Chukas - Pure From Impure

Why is the Red Heifer specifically red? Why must it be completely burnt? How is it that the one involved in preparing it becomes impure, and yet it causes those who use it to become pure? What is the depth behind the midrash's statement that numerous great people were the progeny of individuals who were wicked? What is the idea behind a chok - statute law? Why is there this type of law that we can not understand? Why is the methodology of our sages one of questioning? How is the word chok - law - related to chakak - sculpting or engraving?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:41

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

Behaaloscha - Holiness Amidst Impurity

In this week's parsha podcast, we study the lesson of R' Nosson on the verses which speak about the Pesach Sheni - the second chance at bringing the Passover sacrifice, which was revealed through the request of those who were impure, and therefore unable to bring the Pesach sacrifice in its correct time. This is an analogy to how we can call out to God from wherever we are, even if we are mired in darkness and impurity.

Running time: 15:59

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