Podcasts about Aharon

Thoughts on the social-history of rabbinic literature: How come some seforim take-off (like the Tur), while others remain obscure, despite their quality?

Full TorahAnytime Lecture Video or Audio More classes from R' Aharon Pessin ⭐ 2,667

This class explores why the Torah sometimes presents events out of chronological order, focusing on Parshas Ekev. It discusses the juxtaposition of Aharon's passing with the breaking of the Luchas, and draws lessons from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak's self-sacrifice for Torah. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/005_devarim/003_eikev/001

Chullin 89 : Marc Chipkin : 2026-07-28 The humility displayed by Avraham, Moshe, Aharon, and David when they obtained greatness. The ashes of a destroyed idolatrous city. Gid hanashe applies to sacrificial animals.

התוכן נת' בהתוועדות קודמת בשיטת רש"י בפשש"מ, שענני הכבוד שהיו בזכות אהרן לא חזרו אחר הסתלקותו, כי יכלו להסתדר בלעדיהם. (משא"כ העננים שהיו הכרחיים להריגת נחשים ועקרבים וכיו"ב). ושאלו ע"ז הרי (גם) ענני הכבוד היו הכרחיים, וכמ"ש [בראשון דפ' עקב] "שמלתך לא בלתה וגו'" ופרש"י: "שמלתך לא בלתה, ענני כבוד היו שפים בכסותם ומגהצים אותם כמין כלים מגוהצים, ואף קטניהם כמו שהיו גדלים הי' גדל לבושן עמהם, כלבוש הזה של חומט שגדל עמו"?! הנה "גיהוץ השמלות" ע"י העננים לא הי' הכרחי אלא ענין של כבוד: 1) כמו שהאשה יכלה לתפור כפתור שנפל, יכלה לגהץ את השמלות! 2) הרי יצאו ממצרים עם כמות עצומה של "שמלות", ויכלו להחליף את השמלות שבלאו. 3) יכלו לקנות בגדים כשעברו במסעם במקומות ישוב. ובנוגע להענין ש"גדל לבושן עמהם", הרי לא העננים פעלו זה אלא "כלבוש הזה של חומט שגדל עמו" מצ"ע!ב' חלקים משיחת ליל חמשה עשר באב ה'תשל"ט ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=26-07-2026 Synopsis It was discussed during the previous farbrengen that according to Rashi, according to the plain meaning of Chumash, the Clouds of Glory (which came in Aharon's merit and which served to honor the Jewish people) did not return after Aharon's passing because they were not essential. (Unlike the clouds that killed the snakes and scorpions etc., which were essential.) The question was asked: Seemingly, the Clouds of Glory also served an essential purpose, as the verse states (at the beginning of parashas Ekev), “Your garment did not wear out…,” on which Rashi explains: “The Clouds of Glory would rub their clothes  and press them as is done with laundered clothes, and even their young, as they grew, their clothes grew with them like a turtle's ‘clothing' [i.e. its shell] which  grows with it.” The obvious answer is that wearing pressed garments was not essential, but merely a matter of honor, for the following reasons: (1) After the clouds departed, the women had the option of pressing the garments themselves if they wished. (2) We know that the Jewish people took an enormous quantity of clothing with them when the left Egypt. Therefore, if any clothing became worn out after the departure of the Clouds of Glory, they could be replaced by those additional clothes taken from Egypt. (3) The Jewish people had the option of buying new clothing from the inhabited areas they passed by on their journey. As for the issue of the clothing growing with the children, Rashi states clearly that it was like the growth of a turtle's shell, which happens on its own – it had nothing to do with clouds.2 excerpts from sichah of Tuesday night, 15 Menachem-Av 5739 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=26-07-2026 לע”נ הרה"ח ר' ראובן ב"ר תנחום וזוגתו מרת רבקה בת ר' יחיאל זלמן ע"ה דונין ליום היארצייט שלהם י"א מנחם-אב. ‏ת.נ.צ.ב.ה.נדבת בני משפחתם שיחיו*לע”נ מרת לונה בת ר' אברהם הכהן ע"ה אבן חיים ליום היארצייט שלה י"א מנחם-אב. ת.נ.צ.ב.ה.נדבת בנה ר' אברהם שי' אבן חיים

durée : 00:32:17 - Talmudiques - par : Marc-Alain Ouaknin - Marc-Alain Ouaknin dialogue avec Renée Adjiman et Valérie Pera Guillot. - équipe : Alexandra Malka Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France

When Hashem first called Moshe Rabbeinu to lead Klal Yisrael, Moshe did not merely say that speaking was difficult for him. He declared, “I am not a man of words.” Yet forty years later, Moshe's final contribution to the Torah begins: “These are the words that Moshe spoke.”How did Moshe transform from someone who needed Aharon to serve as his mouth into the man who gave us an entire Sefer Devarim?In this shiur, delivered at Mishmar on NCSY Kollel, Rav Burg explores why speech is central to what it means to be human, how Torah helps us discover and articulate our deepest selves, and why finding your voice is not about becoming a public speaker. It is about uncovering the unique truth Hashem placed within you—and developing the courage to bring it into the world.Moshe began with someone else speaking for him. He ended by speaking words that continue to shape Klal Yisrael. That is not merely Moshe's story. It is the journey of every human being.

