the force which balances out the evil of Esav, which was why Yakov felt he could return to where Esav was once Yosef was born. Thus, the counter-force for Esav comes into the world at the very time when Esav's power is ascendent.

Returning for a moment to the 17th of Tammuz, it was the day that the luchos were broken, but the event that was the antecedent of that was the creation of the Golden Calf. It is remarkable that Yosef is very much connected to the concept of the calf. We find that Yosef is referred to as an ox (בכור שורו הדר לו) - he is the firstborn ox. This is related to one of the four faces of the ofanim, which was the ox, after which the Jewish people modeled the Golden Calf. The question is, What is the meaning of this connection between Yosef and the Golden Calf?

There is also a strong connection between the Golden Calf and the Red Heifer. Both red and gold represent the concept of gevurah, as does the concept of the calf, or the heifer (cow). The Red Heifer is meant to atone in some way for the sin of the Golden Calf (as per Rashi). It is the antidote for the spiritual malaise that is brought about through coming into contact with the dead. Before the sin of the Golden Calf, the Jewish people had returned to the state of Adam Harishon before the sin, and thus they would have lived forever. Through the sin of the Golden Calf, death returned to the world, and thus the Red Heifer would be necessary to purify from the contamination of the dead.

Esav is an aspect of the Golden Calf - the forces of evil that bring death into the world. On a certain level, this is literal, as we find that Esav was the one who had transgressed the three cardinal sins, one of which is murder. Yosef can thus be described as an aspect of the Red Heifer - who comes as a counter-force for the death that is brought into the world through his spiritual opposite, Esav.

Most interestingly, Yosef functions in the spiritual facet of gevurah, which, as we said, is represented by the color red and the concept of the cow. This means that Yosef must use the very power of gevurah (literally - strength) - which is the tool of the side of evil - against the forces of evil. Whereas Esav and his spiritual counterparts make use of strength to destroy and bring about death, Yosef uses his strength to control his desires, and to eradicate those very forces of destruction.

On a deeper level, the concept of gevurah is about holding oneself back. This trait is what Yosef needed to use when he wanted to reveal himself to his brothers, but the time was not yet right. He also used this trait in order to forgive his brothers - by recognizing and focusing on the fact that Hashem was the One who had guided his life throughout the dark times, he was able to hold back his negative feelings for his brothers, and thereby forgive them.

In a similar way, there is a withholding of relationship that occurs on the 17th of Tammuz, and subsequently on the 9th of Av. This seeming loss of relationship is analogous to Yosef's interaction with his brothers before he reveals himself. He deals with them in a tough manner, and they perceive him as a despotic Egyptian ruler whose behavior is incomprehensible. Paralleling this, we experience our relationship with Hashem at this time as one of distance, loss and destruction. Hashem hides His face of kindness and love from us, and we are to blame! We built this idol ourselves! We brought death back into the world and we chose impatience over patience, death over life. It seems that surely Hashem is angry with us and will never forgive us!

And just as Yosef hid himself in order to accomplish a deeper resolution of the brothers' previous sin, Hashem also, lehavdil, hides Himself in order to give us an opportunity to accomplish a deeper resolution of our sin. For we have a chance to prove our fidelity to God even here in the darkest depths of distance from Him.

And just as Yosef must prove himself in the darkest depths of distance, so we are to do the same, and learn from the example that Yosef set.

And Yosef is is born into this time of darkness, which paradoxically seems like light. For the sun shines the strongest, and it beats the hottest during these summer months. Is this darkness? And the answer is, Yes! The sun represents the forces of evil, which eclipse the light of the soul, the light of Hashem. This time is a time in which Hashem's light is blocked, and the forces of physicality are strongest. And here Yosef is born, and Yosef works behind the scenes, facing the darkness head on. Teaching us how we can do the same.

It is here at this time that we are aware of Yosef working behind the scenes, ever so subtly, ever so discreetly. And we can discern this work as it develops through the process of the sod ha'ibbur, as it gives birth nine months later to the twin months of Adar - the double portion of Yosef as the firstborn ox. This is the secret process that brings about forward movement in the advent of the age of Moshiach, may it come speedily in our days.

Yosef breaking the illusion

The amazing power of the sitra achra - the other side - is to bring us to believe that we need something that we do not; to have an experience of lack, to feel broken, when in reality we are whole. This is followed by the false belief that we can become whole through whatever it is that the sitra achra wants us to be drawn into. Walking into that illusion brings pain and a deeper sense of lack. We can keep grabbing at what looks like that which will fill the gap.

