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BeHukotai: Constant Growth by Rabbi Avi Harari
Full class: https://youtu.be/xCIiAkZDSGQ Source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/568347?lang=bi
Source Sheet https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/568347?lang=bi Full class: https://youtu.be/xCIiAkZDSGQ
Behukotai is mainly comprised of a harsh warning of what might become of the people of Israel should they reject their covenant with God and be repulsed by following the commandments. In this episode we consider what the frame is for this warning and what the main word, keri, repeated several times means.
The opening verses of Parashat Behukotai describe the beautiful blessings that G-d promises to bestow upon Beneh Yisrael in reward for their compliance with the Torah's laws. The Torah introduces this section by saying, “Im Be'hukotai Telechu, Ve'et Misvotai Tishmeru” – literally, “If you follow My statutes, and you observe My commandments…” The Or Ha'haim Ha'kadosh (Rav Haim Ben-Attar, 1696-1743), remarkably, offers forty-two interpretations of this verse, uncovering for us the deeper layers of meaning behind this seemingly straightforward sentence. In presenting one of these explanations, the Or Ha'haim cites the Mishna's famous teaching in Pirkeh Abot (2:5), “Ve'lo Am Ha'aretz Hasid” – “An ignoramus is not a pious person.” The plain meaning of the Mishna is that one cannot properly observe the Misvot without educating himself, without investing time and effort into the process of learning so he knows what the Torah wants of us. The Or Ha'haim adds a deeper reading of the Mishna, explaining that it refers to acts of piety and measures of stringency beyond the Torah's strict requirements. The Or Ha'haim writes that a person cannot be a “Hasid,” a devoutly pious person, who observes additional stringencies, without learning Halacha, without properly understanding his basic obligations. If a person decides to adopt stringencies without learning, the Or Ha'haim writes, these stringencies might actually lead him to grievous transgressions, because the person will not know what Halacha allows and what it doesn't. As an extreme example, the Or Ha'haim writes that there was a person who decided to be “pious” by limiting marital relations to sacred occasions, Shabbat and Yom Tob. In his observance of this practice, this so-called “pious man” had relations on Yom Kippur, when, of course, relations are strictly forbidden. This demonstrates the grave dangers that one exposes himself to by being “pious,” accepting additional stringencies, before being educated about basic Halachic requirements. The Or Ha'haim explains on this basis the opening verse of Parashat Behukotai. The phrase “Im Be'hukotai Telechu,” as Rashi famously writes, refers to the study of Torah. The second phrase, “Ve'et Misvotai Tishmeru,” speaks of additional safeguards and stringencies, as the root of the word “Tishmeru” – “Sh.M.R.” – means “guard” or “protect.” The Torah here teaches us that only “Im Be'hukotai Telechu” – if a person devotes time and effort to the study of Torah – is it then appropriate for him to take on voluntary stringencies (“Ve'et Misvotai Tishmeru”). Piety must be pursued only with knowledge of Torah law. A person who thinks he can decide for himself how to be “pious,” how to be holy and G-d-fearing, he will end up making terrible mistakes and transgressing grave violations. The Or Ha'haim here conveys to us the message that there is no substitute for knowledge. If we want to achieve spiritual greatness – which, of course, we all should – then there are no shortcuts. Our intuition and “gut feelings” are not good enough. We cannot serve Hashem by doing what seems right to us, what we intuitively sense is noble and spiritual. We need to learn, to ask questions, to consult with Torah scholars, to seek guidance, and to make the time to acquire the knowledge we need to act the way the Torah wants us to act.
Shabbat Behar Behukotai 2023: Let's Get Real by Rabbi Aaron Flanzraich
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Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat B'har-B'chukotai [Leviticus 25-27] concludes the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus is the shortest book in terms of chapters [27], and the fewest in parashiyot [10, tied with Numbers], but takes as few as 7 weeks to read when all of its potentially doubled parashiyot are in fact doubled, as is the case this year. B'har opens with a description of the sabbatical year and the jubilee year, which led to a discussion of time and how we mark it and find meaning in its passage. Our discussion, as is so often the case, meandered: we mentioned the Rebuke [Leviticus 26:14-45] and the double ending of the book, since the last verse in chapters 26 and 27 are virtually identical. Sinai looms large in the book and the parashah, as does, in at least one reading, the relationship between time and space. In the synagogue, when we conclude a book of the Torah, we say chazzak, chazzak, ve-nitchazzek. Let us be strong, let us be strong, and we shall be strengthened!