התוכן 1) בנוגע לכמה ענינים נחשב ר"ח ליום-טוב, ובמיוחד ר"ח של "חודש החמישי" שבו "צום החמישי" עפמ"ש "צום החמישי .. יהי' .. לששון ולשמחה ולמועדים טובים". וכיון שהירידה ד"צום החמישי" היא ירידה הכי גדולה מבין כל הד' צומות שנזכרו בפסוק זה, מובן שגם העלי' שעי"ז היא עלי' הכי גדולה‏ – ‏העלי' דבנין בהמ"ק השלישי. וכדי למהר א"ז יש להוסיף ב"מעשינו ועבודתינו" ובפרט בענינים הקשורים לט' הימים. 2) ר"ח מנ"א הוא יום ההסתלקות של אהרן הכהן שהאריך ימים יותר מ-120 שנה, ועפמ"ש "הוי מתלמידיו של אהרן"‏ – ‏יומשך לכאו"א אריכות ימים ושנים טובות כפשוטו, נשמות בגופים וכו', ויה"ר שע"י ההחלטות בענינים אלו תבוא הגאולה תיכף ומיד ממש! ועוד‏.‏ב' חלקים משיחת אור ליום ד' דפ' דברים, ר"ח מנחם-אב ה'תשמ"ט ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=14-07-2026 Synopsis (1) In a number of ways, Rosh Chodesh is considered like a Yom Tov, especially Rosh Chodesh of the fifth month, which contains the “Fast of the Fifth Month,” which will be transformed “into joy and gladness and happy festivals.” Since the descent associated with the Fast of the Fifth Month is the greatest descent among the four fasts mentioned in the verse, it is understood that the ascent resulting from it is likewise the greatest ascent – namely, the building of the third Beis Hamikdash. In order to hasten it, one should increase in “our deeds and our service,” especially in matters pertaining to the Nine Days. (2) Rosh Chodesh Menachem-Av is the day of yom hilula of Aharon HaKohen, who lived more than 120 years. Since the Mishna says, “Be among the disciples of Aharon,” this should bring long life and good years for every Jew in the literal sense, as souls in bodies etc. May it be Hashem's will that the positive resolutions taken in these matters bring the Redemption immediately, literally right now!2 excerpts from sichah of Tuesday night, parashas Devarim, Rosh Chodesh Menachem-Av 5749 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=14-07-2026 לזכות פרימא בת פריידא שתחי' ליום ההולדת שלה כ"ט תמוז - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות*לזכות מושקא תחי' יוניק ליום ההולדת שלה כ"ט תמוז - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובותנדבת הורי' ר' דוד וזוגתו מרת חנה שיחיו יוניק

Full TorahAnytime Lecture Video or Audio More classes from R' Aharon Pessin ⭐ 2,646

התוכן בהמשך למ"ש בפ' מסעי [בשני דפ' מסעי] ע"ד מיתת אהרן נאמר "וישמע הכנעני מלך ערד וגו'", ופרש"י: "למדך שמיתת אהרן היא השמועה שנסתלקו ענני הכבוד וכסבור שנתנה רשות להלחם בישראל". הטעם שרש"י לא מפרש מתי חזרו ענני הכבוד, וכמו בנוגע לבארה של מרים מובא בתורה שלאחרי מיתתה "לא הי' מים לעדה" וחזרו ע"י הכאת משה על הסלע וכו', כי אדרבה‏ – ‏מזה שהפסוק לא רומז בשום מקום שענני הכבוד חזרו לאחרי מיתת אהרן, ורש"י לא מביא מ"ש גמרא ש"כולם חזרו בזכות משה", מוכח שלפי פשש"מ אכן לא חזרו! והטעם‏ שלא חזרו הוא ‏כי לא הי' עוד צורך בהם!‏ – ‏לא להגן עליהם 1) מפני חום השמש מכיון שמיתת אהרן היתה בשנת הארבעים בר"ח אב, בסמיכות לזמן ש"תשש כחה של חמה"! 2) מפני אוה"ע מכיון שגם בלי העננים ייראו אוה"ע מפניהם. 3) מדברים המזיקים מכיון שכבר יצאו מן המדבר ועמדו ב"עבר הירדן מזרחה". 4) ובכלל, העננים "דאגו" גם לדברים שבעתיד "הענן הולך לפניהם ומשוה את ההרים"‏.‏ג' חלקים משיחת מוצש"פ מטו"מ ה'תשל"ט ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=09-07-2026 Synopsis On the verse, “And the Canaanite king of Arad heard…,” Rashi explains: “This teaches you that what he heard about was the death of Aharon, for the Clouds of Glory departed, and he thought that permission had been granted to wage war against the Jewish people.” The reason Rashi doesn't address the question of when the Clouds of Glory returned (unlike Miriam's well, which returned after Moshe struck the rock etc.) is because here it is understood from the plain meaning of the verses that that the Clouds did not return. The reason they did not return is that they were no longer needed: (1) The people did not need protection from the sun's heat, because Aharon's passing occurred on Rosh Chodesh Av, when “the sun's strength weakens.” (2) They did not need protection from the other nations because by now, after the defeat of the king of Arad and Sichon and Og etc., the nations feared the Jewish people even without the Clouds. (3) They did not need protection from the dangerous desert creatures because they had already left the desert, and were now on the eastern side of the Jordan river. (4) In general, the clouds also provided for their future needs (for example, by leveling the mountains ahead of them).3 excerpts from sichah of Motzaei Shabbos parashas Matos-Masei 5739 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=09-07-2026

Moshe's Hesped for Aharon teaches us an important lesson.

MATOS- MASEICan't We All Get Along?This weeks Torah reading contains a striking anomaly: the Torah records the precise date of Aharon's death - the first of Av -even though his passing was already described in Parashas Chukas without any date.The Rebbe explains this is deliberate: the Torah wants us to encounter Aharon's yahrtzeit at the moment we read this parashah, which always falls around Rosh Chodesh Av. The message is urgent -because the cause of the Beis Hamikdash's destruction, baseless hatred, is the exact disease that Aharon's life was the cure for.Aharon was defined by a relentless, boundary-crossing pursuit of unity. He would visit quarreling parties separately, tell each one that the other was heartbroken and ashamed, and dissolve the hatred between them. More strikingly, he would greet known sinners warmly and publicly -well beyond what halacha requires -because he understood that a person is always greater than his worst behavior. As the Tanya puts it: both responses are simultaneously true -hatred toward the evil in a person, and love toward the divine spark that remains within him.

