Jason Behar's Page

Vayikra

In this week's parsha we begin discussing the laws of korbanot (sacrifices).

Firstly, why were these sacrifices able to atone for our sins (see: 1;4)?

Secondly, Rashi (2;1) states: "Hashem said, although the poor man's offering is modest, I consider it on his behalf, as if he offered his soul." Why did Hashem only consider it as though the poor offered their souls--surely the offerings of the wealthy were greater!?!

Lastly,… Continue

Vayakhel/Pekudei

The Torah (38;8) states: "He made the Kiyyor of copper and its pedestal of copper, with the mirrors of the women who congregated at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting."

Rashi (38;8) relates: "The daughters of Israel had in their possession copper mirrors which they would look into when they would beautify themselves. Even those mirrors they did not withhold from bringing for the contribution toward the Mishkan. But Moshe rejected them… Continue

Ki Tisa

In this week's parsha the nation of Israel commit the grave sin of the Golden Calf.

This sin was so serious that the Gemara (Sanhedrin, 102a) states: "There is no punishment that comes upon Israel which does not have in it some retribution for the sin of the golden calf."

Once Moshe descended the mountain and became aware of their sin he went to seek forgiveness from Hashem on behalf of the nation.

The

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Purim

Purim is all about unity...

The Megillah (Megillat Esther, 3;9) tells us that Haman was willing to give up 10,000 talents of

… Continue

Tetzaveh

This week's parsha discusses all of the garments worn by the cohanim (priests) during their service.

The Gemara (Zevachim, 88b) states that all of the vestments worn by the cohanim atoned for sins; The tunic atoned for murder, the trousers for sexual license, the turban atoned for haughtiness, the belt for impure thoughts, the breastplate for misjudgment, the eipho… Continue