The Torah is a wellspring of wisdom on leadership. Its stories have left an imprint on Western Civilization for millennia. The Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership at Yeshiva University is proud to share a new parsha series that connects contemporary leadership literature to ancient narratives. Join us weekly for "The Torah of Leadership" by Dr. Erica Brown.Sacks-Herenstein Center website - https://www.yu.edu/sacks-centerText of the Dvar Torah - https://www.yu.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/Behar%20Bechukotai.pdfVideo of shorter version - https://youtu.be/xpAzFtwngIwProduced by Uri Westrich
Behar-Behukotai 5783 - At Mount Sinai - Dedicated in memory of Yosef Hirsh on hs 20th yahrzeit by his loving family
In this conversation with Tamar Weissman, a Torah personality and sustainable farmer living in Israel's Galilee region, we discuss how the positive commandment to leave the land fallow once every seven years can elevate one's broader experience of observance. Our series on Vayikra is titled ‘Kedusha is in the Details' and explores the way these laws try to elevate each of our most basic human functions: food intake, bodily functions, relationships, spaces of worship, and our use of time. This episode is dedicated by Esther Naiberg in honor of the 22nd Yahrzeit of her brother, Nota David ben Yerachmiel.
The Haftara read for Parashat Behukotai is a prophecy from the Book of Yirmiyahu, and contains the famous verse, "Baruch Ha'geber Asher Yibtah B'Hashem, Ve'haya Hashem Mibtaho" – "Blessed is the man who trusts in G-d, and G-d shall be His source of trust" (Yirmiyahu 17:7). Different interpretations have been given for the difficult phrase "Ve'haya Hashem Mibtaho." One explanation is that Hashem becomes a reliable source of trust for those who place their trust in Him. If "Yibtah B'Hashem" – a person trusts G-d, then "Ve'haya Hashem Mibtaho" – G-d will come through for that individual, and care for him under all situations. However, Rav Moshe David Vali (Padua, Italy, d. 1777), in his commentary to the Haftarot, explains this verse differently. He writes that many people trust G-d, but also trust other people or things. Many of us, for example, indeed believe that Hashem is the one who provides our needs, but at the same time, we place our trust in our jobs, our bank account, our investments, our businesses, a client, a product, and so on. The prophet here speaks of a person "Asher Yibtah Be'Hashem" – who not only places his trust in Hashem, but "Ve'haya Hashem Mibtaho" – he places his trust exclusively in Hashem, relying only on Him, and not on anyone or anything else. The prophet compares such a person to a tree that is planted near large springs of water from which its roots draw sustenance, such that "Bi'shnat Basoret Lo Yid'ag" – it is not worried during periods of drought. Rav Avraham Pam (1913-2001), in his work on the Haftarot, notes that this description characterizes somebody who has complete faith in Hashem – he is never worried or anxious. Generally, Rav Pam writes, people feel anxious about things which they cannot control. And when they are unable to control something relevant to them, they become frustrated and angry. One who lives with true Bitahon (faith in G-d), however, knows that in any event, everything in his life and in the world is controlled solely by G-d. He trusts that everything is under G-d's control and no one else's, and that G-d is always caring for us, no matter how difficult or hopeless the situation appears. Rav Pam adds that one of the special qualities shared by all great Torah sages is their constant peace of mind and serenity. Every day, vexing questions are brought to them, and people facing difficult and painful problems come to them seeking their counsel. And yet, despite hearing of all the hardships in Am Yisrael, they are always level-headed and calm. Even when they are beset by personal problems, they maintain their peace of mind. This special ability stems from their Bitahon, from their firm belief that everything is in Hashem's hands, and He is always doing what is best for us. Let us all strive to reach the level of "Bi'shnat Basoret Lo Yid'ag," where we do not worry about or fret over difficult situations that arise over the course of life. Let us instead ensure that "Ve'haya Hashem Mibtaho" – we place our trust solely and exclusively in Hashem, and in no one and nothing else, so that we can enjoy serenity and peace of mind at all times, no matter what problems or hardships we are facing.