While the word is used in association with the gentle Aharon, it is also used with the "aggressive" Pinchas. What is it's true definition and reality?

Bamidbar Rabba (Pinchas) 21:1- like his grandfather Aharon, albeit with a different approach, Pinchas promoted peace.

Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: This is the audio version of the 4-page article I wrote and published on rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/ on 6/25/26 titled: Chukas: Three Radical Takes on the Sin of Moshe and Aharon. There are over a dozen theories about which sin barred Moshe and Aharon from leading the people into the Land. Here are three relatively unknown approaches from three relatively unknown commentaries.-----The Torah Content for the month of Tammuz is sponsored by Yael Weiss. Thank you, Yael, for your support! It's people like you who make it possible for me to continue doing what I do.-----If you've gained from what you've learned here, please consider supporting my work via Patreon, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal — links below. Even a small contribution helps cover production costs and gives me the freedom to create more Torah content. To sponsor a day's or week's worth of content, or to inquire about tutoring or teaching, reach me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail. Thank you for listening, reading, and supporting my efforts to make Torah ideas available and accessible to everyone.Patreon | [Venmo: @Matt-Schneeweiss] | [Zelle/PayPal: mattschneeweiss at gmail]Substack | YouTube | YUTorah | InstagramPodcasts: The Stoic Jew | Machshavah Lab | The Mishlei Podcast | Rambam Bekius | The Tefilah PodcastWhatsApp Content Hub | Old Blog | Amazon Wishlist

We are all familiar with the story of Moshe hitting the rock, an act for which he was punished. Less familiar, however, are the circumstances that led to Moshe's decision to strike the rock, after he was commanded to produce water by speaking to it. The background to the story is the death of Moshe's sister, the righteous prophetess Miriam, in whose merit a miraculous well provided water for Beneh Yisrael throughout the previous forty years of travel in the wilderness. This well accompanied the people, and water supernaturally flowed from it, ensuring an adequate supply of fresh water. When Miriam passed away in the final year of Beneh Yisrael's sojourn in the desert, the well dried, leaving Beneh Yisrael without water. In response to their complaints, G-d instructed Moshe to assemble the people around the rock – the rock of Miriam, which had stopped providing water – and tell it to once again produce water. Rashi (20:10) explains that after Moshe assembled the people, they argued with him, asking why he needed to produce water specifically from this rock. Surely, Hashem was capable of providing water from a different rock. They pointed to another rock, whereupon Moshe and Aharon exclaimed, "Can we extract water from this rock?!" Moshe then struck it several times, and, sure enough, water began to flow. Why did the people challenge Moshe to produce water from a different rock? Why were they not content with having Miriam's well resume its production of water? The answer is that the people thought that extracting water from a different rock would create a greater Kiddush Hashem (glorification of G-d's Name). After forty years, water flowing from Miriam's rock was no longer considered special or miraculous. Certainly, they figured, G-d's glory would be manifested much more dramatically if water was produced from a different rock. The people's motivations, then, were sincere, but they were still wrong – for the simple reason that G-d had commanded Moshe to produce water from this particular stone. Why He chose specifically this rock was not for them – or for us – to understand. They were to faithfully and humbly abide by His commands even when they did not grasp their logic, and even when different options seemed more rational. This perhaps explains the connection between this story and the preceding section in the Torah – the law of the Para Aduma ("red heifer"). This command is commonly regarded as the quintessential "Hok" – Misva whose rationale eludes our comprehension. There is no logical explanation for why slaughtering a perfectly red cow, and then burning its ashes, mixing it with water, and sprinkling the mixture on people who had become impure, should have any meaning or significance. But the Torah commands that we prepare this mixture, and that people who had come in contact with a corpse have this water sprinkled on them before they enter the Bet Ha'mikdash or eat the meat of sacrifices. This Misva, more than any other, exemplifies the notion of faithful subordination to the divine will, of obedience to Hashem's commands against our logical understanding. For good reason, then, the Torah juxtaposed the Misva of Para Aduma and the story of Moshe and the rock – because both underscore the message of surrendering our logic and reason to the will of Hashem. The lesson of this Parasha is that we must not try to be "too smart." The Torah promises that observing Shabbat brings material prosperity – even though logic dictates that working an extra day every week increases profits. We must not try to "outsmart" the Torah by thinking that keeping the business open on Shabbat will lead to greater earnings. Some mothers encourage their marriage-age daughters to stop following the requirements of modest dress to increase their chances of finding a husband. They figure that since marriage is a Misva, the right thing to do is to dress this way so they can fulfill this Misva. But this is incorrect. When G-d tells us to do something or not to do something, we need to obey even if we can come up with logical reasons not to. The intellect is a precious gift that Hashem granted us for the purpose of learning, building and achieving. At the same time, however, He demands that we suspend our logic when necessary to show our humble subservience to Him and to His will.

Parshas Korach: When the plague threatened to wipe out the Jews, Moshe instructed Aharon to muse the ketores to stop it - a secret Moshe learned from the Malach Hamaves. Rashi (Bamidbar 17:13) describes the argument between Aharon and the Malach Hamaves about stopping the mageifa. This Rashi provides a good example of a midrash creating a story that elaborates on ideas that are implicit in the pesukim.

