The month of Nissan was chosen as the first month of the lunar calendar year because that is when G-d instructed Moshe in the laws determining that Rosh Chodesh is at the first appearance of the moon. Nissan holds a special place for G-d, since in this month He freed His nation from Egypt and …
Tag: Tazria
Sep 27
Renewal With the Moon
(Torah Portion Tazria) Renewal With the Moon Every year, on the Shabbos before Rosh Chodesh Nisan, we read an additional segment from a second Torah scroll. In this portion, G-d commanded Moshe to sanctify the new month with the appearance of the new moon. This command was issued while the Jews were still in Egypt …
Sep 27
The Consequence of the Spoken Word
(Torah Portion Tazria/Metzorah) The Consequence of the Spoken Word We are all aware of the ill effects of slander, bad mouthing, defaming, insulting, spreading rumors, and name-calling, and that they can devastate people’s lives. The Torah demands that we be sensitive to the feelings of others and prohibits all of the above – even when …
Sep 27
Remedying Envy
(Torah Portion Tazria/Metzorah) Remedying Envy! As the Second World War was raging and the inevitable assault and capture was approaching, many Jews hid their valuables in the hope that if they survived, they would be able to retrieve their money, wealth and family heirlooms. As we know, most of them did not have the fortune …
Sep 27
House, Clothing and Skin
(Torah Portion Tazria) House, Clothing and Skin The Torah in this week’s portion speaks about Tzoraas – various skin blemishes that develop on parts of one’s body. A Kohain – priest – is the one who determines if it is indeed Tzoraas. If it is Tzoraas, the person is banished from society. He must live …
Sep 27
World Peace
(Torah Portion Tazria/Metzora) World Peace! King Solomon states in the Book of Proverbs, “Life and death lay in the power of speech.” Today, more so than anytime in history we see the power of the spoken or typed word. We clearly see that one can either be catapulted into instantaneous fame, or more often, one’s …
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