But it does not work.

Because the gap isn't real.

Yosef hatzadik recognizes the illusion. Potiphar's wife proves to him that they are destined to be together, to share progeny. She has every way of showing Yosef that they are meant for each other.

But Yosef just responds simply with the truth. How could I do such a thing? My master trusts me with his house, with everything in it. And you are his. This would be a sin to God.

It's really an illusion.

And through Yosef's challenge to the side of evil, his staunch integrity to what is truly real, he finds himself deeper in the bowels of evil - in the depths of the prison of Egypt. He resides with those that even the decadent Egyptians acknowledge as decadent! It seems that his commitment to truth has earned him nothing but more lies!

But there he stays for twelve years, with only the hope that was given him by a dream he had so many years before. A glimmer of the reality of the veracity of his moral and spiritual leadership. And he maintains his love and fidelity toward God, Whose name is constantly on his tongue.

And ultimately, this commitment to the truth paves the way for his salvation, and the salvation of Egypt and the entire world at the time... And the crowning achievement is his leadership for the Jewish people, who join him there, through the twists and turns of the path Hashem would have them walk.

Moshiach ben Yosef's job is no different than that of his forbear Yosef. He comes into a world that is morally and spiritually decadent, to shine the light of integrity and honor for God's name. He teaches love and truth. And remarkably, he is the one who brings a new world of prosperity into existence. Just as Yosef channeled the money of the world into the coffers of Egypt, which were under his sole control, so too, Moshiach ben Yosef will teach us how to use the wealth that is becoming more and more apparent in the world in its proper way.

We can see the wealth in Israel - Tzion - which is the gematria of Yosef. Whatever happens to Yosef happens to Tzion. We need but watch the evolution of Israel to see what is going on behind the scenes with Yosef. We can see the hatred of brothers raising a scepter of abuse and misunderstanding to mete out judgment on those who toil in their relationship with Hashem. "That which was, is that which shall be." The stories repeat themselves. The themes are the same, and even the characters in the stories are the same.

But the focus comes, and will come, from Moshiach ben Yosef. He has a dream that was dreamt so many years ago, for his dream is the same as Yosef himself. That dream is still waiting to be fulfilled. As we move through time, we get ever closer to the promised age of Moshiach. Hashem carries us through a process - for Yosef is about process; and process involves pain. We are to rise up from the ashes, from the bowels of the deepest, darkest spiritual depths. To find the light that was hidden away in the dream of a Yosef. That light inspires us even as we sit in darkness, and recognize that Hashem is our light.

Yosef's greatness is brought to the fore through the very challenges he faces. He is born in Tammuz, which is the beginning of the months of the summer, the months that Esav and the forces of evil that he represents have power. Yosef is that power that offsets the forces of evil, that ultimately destroys Amalek, who is the embodiment of that evil. And it is here, in Tammuz and Av - in the center of the destruction that was wrought by Esav, that Yosef finds himself. Still clinging to the dream. Watching the process unfold. Recognizing the light of God that begins to shine in the greatest darkness. Looking for love and forgiveness. Letting go of sadness and resentment. Looking past the differences and the hatred and the darkness. Seeing the light of God's goodness that is hidden within that which seems to be its opposite.

Moshiach podcast 13 - Secret of Thirteen

We uncover the secret of the thirteenth aspect. There is a higher aspect of it, which is represented by Yaacov, and a lower aspect, as it is revealed in the lower realms, which is represented by Yosef. We explore how this applies to the tribes and the leap year, why it is necessary, and what this means for the Moshiach ben Yosef process. We also explore why it is impossible to guess the date when Moshiach will reveal himself.

Here is the thirteenth Moshiach Podcast.

Running time: 37:29

Moshiach Podcast 12 - Seventy Years

What is the concept of seventy years in relationship to the Moshiach process? What is the meaning of the question of Choni Ha'me'agel about sleeping for seventy years? What is the parallel between this process and the planting of a Carob tree? What is the significance of our sages teaching of the star that comes every seventy years? How is this connected to the Moshiach ben Yosef process? We explore all these questions, and more in the 12th Moshiach podcast.

Running time: 32:05

Moshiach Podcast 11 - Moshiach NOW?