Everyone remembers the staff that blossomed. After Korach's rebellion, God instructs Moshe to take twelve staffs - one from each tribal leader - and place them in the Mishkan. By morning, only Aharon's staff has blossomed, confirming that the tribe of Levi has been chosen for spiritual leadership. But what happened to the other eleven staffs? Their owners took them home. Those staffs bore the names of leaders who desired holiness, sought closeness to God, and were willing to stand before Him and be measured. They did not receive the role they hoped for. Their staffs did not blossom. Yet those staffs were not discarded. They were taken home and cherished because they testified to something real and important: the aspiration itself. We often evaluate ourselves only by what we achieve. The Torah suggests a deeper measure. We are shaped not only by what we become, but also by what we genuinely strive to become. Most dreams do not blossom exactly as we hope. Most goals are not fully attained. But the effort, the longing, and the willingness to reach for something holy are themselves part of who we are. The staffs that didn't blossom still mattered. So do the aspirations that shape our lives. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship. Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/ Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mining-the-riches-of-the-parsha/id1479615142?fbclid=IwAR1c6YygRR6pvAKFvEmMGCcs0Y6hpmK8tXzPinbum8drqw2zLIo7c9SR-jc Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hWYhCG5GR8zygw4ZNsSmO Please contact Rabbi Whitman (michael@adath.ca) with any questions or feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.

In this weeks BEST Series we begin the double Parshah with the Chok of Sarah Adumah and explore the Sin of Moshe and Kiss of Death given to Miraim and Aharon, Enjoy

In this week's parasha , Korach staged a rebellion against Moshe and Aharon, telling them that they took all the good positions in Klal Yisrael for themselves. Chazal tell us, Korach's actions were motivated by jealousy. He saw others around him being promoted to different positions and he didn't get any of them for himself. He convinced himself, and others, that his motives were purely l'shem Shamayim , but deep down it was all about his own honor. Sometimes, people feel bad about their positions in life. They look around at others and see that this person is the president of a shul and that person is the president of a school, this one runs his own business, that one heads his own chesed organization, and the list goes on. A person may feel, what am I worth? I don't do anything big. Nobody knows about me, I'm just an average, regular guy . If that person would instead think, it's okay, I don't need honor or recognition. I don't need to be famous. Then, his job would become very valuable – working on his middot and becoming humble is an extremely precious avodah . But, if his position leads him to feel worthless and all he does is crave honor and is jealous of everyone around him, then his misery will know no end and he will be seriously lacking in his avodat Hashem. What is the attitude he should have? The Dubno Maggid explained with a mashal . There was once a king who gave his slaves different fields of his to work on. To one of his slaves, he gave many fields to plow and to seed, etc. The other slave only got one field to work on. That slave went to the king to complain. He said, "Why do I only get one field while the other slave got so many?" The king replied, "What difference does it make to you how many fields you work on? Are they your fields? Less fields means less work. You both belong to me. You're complaining that you don't have to work as hard as your friend? Must be you're planning on taking things from the fields for yourself so you want more so you could steal more." This, says the Dubno Maggid, is what Moshe told Korach: If your motive in getting positions is to serve Hashem then it wouldn't bother you what you got. What difference would it make to you if that's what Hashem wants from you? Must be you want the position for yourself so you could take honor. This is what we have to internalize. People may feel inferior for not having lofty positions like others they know, but if they could internalize that we are all working for the same boss – He is the One who gives out positions like it says, והמתנשא לכל ראש. What difference does it make what position we get? If we are doing what our Master wants, we'll be considered a perfect worker. If anything, it's just the opposite: The less honor we get the more real our service is to Hashem. Everybody has a special job to do, to serve Hashem to the best of his ability in the circumstances Hashem puts him in. If he does his job with joy and humility, then he'll be rewarded the same as anyone else who did his job, whatever Hashem wanted that person to do. The job doesn't matter as much as doing whatever we are asked of correctly. Shabbat Shalom.

Torah- Ishbitz - Korach not seeing the holiness of AharonAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Harav Eliyahu Hakkakian contrasts the qualities of Aharon Hakohen and Korach, showing why Aharon's derech as a rodef shalom made him suited for the kehuna.

Why does Rashi tell us a completely different reason for Aharon's death — that Bnei Yisrael drew close to Eisav's nation — when the pasuk itself says it was Mei Merivah? Rabbi Prisman opens the Sfas Emes to reveal how divine judgment accounts for every life touched by a person. And there's a bonus: how did Aharon's legendary peacemaking between man and wife actually work — if you knew you were at fault, how could you believe Aharon when he said the other side feels terrible and wants to reconcile? Through the unforgettable story of Mrs. Hershkowitz's "insurance policy," we see why being truly needed by others may be the deepest security a person can build.

The Ramban notes something fascinating about Aharon's response to Korach's rebellion.

Would love to hear your feedback! Please share!

