Weekly Parsha Thoughts

Acharei Mos-Kedoshim

Parshas Acharei Mos and Kedoshim discuss the aveiros of immoral relations. In Parshas Acharei Mos it states ותקא הארץ את יושביה and the land will throw up its dwellers. Onkelos translates ותקא as “empty out.” Also it states ולא תקיא הארץ אתכם…...
Read More

Tazria-Metzora

The Gemara brings that leprosy could come for seven possible reasons. One reason mentioned is for having a צרת עין, for being stingy. This is derived from the passuk which states ובא אשר לו הבית and he will come, that which the...
Read More

Vayakhel-Pekudei

The passuk states that the kiyor, water basin, and its base were built “במראות הצובאות.” What does this refer to? Rashi brings from Rebi Tanchuma: in Mitzrayim the Jewish women had mirrors which they used to decorate themselves for their husbands. The...
Read More

Ki Sisa

The passuk states: Hashem says to Moshe ועתה הניחה לי… ואכלם and now “leave” Me… and I will destroy them. Similarly in Parshas Eikev it states הרף ממני ואשמידם “loosen up from Me” and I will destroy them. Onkelos translates both הניחה...
Read More

Tetzaveh

The passuk states “And the sanctified clothes of Aharon shall be for his sons after him למשחה בהם” which Onkelos translates as “to make them great.” Also Onkelos translates שמן המשחה as “the oil of greatness.” What does “greatness” reflect? Rashi explains...
Read More

Teruma

The passuk states ויקחו לי תרומה. Rashi explains “they shall separate for My sake.” Onkelos translates differently, “and they shall separate before Me a separation.” Further on in the parsha it states ועשו לי מקדש. Rashi explains “and they shall make a...
Read More