Shoftim - Charity and Justice

Why does the verse imply that Justice and Charity are greater than bringing sacrifices in the Temple? In what ways are they indeed greater? Why did King David rejoice when his scoffers expressed their wish that 'the temple be built' when it meant the end of his own life? How did King David perform justice and charity? Why does the medrash refer to his charity and justice, while a similar account in the Gemara (Talmud) refers to his Torah learning?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:50

Tzav - Finding Peace

What is the concept of the korbanos-sacrifices? How does the study of Torah assure the Jewish people that they need not fear the heaviness of the idea of the sacrifices? What is the concept of the Shelamim-Peace sacrifice? Why does the concept of Peace always come last? What is the depth of the importance of peace? How does peace relate to the concept of the korbanos-sacrifices?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:03

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

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

Tzav - Purity of Intent

Why is Aharon's name not mentioned in the commands to the Kohanim until the olah sacrifice is commanded? Why does Hashem specifically desire Aharon's service despite his involvement in the sin of the Golden Calf? Why does one midrash seem to imply that Aharon must be forgiven, while the other seems to imply that Hashem saw his good intent all along?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 18:26

Vayikra - Prayer and sacrifice

What is the concept of the sacrifices? What is the connection between sacrifice and prayer? Why are both of these concepts called 'avodah' - service? What is the difference between service of Hashem and the service of idolatry? What is the deeper reason why the sacrifices were completely consumed by the body with no waste, like the manna?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 30:19

Vayikra - Expansion in Limitation

What is the deeper meaning of the concept of the korbanos? How does the sacrifice of animals enhance our relationship with Hashem? Why was Noach able to bring all the Kosher animals as sacrifices, whereas the Jewish people were limited to domesticated animals like cows and sheep? What is the deeper meaning of Hashem's call to Moshe, and why does it preface the concept of Korbanos? What is the significance of the fact that Moshe could originally communicate with Hashem in all places, but once the Mishkan was built, he was limited to communicating with Hashem there?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.