In this week's parasha , Shelach , the Jewish People were tested in emunah and bitachon and they failed. Kalev tried to give them chizuk , saying, "Hashem wants us to go in, we have nothing to fear." But it didn't help. The pasuk says סלחתי כדבריך ואולם חי אני – Hashem forgave them but they were not going to be allowed into Eretz Yisrael . Most mefarshim explain סלחתי כדבריך to mean Hashem forgave them for the עגל, but not for the meraglim . And that's why they were not allowed into Israel. The reason both sins are mentioned in the same pasuk is because both of them were due to a lack of bitachon . By the עגל, Hashem tested the people by showing them a vision which made it appear that Moshe Rabbenu was not coming back. They knew that the mann was in the merit of Moshe and so they feared without Moshe they would go hungry. Their test was they should have realized Hashem is the One supporting them. It is true that Hashem gives us things in the merit of tzaddikim , but He also gives us new tzaddikim when the ones we had were taken away. The Gemara says that one time the entire world was being sustained in the merit of Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa. But what happened when Rab Chanina ben Dosa passed away? There was still sustenance being given. The reason is because it is Hashem who gives sustenance and He is never bound by any one means to give it. The Jewish People received water in the midbar in the merit of Miriam. But when Miriam passed away, Hashem still continued giving them water in the zechut of Moshe. The Clouds of Glory were given in the merit of Aharon, but when Aharon passed away, Hashem brought the clouds back in the merit of Moshe. Then when Moshe passed away, Hashem continued helping His People through Yehoshua. Hashem is always the One who is taking care of us and He wants us to feel that in our hearts. He wants us to internalize that He is unlimited and has infinite ways of helping. When someone had an avenue of parnasa that is no longer producing the same money it used to, this person is being tested with the same type of test. Is he going to believe that it was the means that was supporting him, or that it was Hashem? No matter how good a person thinks he used to have it, Hashem could always make it even better. A man said his wife works as a nurse's aid at people's homes. Before she gave birth, she worked for a nice old lady and they both enjoyed the relationship and the pay was good too. When she gave birth, a substitute was put there instead and when her paid vacation ended, the substitute didn't want to leave. She too had fallen in love with this nice old lady. Instead of making a fuss about it, the man's wife set out to start over from the beginning. She tried several places but nothing was available. Frustrated, she started getting angry at the substitute who took her job. But then she caught herself and worked on her emunah. She managed to remove the anger from her heart and feel at ease, knowing she was in Hashem's Hands. The very same afternoon that she was finally calm, she got a call from an agency with a new offer. The lady she was given to work for was also very sweet like the other lady. This job gave her more hours and more pay and was much closer to her house. She thought she had it good before and would never get the same opportunity, now she has it much better. We are never dependent on one means in any area of life. Hashem is the One who provides the means and He is unlimited. And we are to know that He was, is and always will be there to help us. Shabbat Shalom.

The sicha discusses Korach's rebellion against Moshe and Aharon, highlighting the distinction between Torah study and the performance of mitzvot. Korach argued that all Jews are equally holy in mitzvot, questioning Moshe's leadership. https://www.torahrecordings.com/likutei-sichos/004/006

Rashi (Bamidbar 12:4) explains how Hashem miraculously simultaneously spoke to Moshe, Aharon, and Miriam in order to rebuke Aharon and Miriam for speaking against Moshe. Because they hadn't been Tahor from being with their spouses, they couldn't handle the experience - they said, “Water! Water!” (Presumably they were looking for a Mikvah.) We analyze this strange Rashi and learn how Hashem taught them an important lesson.

The message to Aharon regarding the menorah and the inauguration of the nesi'im highlights the proper intent in serving Hashem.

After Korach's rebellion, Klal Yisrael was spiritually shattered, a generation sentenced to die in the desert, vulnerable to the false comfort of a leader who told them what they wanted to hear: “You are all holy.”But the blossoming of Aharon's staff revealed a deeper model of leadership. True leadership is not about power, status, or standing above the people. It is the ability to stand among dry staffs, among people who feel lifeless, ashamed, resentful, or disconnected and help them come alive again.In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explores the difference between counterfeit restoration and true revival. A true leader earns his place above the people by carrying the burden of standing among them.

Midrash Tanchuma, Parshat Beha'alotecha Siman 5- The service given to Aharon highlights a second step in the proper intent necessary in Hashem's service, following the event of the korbanot of the nesi'im.

This episode contrasts the way Hashem rebukes Aharon and Miriam and the way He punishes Klal Yisrael with the Slav.

June 2 second from 2:36 There are many people – including yeshiva students and Talmideh Hachamim – who skip the section of Korbanot, which discusses the sacrifices offered in the Bet Ha'mikdash, and begin with Pesukeh De'zimra, from Hodu or from Baruch She'amar. The Hikreh Leb ( Rav Raphael Yosef Hazan, 1741–1820) considered the possibility that those who devote their days to Torah study are perhaps justified in omitting the Korbanot section. Since they spend their time immersed in Torah learning, they might be excused for saving time by skipping this part of the Shaharit prayer. However, the Hikreh Leb dismisses this possibility, writing that as this is part of the daily prayer schedule, there is no excuse for omitting it. We cannot emphasize enough the importance and value of reading the Korbanot section, whereby we access the atonement and blessings that the sacrifices in the Bet Ha'mikdash bring. This is true of all the Korbanot, but it is especially true of the Ketoret – the section dealing with the incense offering that was brought each day in the Bet Ha'mikdash. The Zohar (Midrash Ha'ne'elam, Parashat Vayera) relates that Eliyahu Ha'nabi once appeared to Rabbi Pinhas, and taught him that the public recitation of the section of the Ketoret has the power to protect against plagues. Rabbi Aha, the Zohar writes, once visited the town of Tarsha, and the residents informed him that a plague had been ravaging the town for seven days, and was increasing in severity. He instructed them to choose the forty most righteous men of the town, and divide them into four groups of ten. Each was to go to a different corner of the town and recite the section of the Ketoret. Afterward, Rabbi Aha urged them to visit those who were on the brink of death, and to read the verses that tell of Aharon ending a plague by offering incense (Bamidbar 17). Sure enough, these patients survived. Elsewhere (Parashat Vayakhel), the Zohar emphasizes the protective powers of the recitation of the Ketoret. It cites Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai's exclamation that if people recognized just how precious this text is, they would take each word and wear it as a crown on their heads. If one recites the Ketoret with proper concentration, Rabbi Shimon taught, he is spared from punishments both in this world and the next world. The Zohar further teaches that the Ketoret should be recited before the Amida prayer, because it helps clear the pathway to the heavens from the harmful spiritual forces that seek to sabotage one's prayers, ensuring that they reach the heavens. Some explain that the special offerings of the Nesi'im (tribal leaders) which they brought in honor of the consecration of the Mishkan were especially cherished by G-d because they included Ketoret. Moreover, Rabbenu Bahya (Spain, 1255-1340) writes that the moments after the offering of the Ketoret were the most auspicious time for blessings and prayers. This is why the Kohen Gadol would recite a special prayer for the people after offering the Ketoret on Yom Kippur, and why Moshe and Aharon blessed the nation on the day of the Mishkan's inauguration, following the offering of Ketoret. I witnessed the power of the Ketoret recitation firsthand. When my congregation's synagogue was being constructed, we encountered one problem after another. For reasons we do not know, Hashem decided to test us by making the process exceedingly difficult. Nothing was working. We consulted with the great Kabbalist Rav Mordechai Attieh, and he came with ten great scholars. They stood around the construction site and recited the Ketoret. Sure enough, after that point, we were able to move forward and complete the project. The power of the Korbanot section and the rewards offered by its recitation should incentivize all of us to do everything we can to ensure that we read this section each day.

