Be Cause by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Among the beloved articles in the Sanctuary was the menorah. The menorah was lit daily and represented the “Ner Tamid,” the eternal flame of the Jewish people. Interestingly, the command to donate oil to fuel the menorah is given twice, once in the Parsha of Titzaveh (Shimos 27:20), and more »

Passing the Torch by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Among the mitzvos in this week’s parsha is the mitzvah to light the menorah. “Command the Jewish people and they should take oil …” What is striking is that we already encountered this very mitzvah previously in Parshas Titzaveh. Why does the Torah repeat this mitzvah? The commentaries more »

Reigning on the parade The Medrash on this week’s parsha tells us that among the revelations that were revealed to Moshe, was, “Each generation and its wise people; each generation and its leaders.” Then the Medrash adds something that seems peculiar. The Medrash says that he was also shown, “Each generation and its wicked ones; more »

The Relationship of a Lifetime by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The Kohein/ Jewish priest was an important person in Jewish life. He was a mentor, a role model, and the one who brought the offerings in the Beis Hamikdash. A person was able, and encouraged, to develop a relationship with a Kohein. But for all the more »

The Shabbos Elevator by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine When the Torah describes the Sanctuary offerings it states an interesting rule. “From eight days on an animal will be accepted.” The Medrash explains that the requirement to wait eight days is so that every animal should first greet the Shabbos before being offered to G-d. The Medrash more »