Tzav - Expansion Within Constriction

Why are all of the Jewish people gathered at the entrance of the Tabernacle, and how do they all fit in such a small space? What is the significance of the fact that the first example of 'a great amount fitting in a small space' is during Creation when the primordial waters are gathered? What is the significance of each of the other examples the midrash brings - gathering to receive the Torah at Mount Sinai, water from the rock, between the staves of the Ark, and in the future when all the nations gather to serve God in Jerusalem?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:14

Vayikra - Special Nation

What is the reason for the Jewish people's 'special nation' status? Why does the midrash stress this so much right here at the beginning of Vayikra with the founding of the Tabernacle? Why was it so important for the nations of the world that the Tabernacle be protected? Why were the nations unable to receive the Torah at any level at that time? What will change in the future when 'the honor of Hashem will be revealed to all flesh?'

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running Time: 26:27

Pekudei - Counting Toward Unity

Why does the Torah speak of the 'counting' of the Tabernacle, and then speak of the Tabernacle as the 'tent of testimony?' How do the concepts of counting and testimony relate? What is the significance of the word 'these' in this context? Why did the Jewish people receive 'crowns' when they accepted the Torah upon themselves? Why is the root of the word 'crowns' in this context the same as the word for 'witnesses?' Why do the bold letters in the sentence of Shema - 'hear O Israel' -spell the word 'witness?' What is the connection between hearing and testimony? Why is the word 'these' also used in the context of ingathering of the exiles?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:45

Vayakhel - Names of Godliness

What is the significance of the lineage of Betzalel - that he is the son of Uri, the son of Chur, and that he comes from the tribe of Judah? Why does the midrash state that the merit for the creation of world and its continued existence is in the merit of the Jewish people - it would seem that the world exists purely out of God's love? What does it mean that all of the hosts of the heavens have a single name, even as they all have individual names? What does it mean that this is also true in regards to human beings?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:20