Send us Fan MailWhat was Aharon really worried about?

Yevamos 67b: Mishnas Rav Aharon's Fascinating Chiddush in a Yevamah's Ability to Eat Terumah

May 30 first through 6:30 As we saw in an earlier installment, common practice among Sepharadim is not to recite each day the sections of the Torah discussing the various sacrifices (with the exception of the section that discusses the daily Tamid offering). However, the Poskim mention that during the time of a plague, it is recommended to read these sections of the Torah, as this recitation has the power to bring protection. This is especially true with regard to the reading of the Ketoret – the section dealing with the incense offering brought in the Bet Ha'mikdash. The Sages teach that when Moshe Rabbenu went to the heavens to receive the Torah, the angels in the heavens strongly opposed the plan to give the Torah to human beings, but Moshe prevailed in convincing them that the Torah belongs here in our world. G-d then ordered the angels to give Moshe gifts. Even the Satan was compelled to give Moshe a gift – and its gift to Moshe was the revelation of a secret. The Satan told Moshe that the only thing which it fears, which prevents it from inflicting the harm it wishes to inflict, is the Ketoret. Moshe used this secret during the aftermath of Korah's revolt, when Hashem unleashed a devastating plague that killed thousands among Beneh Yisrael. To stop the plague, Moshe instructed Aharon to bring an incense offering, and this ended the plague. Today, we cannot bring the Ketoret, but we can nevertheless read the section from the Torah and the section from the Gemara that discusses this offering, through which we earn protection as though we actually offered the Ketoret. Therefore, during times of widespread illness, such as during a pandemic, it is worthwhile to read the section of the Ketoret. Likewise, if somebody falls ill, it is advisable to read the Ketoret on the patient's behalf. It's worth noting in this context the opening verse of Parashat Behukotai, which promises rewards if we follow the Misvot. In stating the conditions for earning these rewards, the Torah says both "you observe My commands" ("Ve'et Misvotai Tishmeru") and "you perform them" ("Va'asitem Otam"). At first glance, these phrases seem redundant. Rav Levi Yishak of Berditchev (1740-1809), in Kedushat Levi, explains that the word "Tishmeru" in this context means not "observe," but rather "anticipate." Thus, for example, the Torah relates that after Yaakob Abinu heard Yosef's dreams about his becoming leader over his brothers, "Ve'abiv Shamar Et Ha'dabar" (Bereshit 37:11) – he eagerly awaited ("Shamar") the fulfillment of these dreams. Likewise, we speak of "Shemirat Shabbat," which means not only Shabbat observance, but also eagerly anticipating Shabbat throughout the week. Thus, Rav Levi Yishak writes, the phrase "Ve'et Misvotai Tishmeru" refers to longing to perform the Misvot, even when this is not possible. The Torah promises us rewards if we perform the Misvot we are able to perform, and if we genuinely long to perform the Misvot which we cannot perform. Thus, in the absence of the Bet Ha'mikdash, as we are unable to offer sacrifices, we must still long to bring them as the Torah wants us to. By doing so, we receive credit as though we observed them.

Subscribe to the newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/RJDSpotify.The daily lighting of the menorah symbolizes releasing hidden potential, embodied by Aharon's wholeness, lack of jealousy, and ability to see unique beauty in every person and draw them near to Torah...Rabbi Dweck has held rabbinic leadership roles in the US and the UK. He is the Rosh Bet Midrash of TheHabura.com and the Rabbi Levy Chair of Jewish Wisdom at the London School of Jewish Studies.For more, check out rabbijosephdweck.com.Instagram: https://instagram.com/rabbidweckTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbidweckYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RabbiJosephDweck

The Rebbe explores why the menorah in the Tabernacle is lit by Aharon, illustrating the idea that each individual must elevate their personal menorah — their divine service. This symbolizes the concept of igniting a fire that continues to burn independently while maintaining a connection to its source. https://www.torahrecordings.com/likutei-sichos/004/004

The Rebbe examines Rashis on Parshas Bamidbar about the Leviyim's role in the Mishkan, dividing their duties into active service (singing, carrying) and protective service (guarding). This distinction resolves apparent contradictions in Rashi's comments, highlighting the Leviyim's unique roles alongside Moshe and Aharon. https://www.torahrecordings.com/likutei-sichos/013/001_002

This sicha discusses Korach's rebellion against Moshe and Aharon, examining its deeper message about leadership. The Rebbe analyzes the role of peace and unity in actions and decision-making, stressing the importance of a unified approach to leadership and the preservation of genuine shalom in communal life. https://www.torahrecordings.com/likutei-sichos/008/006_002

The Rebbe analyzes the importance of leadership by comparing Moshe and Aharon's contrasting roles. While Moshe had greater personal spiritual achievement, Aharon was better able to reach and engage the people. The Rebbe emphasizes the value of communal unity and the ability of leaders to relate to every individual. https://www.torahrecordings.com/likutei-sichos/013/002_002

The Torah introduces the sons of Aharon as the offspring of Aharon and Moshe. Why would they be listed as offspring of Moshe? Why are talmidei yeshiva referred to as Bnei HaYeshiva?Have a good Shabbos

