Function of the Kohanim

Found 15 Search results

1. Kohanim and Israel

   Prof. Jonathan Grossman

   This article discusses the status of an Israelite in relation to the work performed by the kohanim, based on the duality of Parashat Vayikra and Parashat Tzav.

2. Each Man His Fire Pan: On The Deaths of Nadav and Avihu (Audio)

   Rabbi Chanoch Waxman |

   This shiur looks at the tragic death of Nadav and Avihu, and explores possible explanations for their death. More than merely straying into the precinct at the wrong time, it seems that they may have had fatal misconceptions what it means to function as a priest, and that they had fundamentally misunderstood the connection between coming close and attention to the Divine command.

3. Parshat Shemini

   Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 36 minutes

   Why is the Torah unclear about the cause of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu? What is the reason for God's harsh reaction? How are we to understand the tragic event? Examining the story within its larger context provides answers to these questions, and teaches us about the function of the Kohanim as facilitators of God's presence in the world.

4. Darosh Darash

   Rabbi Ezra Bick

   In the immediate aftermath of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu there is a puzzling vague incident involving Moshe and Aharon regarding eating of sacrifices. What is happening in the story and what are the reasons behind it? By closely examining the story we can understand it in a new light, and also appreciate its application to the relationship between God and Am Yisrael.  

5. The Finger of God

   Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 41 minutes

   How do we understand the affliction of tzara'at? Why are the laws of tzara'at placed in the middle of Sefer Vayikra? By closely reading the text and noticing parallels in the story of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, we can learn about the uniqueness of tzara'at as a supernatural affliction that comes from God, and the role of the Kohanim in distinguishing between tum'ah and tahara.   

6. Urim and Tumim- What is their Significance?

   Rabbi Daniel Wolf

   תאריך פרסום: תשע"ב | |

   In this shiur, we take a closer look at the mysterious Urim ve-Tumim. What are they? Why do they have a double name? What is their purpose? Strangely, it appears that there is no explicit command to make them, yet their presence is assumed by the Torah, and they seem to play a significant role when leaders call for the kohanim to advise them about decisions to make.

7. Ramban on Shoftim - Does Jewish Society Exist in Chutz LaAretz?

   Rabbi Ezra Bick | 12 minutes

   This shiur looks at the mitzva of setting up courts as it appears in Parashat Shoftim. The Torah presents the setting up of courts as a sequential next step after settling in the Land of Israel, and commands people to follow the instructions of the judges and kohanim. Ramban distinguishes between the mitzva’s application in the land as opposed to elsewhere, during the exile. Are we commanded to set up courts in Jewish communities outside of Israel? One would expect that the rule of law is important anywhere. But in the Land of Israel, especially with the Mikdash at the center and the central court adjacent to it, the full potential of the Jewish community can be realized, and the courts can be set up as a firmly established institution, as opposed to an ad hoc basis.

8. The Vision of the Future Temple

   Part 2 - More Concealment than Revelation

   Dr. Tova Ganzel

   The description of the Temple and the city, has some concrete and precise elements, but at the very same time, lacks some very central details.  

   According to Yehezkel's prophecy, the changes in this Temple include not only the outer structure of the edifice, but also fundamental difference in who enters it. This change relates both to the measure of access afforded the people, but also the division of roles among the various leaders of the nation, and the degree to which they are connected to the Temple.

   The impression arising from Yehezkel’s prophecy is that the Temple is not a spiritual center for the entire nation. The Temple serves the kohanim and leviim, who perform their service within it as representatives of the people, while the only roles that are given to the people are the auxiliary functions and appearances: funding of the sacrifices, prostration, and a partial view of the Divine service.

9. The Laws of Sacrifices

   Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin Nun

   What is the role of the Kohen when it comes to bringing sacrifices? Through a close examination of the text we can understand the goal of the Kohanim as the teachers of Am Yisrael, and how this relates to the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot. 

10. Emor: The Joys of a Kohen

    Rabbi Jay Kelman

11. Emor - Perplexing Limits on Different Types of Kohanim

    Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell

    תאריך פרסום: תשס"ט | | 15 minutes

    Not knowing the answers doesn’t mean we should shy away from the questions. What do we do when the value system by which we live doesn’t see to correspond to a value that seemingly appears in the Torah?

    Kohanim with disabilities are not to serve in the Beit Hamikdash. They are Kohanim who are not allowed to sacrifice offernings, but they are allowed to partake in the eating which is exclusive to Kohanim. What does this mean, and why are these partial limitations in place?

    As we grapple with the question, we examine the role of kohanim and gain insight into the roles and significance of priesthood, prophecy, and monarchy, all of which are somewhat arbitrary and not available options to the majority of people. The Kohanim function as the vessels for the sacrifices of the nation. This paradigm may help us to better understand the limitations of the priesthood.

12. Emor: The Right Balance

    Rabbi Jay Kelman

13. Ezra Arrives on the Scene

    Rabbi Tzvi Sinensky

    Ezra chapter 7 finally introduces us to Ezra himself. During the reign of Artaxerxes, Ezra led a group of Jews on aliya. Ezra is referred to as both Kohen and scholar. There is particular emphasis on the role of the priestly teacher in the works of Shivat Tzion. This represents a larger shift away from charismatic priestly and prophetic roles toward an emphasis on Torah. The fact that Ezra is identified as a Kohen without reference to the Temple service accentuates the transition underway.

    Whereas in the opening section of Ezra, the only form of worship practiced by the Jews is that of sacrifice, Ezra ushers in a new emphasis on Torah study and observance. This shift foreshadows the revolution on which Ezra was about to embark.

    Ezra deflects credit from himself toward God. This theme of hashgacha – that while God no longer performs open miracles, He nonetheless profoundly influences world events – pervades the literature of Shivat Tzion. While prophecy may be waning, divine inspiration remains, so too God continues to guide earthly events.

    Absolute divine clarity is declining. In that vacuum, divinely-inspired personal reminisces rise to the fore.

14. Parshat Korach Part 5: The Obligation and Rights of the Kohanim

    Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 24 minutes

    This podcast deals with the various rights and obligations that govern the Kohanim and Leviim, and discusses the gifts of Teruma that are given to the Kohanim.  

    Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com

15. …To the priest in charge at that time

    Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky