Acharei Mos - Biding the Time

Why is the concept of the Avodah-service of the High Priest on Yom Kippur sandwiched between the death of Nadav and Avihu and the forbidden relationships? What does the midrash mean when it says Nadav and Avihu wanted the 'old guys' to move on so they could take over? What is the concept of 'sustaining the eyes' by viewing a spiritual experience in the wrong time? Why does the midrash use a similar language in talking about what is lost by looking at things forbidden? Why is it that the result of not 'sustaining the eyes' inappropriately is that one receives a revelation of the Divine presence?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.
Running time: 20:43

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

Yom Kippur - Renewing Commitment

Why is the death of Nadav and Avihu the preface to the High Priest's service on Yom Kippur? How does one relate to the transgressions one has done, and the distance he has created between himself and God? How does one use the power of commitment to move past the 'seven falls' and 'stand up?'

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 19:14

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

Acharei-Kedoshim - Balancing Spiritual and Physical

Why does the Torah preface the avodah of Yom Kippur with the mention of the death Aharon's sons, Nadav and Avihu? Why does the high priest keep changing his garments during his service on Yom Kippur? If the white garments represent absolute humility, why doesn't he wear them the whole time? If the gold garments represent judgment, why does he wear them at all? Why does the high priest fluctuate in his service between the Holy of Holies and the main area of the sanctuary? What is the concept of Koach Hamoshech - the pulling force, and koach hamachriach - the pushing force? How does one bring these into balance?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 19:43

Shmini - Accessing the Transcendent

What is the depth of the idea of the loss of the students of R' Akiva between Pesach and Shavuos? Why do Nadav and Avihu die during the great joy of the dedication of the Mishkan? What was the significance of the fact that they did not ask Moshe and Aharon for advice? What is the aspect of the eighth day? And the count to fifty? What is the secret aspect of humility that nullifies everything and allows one access to the realm of fifty, the realm of eight, the world of Beriyah, the world of the throne, a world beyond time, a world of love and perfection?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:14

Shmini - Simcha and sadness

What is the connection between the joy of the first of Nissan and Hashem's joy with the creation of the world? Why was the joy of the mishkan marred with a remembrance of the Golden Calf with Aharon's offering? Why did they have a sacrifice at this point that atoned for the sale of Yosef? Why did the Shechina only come into the mishkan as a result of Aharon's service, but not with the service of Moshe of the previous seven days? Why was the incredible joy of the mishkan's dedication marred by the deep loss of Aharon's sons?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 16:42

Shemini - True leadership

What was the sin of Nadav and Avihu? What was their motivation to bring this fire into the holy of holies? Didn't they know this place was only for the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur? Why is their death the introduction for the order of the Yom Kippur service? Why was it such a grave sin that they didn't consult with one another before bringing this fire? What is the connection to R' Akiva's students and their deaths?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.