Podcasts about kohanim

Parshas Tetzaveh & Purim: The Hidden Splendor In Parshas Tetzaveh, the Torah details the priestly garments of the Kohen Gadol, described as “l'kavod u'l'tifaret” - for dignity and splendor.  This episode explores how the Mishkan, the Kohanim, and the concept of tiferet reveal a powerful truth: holiness is not removed from the physical world — it is revealed through it. As we approach Purim and read the Megillah, we uncover how G-d's presence operates through hidden miracles, woven into natural events. ✨ Splendor is not always loud. Sometimes it is hidden in plain sight.

A brief overview and summary of the daily portion of three chapters of Rambam's Mishnah Torah, as an aid to enhance the study and review of the day's Rambam.

Learn the daily portion of Rambam's Mishneh Torah, 3 chapters a day, with Rabbi Avraham Zajac, a renowned Talmudic scholar and master teacher.

Wednesday 8 Adar

Wednesday 8 Adar

A brief overview and summary of the daily portion of three chapters of Rambam's Mishnah Torah, as an aid to enhance the study and review of the day's Rambam.

Learn the daily portion of Rambam's Mishneh Torah, 3 chapters a day, with Rabbi Avraham Zajac, a renowned Talmudic scholar and master teacher.

This class examines whether Kohanim wore Tefillin and Tzitzis during their Temple service. It explores the technical challenges of "interposition" (chatzitzah), the legal status of communal garments, and the profound idea that active Divine service may supersede the need for symbolic reminders. (279 characters) https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/002_shemos/008_tetzaveh/001

Tuesday 7 Adar

Tuesday 7 Adar

Tuesday 7 Adar

A brief overview and summary of the daily portion of three chapters of Rambam's Mishnah Torah, as an aid to enhance the study and review of the day's Rambam.

Learn the daily portion of Rambam's Mishneh Torah, 3 chapters a day, with Rabbi Avraham Zajac, a renowned Talmudic scholar and master teacher.

Monday 6 Adar

The Kohen Gadol, the High Priest, wore eight magnificent garments and lived a life of total devotion, representing the entire nation before God in a way no one else could. Parashat Tesave covers the priestly garments, the consecration of the Kohanim, the twice-daily Tamid lamb offerings brought on behalf of all Israel, and closes with the golden incense altar at the heart of the Tabernacle.

A brief overview and summary of the daily portion of three chapters of Rambam's Mishnah Torah, as an aid to enhance the study and review of the day's Rambam.

Learn the daily portion of Rambam's Mishneh Torah, 3 chapters a day, with Rabbi Avraham Zajac, a renowned Talmudic scholar and master teacher.

In ancient times, Kohanim (priests) and Levi'im (Levites) were responsible for most of the holy work in the Temple in Jerusalem. While their role is now significantly diminished in Jewish life, today's Kohanim and Levites continue to trace their lineage all the way back to Aaron in the Bible. So if you know anyone named Cohen or Levy, they're probably connected to that lineage. It just so happens that some of Israeli music's most recognizable names are members of those tribes - and just for fun, we thought we'd share music by the Cohens and Levys of Israel. And if you're not a Kohen or Levite? Well, then, you're just a plain-old Israelite. We've got you covered there, too - with music by people named 'Israel.' (Original Air Date: February 22, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/f7cda839 Bring Josh Shron, 'Israel's Soundtrack Storyteller,' to your community, and help spread the joy of Israeli music around the world! Visit https://www.joshshron.com/ Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

In our new series, we will examine the laws of Tefillah.  May our learning be a merit for our brave soldiers in the IDF, and for full healing for our brothers and sisters in Israel. In our next lesson we discuss Kohanim who are sinners. Our learning is dedicated L'Iluy Nishmat Captain Daniel Perez HY"D who was killed in battle on October 7th, 2023.

In our new series, we will examine the laws of Tefillah.  May our learning be a merit for our brave soldiers in the IDF, and for full healing for our brothers and sisters in Israel. In our next lesson we discuss the purpose and true work of the Kohanim. Our learning is dedicated L'Iluy Nishmat Captain Daniel Perez HY"D who was killed in battle on October 7th, 2023.