There is a curse upon the land.
There is a curse upon the land.
Stop me if you've heard this one before: "halakhah" technically doesn't mean "the law," it's closer to "the path." Because that's what this tradition is! A path that you can always return to no matter how far you veer off course. Except it's more like a huge multi-lane highway, so what happens if you veer across lanes and into the median, causing a high speed pursuit across state lines? Asking for a friend (Aaron the High Priest).Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss. See our upcoming Shabbat services and programs here, and follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more updates. Check out Shabbat Replay on Contact Chai for more from Rabbi Deena.Transcript
The curses of BeHukotai resonate, and we can point to various societal failures that have contributed to this reality, reasons for God to be “angry” at us. Perhaps there is some efficacy in the fear and guilt that undergird the curses as we reach for a sense of control and agency. But severe problems are hardly so simple. As we face what is not a nightmarish curse but a harsh reality of uncertainty about sustainability and abundance, the punishment and guilt model might not serve us well. We have to stare these problems in the face, together, and find pathways forward.
So this is how it ends?!
So this is how it ends?!
Welcome back to The Total Torah Podcast! This week we see the promises of reward for following God's commandments, and are warned about the punishments for failing to do so.For those of you listening to one aliyah per day, here is where you should start:00:39 Second Aliyah01:11 Third Aliyah05:59 Fourth Aliyah07:46 Fifth Aliyah08:34 Sixth Aliyah09:34 Seventh AliyahFollow us on Facebook @rediscoverjudaism
Behukotai 5782 - Ratzon Elyon and the Oral Law
Join Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Brovender for his weekly shiur on the parshat hashavua and come away with creative insights into the weekly Torah portion.
Source Sheet: https://tinyurl.com/y485zky6
The Parasha (Story) of BeHukotai is the last one in the Book of VaYikra – Leviticus and it has many lessons for us concerning the true meaning of life and about our responsibility for this physical world. These Parashot is focusing on controlling one's destiny via the cleansing of the mind. Now! When the world is still in a dangerous place of uncertainty, it is time to reflect and look inside. This is the time to ask: Who is the person that I want to become and not: 'What are the things that I want to have? the places I want to travel, the deals I want to make'. This the time to stop our slavery to habits, belief systems and objects, the time to prepare ourselves to the freedom awaiting us in the 5780's.
In this conversation with longtime educator Ilana Goldstein Saks, we discuss the parsha through the prism of its Haftara (prophetic portion) in Jeremiah 16:19-17:14 and the role Shemita observance plays in the fate of Israel.
In this conversation with longtime educator Ilana Goldstein Saks, we discuss the parsha through the prism of its Haftara (prophetic portion) in Jeremiah 16:19-17:14 and the role Shemita observance plays in the fate of Israel.
In parshat Behukotai, God makes two sets of promises to the Israelites: A series of “blessings” if they follow God's commandments, and a series of “curses” if they don't. Is one of these motivations nobler than the other? Why is it that sometimes, even when we follow God's commandments, evil things still happen - and what is the relationship between evil and free will? TBE member Rachel Ringgold offers her perspective! Temple Beth-El is committed to leading people into growing relationships with Jewish community, wisdom, and practice that help them thrive intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually and that inspire them to build a more compassionate, just, and peaceful world. TBE Richmond Podcast is produced by Abby Miller. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Learn more about our dynamic, warm, and passionate congregation, affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, at www.bethelrichmond.org.