As we get closer to Shavuot, part of our avodah in preparation is to fully appreciate the priceless gift of Torah that Hashem has given us. The Torah existed even before Hashem created the world. Chazal teach that the entire creation was contingent upon Am Yisrael accepting the Torah. It is Hashem's most treasured possession, and He yearns for us to learn it. Imagine a man telling his friend that he worked tirelessly for years writing a book that could guide people through life. He asks his friend, "Please read my book." Then imagine he sees that friend every day busy with countless other activities while the book remains untouched on the shelf. How painful that would be. Now imagine it is not merely a friend, but a father who invested his entire life, pouring all of his energy, wisdom, and heart into writing that book for his son. This father supports his son, cares for all of his needs, and asks for only one thing in return: "Please read the book I wrote for you." How hurtful it would be if the son never opened it. Hashem told us that the entire creation of the world was worthwhile for the Torah. He gives us every breath, every blessing, and every opportunity in life, and He asks us to learn the Torah that He wrote for us. The Gemara says that when a person leaves the Torah closed and occupies himself with other things when he could be learning, Hashem cries in Shamayim over it. On the other hand, imagine the joy and honor a father feels when his son studies his book carefully, lives his life according to its teachings, and tells others how magnificent his father's wisdom is. There is no greater honor. If we want to honor Hashem, we can show appreciation for the Torah He gave us. Every moment spent learning Torah is an expression of kavod Shamayim. If there is a shiur Torah taking place and only a few people attend, it is a dishonor to the Torah. But if someone says, "I know I'm tired and I would rather rest, but I'm going to get up and go learn so there will be more people honoring Hashem's Torah," he should realize that this itself is an extraordinary mitzvah. Honoring Hashem is unimaginably precious. I read a story about a man from Bnei Brak who we will call Aharon who went to a very early minyan on the morning of Sukkot. There was a very small crowd there, and before Keriat HaTorah, the gabbai began auctioning off the aliyot. Nobody was bidding. Aharon felt a sense of pain over the apparent lack of honor being shown to the Torah. So when the gabbai announced the opening price, Aharon raised the bid and purchased the third aliyah. When the next aliyah was auctioned, once again nobody responded, so Aharon raised the bid again and purchased that aliyah as well. When shelishi came around, Aharon took the aliyah for himself, and afterward they asked him whom he wanted to receive revi'i. Aharon looked around the shul and noticed a distinguished-looking man who made a fine impression on him, and he instructed the gabbai to give the aliyah to that individual. After tefillah, Aharon was preparing to leave when he suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder. It was the man who had received revi'i. The man introduced himself and asked Aharon why he chose him for the aliyah. Aharon replied simply, "You looked like a respectable person with yirat shamayim." The man then explained that he was from London and was extremely wealthy. "People honor me all the time," he said, "but only because of my money. This is the first time someone honored me simply for who I am, without expecting anything in return." Aharon answered that he was happy he had the opportunity to make another Jew feel good, and he began to leave. But the wealthy man stopped him and said, "Because you honored me, I want to repay you." Aharon politely refused, but the man insisted. "Tell me something you need, and I will help you." Aharon hesitated. Then he thought about the many gemachim and loans he would soon need in order to marry off his daughter. He said, "Honestly, anything you could contribute toward my daughter's wedding would help tremendously." The man asked him what the total expected cost would be. Aharon answered, "About one hundred thousand shekel." The man responded immediately, "No problem. Come to my apartment after Yom Tov and I'll give you a check." After Yom Tov, Aharon went to the address he had been given, and the man handed him a check for the entire amount. Aharon made a small monetary gesture simply to honor the Torah, and Hashem paid him back thousands of times over. Everything we do to honor the Torah—especially learning it—goes an extremely long way.

Why does the Torah call Aharon's sons the children of Moshe? Because Moshe taught them Torah.But Chazal are telling us something much deeper than the value of good teaching. A Rebbe does not simply transfer information. He gives life. He helps a talmid become the person he was created to become.In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explores the difference between being “born” and being “made,” why the Rambam says a Rebbe brings a person to חיי העולם הבא, and how true chinuch brings a person under the authority of Torah — not as a limitation, but as the deepest form of freedom.Torah is not merely learned. It creates a person.

The Midrash at the beginning of Parashat Emor quotes the pasuk in Tehillim: יוֹם לְיוֹם יַבִּיעַ אֹמֶר וְלַיְלָה לְלַיְלָה יְחַוֶּה דָּעַת . The Midrash explains that in the months of Nisan and Tishrei, the day and night are equal. In the summer, the day borrows hours from the night, and in the winter, the night borrows from the day, until over the course of the year they balance out perfectly. The mefarshim ask: what does this have to do with Parashat Emor, and what is the message of this Midrash? The Tehillot Maharitz explains that every individual in Klal Yisrael has a different role. Although there are many mitzvot that apply only to Kohanim and Levi'im, כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה —we are all responsible for one another. They serve on behalf of us, and we serve on behalf of them. When we understand that we are all one unit, forming Hashem's army of servants, we can truly love one another and remove jealousy from our hearts. The Or HaChaim explains that when Moshe Rabbeinu was told to instruct the Kohanim about their unique mitzvot, one might have thought this would be difficult for him. Originally, Moshe was meant to be the Kohen, but because he hesitated at the burning bush to accept the role of leadership, the kehuna was given to Aharon instead. And we know there was no one who loved mitzvot more than Moshe Rabbeinu. It would seem that hearing about all the additional mitzvot given to the Kohanim could have caused him pain. For this, the Midrash gives its answer. Just as the day and night borrow from each other without resentment, knowing that together they create a perfect balance, so too Klal Yisrael. Some are Kohanim, some Levi'im, some are wealthy, some are poor—but when each person fulfills his role, together we form a perfect nation serving Hashem. Imagine a team competing in a contest, where each correct answer helps the entire team win. If one member answers many questions correctly, his teammates are not jealous—they are thrilled, because his success is their success. That is how we must feel about one another. We are all on the same team, serving the same Hashem. When one person excels, it elevates all of us. The Gemara at the end of Masechet Menachot tells of a tragic case where one brother became jealous of the other for being appointed Kohen Gadol, to the point that he wanted to kill him. Had he understood that they were on the same team, serving the same Hashem, such jealousy could never have existed. Hashem assigns each person a different role, and one who fulfills his mission receives his full reward—just like anyone else who fulfills theirs. It is not a competition. Hashem has enough to give everyone. At Yetziat Mitzrayim, while the Jewish people were busy collecting gold and silver, Moshe Rabbeinu was occupied with bringing the bones of Yosef. On this, the pasuk says: חכם לב יקח מצוות . Moshe was called wise because he chose mitzvot over wealth, and that lesson has inspired generations. All the merit of that inspiration belongs to him. In fact, if Moshe had been a Kohen, he would not have been able to become tameh to carry Yosef's bones. It was specifically this act that led to the great miracle of Keriat Yam Suf. What seemed like a limitation for Moshe became the greatest opportunity. There is never a reason to be jealous of what someone else has, does, or achieves. Hashem gives each person exactly the opportunities needed to fulfill his unique mission. The more we rejoice in another person's success, the more we align ourselves with Hashem's plan and become better servants of Him.