What do we mean when we ask for Moshiach to come quickly? It seems to have taken quite a long time. What is the sense of urgency that we see around us in those who are looking for Moshiach to come? Why is the advent of Moshiach specifically through a process? When does it become fast? What is the laughter of Moshiach? Why does Moshiach ben Yosef come to a generation which is completely in a negative state?

We explore all these questions, and more in the 11th Moshiach podcast.

Running time: 38:11

Tzav - Traversing Adar and Nissan

Why does the dedication of the sanctuary begin in Adar and finish in Nissan? Why does the creation of the world start in Adar and end in Nissan? What is the connection between Purim and Pesach? Why does Purim continue to be celebrated after Moshiach comes, whereas Pesach is not? What is the significance of Adar being connected to laughter, while Nissan is connected to speech? What is the meaning of the statement of our sages that the Mishkan will last forever? How does the Mishkan parallel Moshiach ben Yosef, while the Temple parallels Moshiach ben Dovid?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:54

Thoughts on Yosef on his birthday

Yosef was born and died on the first day of Tamuz. It was exactly nine months after he was conceived, which was on Rosh Hashana, as per the Gemara in Rosh Hashana, which explicitly states that Sarah, Rochel and Chana all conceived on Rosh Hashana. Rosh Hashana was the day that the first man was created, and it was the day he sinned, creating the need for a Moshiach ben Yosef to come to rectify that sin. Rosh Hashana is a day of potential for Moshiach ben Yosef, and it was that day that not only was Yosef conceived, but he also completed his difficult trials and was miraculously raised to the post of second in command to Paroh on this day. But that day was only the beginning for him. It was a point in time of completion of his potential, and a point in time of the beginning of the seed starting to strike root. It would take time for that potential to become actualized. At first, only the Egyptian people knew of his greatness and humility. He ruled over them with great wisdom and concern for their welfare. This care became apparent as he continued to rule in his humble manner. It would be a significant amount of time until he would rule over his family, the children of Israel, and reveal himself to them. Only in the end would he finally reveal himself to his father. Similarly, it can be surmised that Rosh Hashana is a significant day for Moshiach ben Yosef. It is a day of potential being actualized, and it is a day that is the beginning of a greater revelation.

It is significant to note that Yosef's conception both for his birth and for beginning his role as leader occurred outside of the land of Israel. The trials that would lead him to Egypt began in Israel with his brothers selling him, but the main bulk of his trials and rise to greatness were outside of Israel. This would seem to coincide with the idea that Moshiach sits at the gates of Rome - this means that since Moshiach ben Yosef's purpose is to rectify the fall of Adam, so he enters into the physical realm, the darkest places, the depths of physicality and distance from Hashem, in order to bring everything back to its former state of perfection and equality. Interestingly, Yosef's first interaction with Esav was when Yakov and his family were returning from Lavan's house, on their way to Israel. It would be interesting to explore where that interaction took place, whether it was in Israel itself, or not.

It is interesting to note that Yosef Hatzadik was not born in a leap year. This is clear from the fact that he was born on the first of Tamuz, which is nine months after Rosh Hashana - without the leap month of a second Adar. This would seem to indicate the concept that when Yosef is in potential mode, he comes into the crass world we exist within - but in a very inconspicuous way. He is not born in a leap year where his presence is clear, where the idea of the 'ibbur' - the bringing down of the higher dimension - is apparent. Just as the Maharsha says that Yosef does his work in Av - in the month that Esav/Satan believes he has control, so too, Yosef enters the world in this secretive manner, with no show of glitter or glamor. His entire essence is pure humility. His brothers are even unaware that Yosef is leading them to their tikkun. He accomplishes his goal with the cover of darkness. His goal is never greatness or grandeur. His leadership is only a means to a pure end - to connect the people of Israel, and all of mankind, to their Creator. When that is the goal, there is no room for ego. Yosef excelled in this area, and was a paragon of egolessness, of pure recognition that everything is from Hashem, and his talent was given to him to serve mankind.

יהי זכרו ברוך

Chukas - Sweetening judgments

Why does the mitzvah of the red heifer immediately follow the accusation against Aharon of being unworthy? why must it be completely red? What does the color red represent? Why is it specifically a cow? What is the significance of the involvement of the Kohen in this process? Why does he become impure as the person who is impure becomes purified? Why does the process take seven days? Why is it completely burnt? What is the concept of impurity from coming in contact with the dead? What is the connection to the concept of learning Torah? What does it mean that a person can only acquire Torah if he 'kills himself' over the Torah? What is the connection to Yosef?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 20:37