Please consider making a monthly donation to Sephardic Bet Midrash using the following link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YSAUYEQYF9WSC Insights and comments could be sent to Jonathan@theparashapodcast.com They will addressed during our daily classes to enhance the discussion. For Navi Classes, please visit:Spotify Link:https://open.spotify.com/show/48iHU4mP1cvgZOGFrC5Jys?si=o_r9qD_XT_yovHvuC9fJIAApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-navi-podcast/id1549133051 For previous classes, please visit: TheParashaPodcast.comSpotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/45srXeZZgZKHAomOmpIkmh?si=Ao0Jr94xQOSpKxd8Rg7Zyw Apple Podcasts Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-parasha-podcast/id1525436805
The opening verses of Parashat Behukotai tell of the great rewards which G-d promises to grant Beneh Yisrael if they observe the Torah. One of these rewards is military prowess, victory over our enemies. G-d promises, "Five of you will pursue one hundred, and one hundred of you will pursue ten thousand; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword" (26:8). Our nation's military will be so powerful that just five will be able to pursue and subdue 100 enemy troops, and 100 will be able to pursue and subdue 10,000. Rashi already takes note of the fact that the "mathematics" in this verse don't seem to add up. If five of our soldiers will be able to pursue 100 enemy soldiers – a ratio of 1:20 – then we would expect that 100 of our soldiers should be able to pursue 2,000 – twenty times their number. Yet, the Torah says that 100 soldiers will succeed in pursuing 10,000 – a 1:100 ratio. To explain this asymmetry in the verse, Rashi writes, "A few who perform the Torah are not the same as many who perform the Torah." Rashi here establishes the concept of exponential increase. When larger numbers of people come together, their potential increases not proportionally, but exponentially. Ten people working together can accomplish not twice that which five people can accomplish, but many times more than what five people can accomplish. As the number of people increases, their capabilities are multiplied manifold. And thus, indeed, if five can pursue 100, then 100 can pursue not just twenty times that amount, but 100 times that amount. The Hafetz Haim (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan, 1839-1933), in his Bi'ur Halacha (155), elaborates on this concept in regard to the study of Torah. The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 155:1) writes that one is obligated to set times for the study of Torah, and the Hafetz Haim comments that although this obligation Is fulfilled even if one learns alone, nevertheless, "optimally, it is a Misva to enhance [one's study] as much as possible by learning in a group, because this way, greater honor is given to G-d." The Hafetz Haim proceeds to cite numerous statements from the Sages teaching that one earns greater reward for learning Torah in a group, together with other people, than he does by learning alone. Furthermore, although the Shechina is present whenever a person learns Torah, when a group assembles to learn, the Shechina comes first to greet them. Moreover, the Sages teach us that Torah knowledge cannot be acquired unless one studies together with a group of people. If a person learns alone, he might misunderstand the material without even realizing that he misunderstands, as there is nobody to clarify the matter for him. In a group, mistakes and misunderstandings are generally avoided. And, when people learn together, they ask questions, discuss, argue and debate, thereby clarifying and crystallizing the information. Today, the blessings of technology have made it possible for each and every person to learn at all times, wherever he is. This is truly a wonderful blessing, and everybody should take full advantage of the opportunity to hear Torah classes while traveling, during a break at work, or when there is time at home. However, as precious and valuable as this learning is, nothing can compare to the power of a group that assembles to learn Torah together. The impact of 50 people learning together is far, far greater than 50 times that of a person who learns alone; it is exponentially more powerful. Let us take advantage of not only the myriad opportunities offered by technology for individual study, but also the countless opportunities we have in our community to get together with others to learn Torah and bring glory to the Almighty.
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Words of inspiration in our effort to increase our Torah study in preparation for the holiday of Shavuot.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DB9GZ7TJG8T36&source=url)Ely's Fine Foods Serving the Toronto Jewish community for over 25 years. Experience the difference!Dorplex Entry Systems With over 30 years experience, we build entry doors that are built to last and protect your family.
Behar-Behukotai 5781 - What is Yovel - In memory of Yosef Hirsh z"l on his 18th Yahrzeit
More recordings from our listeners and two questions I cannot answer.
The Parasha (Story) of BeHar is teaching us about true freedom & The Secret of Sustenance. The Parasha (Story) of BeHukotai is the last one in the Book of VaYikra – Leviticus and it has many lessons for us concerning the true meaning of life and about our responsibility for this physical world. These Parashot is focusing on controlling one's destiny via the cleansing of the thought. What is the message of VaYikra for all of us in the opening of a new era that is marked by the Corona Virus Pandemic? Now! When the world is still in a dangerous place of uncertainty, it is time to reflect and look inside. This is the time to ask: Who is the person that I want to become and not: 'What are the things that I want to have? the places I want to travel, the deals I want to make'. This the time to stop our slavery to habits, belief systems and objects, the time to prepare ourselves to the freedom awaiting us in the 5780's.