Parshas Yisro - Mamleches Kohanim

In our new series, we will examine the laws of Tefillah.  May our learning be a merit for our brave soldiers in the IDF, and for full healing for our brothers and sisters in Israel. In our next lesson we discuss Kohanim removing shoes for Birchat Kohanim. Our learning is dedicated L'Iluy Nishmat Captain Daniel Perez HY"D who was killed in battle on October 7th, 2023.

In our new series, we will examine the laws of Tefillah.  May our learning be a merit for our brave soldiers in the IDF, and for full healing for our brothers and sisters in Israel. In our next lesson we discuss the partenrship of Yisraelim and Kohanim during Birchat Kohanim. Our learning is dedicated L'Iluy Nishmat Captain Daniel Perez HY"D who was killed in battle on October 7th, 2023.

Shiur given by Rabbi Ben Zion Bamberger on Mussar Shmooze. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.

Daf Yomi Menachos 21Episode 2220Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfMERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabbleOnTalmudSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Menachot.21a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro 01:07 The parts of the korbin we do not salt18:26 Eating cooked blood31:19 How much salt to use37:41 Kohanim benefitting from Temple salt01:00:26 Conclusion

The priests, the kohanim, have special rules about their marriages, haircuts, mourning practices, impurity. They can also be disqualified from active service due to a variety of physical disfigurations.Today we attempt to lend some explanation to the unique role and rules of the Kohanim.

Menachot 18 : Marc Chipkin : 2026-01-29 Further discussion of intention to leave over some of the blood until the next day. Non-essential procedures of a minchah. The principles that Kohanim have to ascribe to.

When the Torah uses the term "finger" or the term "kohen," it is understood to always mean the right hand. The bias against the left-hand is already understood, but note that the Torah specifies the right-hand on occasion. But there are other occasions when the left-hand was explicitly called for (also as per the Torah) - to the extent that Rabbi Shimon allowed left-handed acceptance of the blood. Going back to the verses, "finger" AND "kohen" is necessary in his estimation. And the mishnah seems not to have included this machloket.

The Ramban that this includes Kodesh Hakodashim.Source Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PG2gU2OF4wV_-SQYOkj73IljPRIn23yC/view?usp=share_link

Rav Yosef Eingel's explanation.Source Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LQK-vLP75uNiUHeVs4AJXlHVbx88D5sx/view?usp=share_link

A dispute over whether one is liable for slaughtering a premature guilt-offering outside of the Temple - a very specific case. Also, if what you slaughter isn't fit to be a Temple offering to begin with, for example, than there's no liability. Plus, offerings that were allowed to be brought outside of the courtyard (or, rather, the Tabernacle) because it hadn't yet been established as the sole location for this. Thus, in the wilderness - offerings were made in the Tent of the Meeting, and largely by the class of the first born, rather than the kohanim. At least, until the kohanim were established at the day of establishing the Tabernacle itself. Also, the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, their father's reaction, their uncle's reaction, and what it means to sanctify God in their deaths.

Why the Kohanim became the spiritual leaders of Am Yisrael and why Aharon became the Kohen Gadol

