order of parshiyyot

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  1. Of Death and Defilement (Audio)

    Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 19 minutes

    Tazria, a parsha dealing with various cases of impurity as they pertain to the Mikdash, may appear to begin an interruption - why doesn't “Acharei Mot” come right after Shemini, the preceding (and related) narrative? This shiur argues that Tazria is a natural continuation to Shemini, presenting the proper way for priests to engage with God, tum'a and tahara and encounters with death.

  2. The Juxtaposition of Parashot in Vayelekh and their Significance [audio]

    Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot | 16 minutes

    What can the order and content of the various sections of Parashat Vayelekh teach us about the complementary roles of routine and novelty in our relationship with God? We examine the peculiarity of Hakhel, raise questions and attempt to answer them, such as: why is it only mentioned in Sefer Devarim, and why does everyone have to attend? We look at Hakhel as a reenactment of the Revelation at Har Sinai, view the tasks of the Leviim as an extension of Ki Tisa, and examine the appointment of Yehoshua. We explore connections between Parashat Vayelekh and the story of Eliyahu at Mount Carmel and his return to Mount Sinai (Horev), along with the command to appoint Elisha. Messages about leadership and cohesion of Am Yisrael emerge.

  3. Short Thoughts on Ki Tavo - Rebuke without Consolation?

    Rabbi Ezra Bick | 5 minutes

    Most of Parshat Ki Tavo is composed of the Tokhekha -the rebuke and the curses detailing what will happen if Bnei Yisrael do not keep the Divine Covenant. In many ways, the rebuke in this parsha is less harsh than the rebuke in Behukotai, but in Behukotai (in the book of Vayikra) there is also consolation at the end. In our parsha, there is no consolation – though next week’s parsha does contain consolation.

    Is there some meaning and educational or religious purpose in the division of the parshiyyot such that our parsha ends in the midst of despair? Perhaps the answer is connected to the time of year wherein this Parsha is read. A situation wherein we contemplate the dire situation for a while, and then receive a glimmer of hope, can be a catalyst for teshuva and growth.