Shabbat Behar Behukotai 2020: How We Learn, How We Change by Rabbi Aaron Flanzraich
R. Shabtai Sabato - Midrash - Behar - Behukotai: "Exchanging Holiness" This part in Parashat Behar - Behukotai is taught by Rabbi Shabtai Sabato TanachStudy.com
Behukotai Part 5: The Value of a Vow (27:1-25)Sefer VayikraIn Honor of Cookie & Stanley CheraThis part in Parashat Behukotai taught by Mrs. Neima Novetsky TanachStudy.com
Behukotai Part 6: On Consecrations and Conclusions (27:26-34)Sefer VayikraIn Honor of Cookie & Stanley CheraThis part in Parashat Behukotai taught by Mrs. Neima Novetsky TanachStudy.com
Behukotai Part 4: Rejected Repentance? (26:36-46)Sefer VayikraIn Honor of Cookie & Stanley CheraThis part in Parashat Behukotai taught by Mrs. Neima Novetsky TanachStudy.com
Behukotai Part 3: Retribution: For What? (26:27-35)Sefer VayikraIn Honor of Cookie & Stanley CheraThis part in Parashat Behukotai taught by Mrs. Neima Novetsky TanachStudy.com
R. Dr. Yoni Grossman - Literary Analysis - Behar - Behukotai This part in Parashat Behar - Behukotai is taught by Rabbi Dr. Yoni Grossman TanachStudy.com
Behukotai Part 1: Counting our Blessings (26:3-13)Sefer VayikraIn Honor of Cookie & Stanley CheraThis part in Parashat Behukotai taught by Mrs. Neima Novetsky TanachStudy.com
Behukotai Part 2: Punished More than Deserved? (26:14-26)Sefer VayikraIn Honor of Cookie & Stanley CheraThis part in Parashat Behukotai taught by Mrs. Neima Novetsky TanachStudy.com
Mik'd'sheikhem Source Sheet: t.ly/JRGF
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Behar - Behukotai: "Miraculous Living" Sefer VayikraClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Behar - Behukotai is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Behar-Behukotai 5780 - To Go in Torah - In memory of Yosef Hirsh z"l
The Parasha (Story) of BeHar is teaching us about true freedom & The Secret of Sustenance. The Parasha (Story) of BeHukotai is the last one in the Book of VaYikra – Leviticus and it has many lessons for us concerning the true meaning of life and about our responsibility for this physical world. Now! When the world is coming to a hold, it is time to reflect and look inside. This is the time to ask: Who is the person that I want to become and not: What are the things that I want to have? the places I want to travel, the deals I want to make. This the time to stop our slavery to habits, belief systems and objects, the time to prepare ourselves to Passover – The Holiday of Liberty.
Michelle Friedman and Hody Nemes talk about the difficulty of eulogizing a person who had fraught relationships in life. How do we deal with the sins of our fathers and mothers? Are we destined to repeat the mistakes of our parents and how can we heal some of these psychological wounds through Jewish rituals of burial and mourning?
Rabbi Amy Bernstein's weekly Torah study class - Leviticus 25:39-26:46 - May 11, 2018
Parshat Behukotai ends with a blessing and a curse, and hidden within the words of the curse is a term which offers the power to transform one into the other. In this week’s Pardes from Jerusalem parsha podcast, Rabbi Mike … Read the rest The post Behukotai: A Blessing and a Curse first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Behukotai: A Blessing and a Curse at Elmad Online Learning.
In this week’s parsha podcast, Rabbi Mike Feuer looks into Behar Behukotai. Now that the download of Divine law has ended, it is time to leave Sinai. But here at the end of the book of Leviticus, what seems to … Read the rest The post Behar Behukotai: The Essence of Covenant first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Behar Behukotai: The Essence of Covenant at Elmad Online Learning.
Rabbi Amy Bernstein's weekly Torah study class - Leviticus 27:1-34 and the ideas of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan - June 3, 2016
Behukotai 5775 - Shalom BaAretz
Behar-Behukotai 5773 - Types of Reward - This World and the Next / This shiur is dedicated to the memory of Yosef Hirsh z"l on the occasion his 10th Yahretzeit.
Behukotai 5772 - Ktiv Mal'e and Chaser