The Torah (Vayikra 10:12) refers to Elazar and Isamar as Aharon's remaining sons. Rashi explains that they too were supposed to die because Aharon's role in the egel warranted total obliteration of his sons. But Moshe's tefilla helped to atone halfway and save these two remaining sons while Nadav and Avihu got killed. This is very difficult indeed. Didn't they die for their own sin? It doesn't seem just to kill a son for his father's sin! If so, Elazar and Isamar are alive because they didn't sin!

On the requirement of "semicha" - the laying on of hands before slaughtering an animal, and how it's the subject of the first recorded debate in the Oral Law. Plus, the way the placing of hands is part of the process of offering the sacrifice, together with atonement. Also, which animals require that laying on of hands? It's not all of them - where a bull does require it, but the goats brought in atonement for idolatry, well, that's a machloket. And what is the province of the elders, as compared to Aharon/the kohen gadol?

The participation of bnei Aharon in the service in mishkan.

Chazal tell us that when Mashiach arrives there will be a magnificent seudah known as the Seudat HaLeviathan. At that great meal will be present all the righteous who ever lived—Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov, Moshe and Aharon, together with the great leaders and tzaddikim of all generations. At that seudah, David HaMelech will rise and lead Birkat HaMazon. Afterward, the Ramami Pano writes that Mashiach Tzidkeinu will come out and distribute dessert to everyone present. Those desserts will consist of the fruits that have been growing in Gan Eden since the creation of the world. Originally, Hashem commanded Adam HaRishon to eat from the fruits of Gan Eden, but he was banished before he had the opportunity to do so. Since that time, fruits have been growing in the lower Gan Eden that exists in this world, and they will be distributed to all of Klal Yisrael after Birkat HaMazon at that seudah. Then Mashiach will take out almonds that had been growing on the staff of Aharon HaKohen in the Kodesh HaKodashim and he will make the berachah of boreh peri ha'etz upon them. It is known that almonds have the ability to calm a person from anger. At that moment, all the tension and pain that accumulated during the long exile will instantly disappear. Then Moshe Rabbeinu will appear holding the original Luchot that we were meant to receive. In their merit the knowledge of Torah will reach an unprecedented level. Torah will never again be forgotten. The yetzer hara will be nullified and the malach hamavet will be driven away forever. Those will be the most glorious days in the history of the world. After a period of time living in the era of Mashiach, the next stage—Olam Haba—will begin. The Gemara in Masechet Berachot teaches that in that world there will be no eating and no drinking. Rather, the tzaddikim will sit and derive pleasure from the radiance of the Shechinah. The Or HaChayim writes in Shemot that there is no pleasure in this world that can compare to the pleasure of seeing the Shechinah in the next world. Every Jew longs to merit that experience. Our rabbis explain that just as in order to enjoy food in this world our mouth and throat must function properly, so too in order to experience the spiritual pleasure of the Shechinah, the part of the body through which that pleasure is received must also be spiritually refined. That part of the body is the eyes—the windows to the neshamah. The pasuk in Yeshayahu says: עֹצֵם עֵינָיו מֵרְאוֹת בְּרָע מֶלֶךְ בְּיָפְיוֹ תֶּחֱזֶינָה עֵינֶיךָ "One who closes his eyes from seeing evil—his eyes will behold the King in His beauty." The Midrash explains that this pasuk means that whoever guards his eyes from looking at improper things will merit to see the beauty of the Shechinah. The Gemara in Masechet Kallah teaches that someone who turns away from such aveirot—even if he is an ordinary Yisrael—becomes worthy like a Kohen Gadol offering a korban olah on the mizbeach, and he will merit to benefit from the radiance of the Shechinah like the malachei hasharet. One of the ways of Hashem is that when He wishes to elevate a person to an especially high level, He first gives him a very great test to overcome. For nearly two thousand years the world has been waiting for the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash. For generations we have waited for the coming of Mashiach. Now, as we approach the month of Nisan—the time most auspicious for redemption—we are being tested with our eyes more than ever before. Perhaps this is Hashem's call for us to elevate ourselves to greatness and to make our eyes worthy of receiving the ultimate pleasure of basking in the radiance of the Shechinah. Now is our opportunity to shine. If we can guard our own eyes and guide our children away from seeing things they should not see, we can become elevated to the level of the Kohen Gadol. With Hashem's help we will then merit the ultimate reward—our eyes beholding the radiance of the Shechinah for all eternity.