Korbanot – idolatry related or not?
There are three seemingly contradictory reasons brought by Rambam for the commandments regarding sacrifices. In Moreh Nevuchim (The Guide for the Perplexed) he purports two different reasons. Firstly, he states that the sacrificial service is the product of the need for a…
Thoughts on Pesach and Aliyat Regel
What a wonderful sight it must have been; all of Am Yisarel gathering before the Chag of Pesach in Yerushalayim! Before Pesach, untold numbers of Am Yisrael, would gird their loins and ascend to Yerushalyim in fulfilment of the Torah’s…
Child Sacrifice!
Have you ever wondered what is the best part of the Torah to start to teach your child? The obvious start would be at the beginning – Bereishit, or perhaps you would prefer to start it with the first mitzvah…
Parasha Insights
“Who does G-d speak to?’ “And He called to Moses, and the Lord spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying.”(Vayikra, 1, 1) Where did the voice of G-d emanate from? “I will speak with you from … between the two cherubim that…
‘The Jewish Guide to Survival’
On my most recent family walk in the Lake District, we came across the statue of a Border Collie dog named ‘Ruswarp’ with a plaque describing this heroic dog’s loyalty to its master, Mr Nuttell. The two greatly enjoyed walking…
Capturing the blessing in this world!
From a young age we are taught that this world offers reward and punishment. Eat well, listen to your parents, receive good exam results and you will be granted fantastic rewards. Yet failure at school, not listening to peers and…