Generally speaking, one should not leave the synagogue until the end of the Tefila. There is a tradition that if a person routinely leaves in the middle of the service, then in the future, after Mashiah comes, he will be told to leave the Bet Ha'mikdash before the end of the prayers. It is especially grievous for a person to leave if he is the tenth man. As we've seen in previous installments, a person who exits during a part of the service that requires a Minyan, leaving behind less than ten men, is subject to the harsh warning of the prophet Yeshayahu, "Ve'ozebeh Hashem Yichlu" – "Those who abandon G-d shall be annihilated" (Yeshayahu 1: 28). Sometimes, however, a person has a pressing need to leave. It goes without saying that in the case of a dire emergency, a person may leave the synagogue during any part of the service even if this results in breaking the Minyan. Thus, for example, it is obvious that if a Hatzalah member gets a call during the Hazara (repetition of the Amida), he should immediately leave and tend to the emergency. However, there are even matters of lesser urgency that allow leaving during the Hazara (or other parts of the service that require a Minyan) even if one is the tenth man. If a person needs to use the restroom, for example, and he cannot restrain himself, then it is permissible for him to leave, even though fewer than ten men will be remaining in the synagogue. If a significant financial loss is at stake – such as if a person must leave early for a vitally important business meeting, or might otherwise lose his job – then according to Rav Shmuel Wosner (1913-1915), one may be lenient and leave to avoid the financial loss. Others disagree. In practice, Rav Yisrael Bitan writes that one may rely on the lenient position if he wishes, but he should preferably remain in the synagogue and trust that "Kol Ha'shome'a Li Eno Mafsid" – one ultimately gains, and does not lose, by obeying Hashem and doing the right thing, and any money lost as a result of remaining in the synagogue will be repaid. There is some discussion among the Poskim regarding a Kohen's hand-washing in preparation for Birkat Kohanim in a situation where only ten men are present in the synagogue. In most synagogues, the Kohanim must exit the sanctuary to access the sink. Should the Kohen do so if only ten men are present, and he would thus leave behind fewer than ten men for a few moments during the Hazara? Some suggested that in such a situation, it is preferable for the Kohen to wash his hands before the Amida in order to avoid the problem. Others, however, disapprove of this solution, as a Kohen ought to wash his hands as close to Birkat Kohanim as possible. Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868) writes that in such a case, the Hazzan should pause for those few moments when the Kohen is outside the synagogue and only nine men remain. As for the final Halacha, Rav Yisrael Bitan ruled that preferably, water should be brought to the Kohen inside the sanctuary in this situation so he does not need to leave. If this is not feasible, then the Kohen should leave to wash his hands, and the Hazzan should pause, in accordance with Rav Haim Palachi's ruling. If the sink is visible from inside the sanctuary, then the Kohen may leave to wash his hands and rely on the opinion that he counts toward the Minyan since he can still be seen. Whenever one exits the synagogue, it is proper to do slowly, as leaving hurriedly gives the impression that he is eager to finish the prayers and leave.

Generally speaking, one should not leave the synagogue until the end of the Tefila. There is a tradition that if a person routinely leaves in the middle of the service, then in the future, after Mashiah comes, he will be told to leave the Bet Ha'mikdash before the end of the prayers. It is especially grievous for a person to leave if he is the tenth man. As we've seen in previous installments, a person who exits during a part of the service that requires a Minyan, leaving behind less than ten men, is subject to the harsh warning of the prophet Yeshayahu, "Ve'ozebeh Hashem Yichlu" – "Those who abandon G-d shall be annihilated" (Yeshayahu 1: 28). Sometimes, however, a person has a pressing need to leave. It goes without saying that in the case of a dire emergency, a person may leave the synagogue during any part of the service even if this results in breaking the Minyan. Thus, for example, it is obvious that if a Hatzalah member gets a call during the Hazara (repetition of the Amida), he should immediately leave and tend to the emergency. However, there are even matters of lesser urgency that allow leaving during the Hazara (or other parts of the service that require a Minyan) even if one is the tenth man. If a person needs to use the restroom, for example, and he cannot restrain himself, then it is permissible for him to leave, even though fewer than ten men will be remaining in the synagogue. If a significant financial loss is at stake – such as if a person must leave early for a vitally important business meeting, or might otherwise lose his job – then according to Rav Shmuel Wosner (1913-1915), one may be lenient and leave to avoid the financial loss. Others disagree. In practice, Rav Yisrael Bitan writes that one may rely on the lenient position if he wishes, but he should preferably remain in the synagogue and trust that "Kol Ha'shome'a Li Eno Mafsid" – one ultimately gains, and does not lose, by obeying Hashem and doing the right thing, and any money lost as a result of remaining in the synagogue will be repaid. There is some discussion among the Poskim regarding a Kohen's hand-washing in preparation for Birkat Kohanim in a situation where only ten men are present in the synagogue. In most synagogues, the Kohanim must exit the sanctuary to access the sink. Should the Kohen do so if only ten men are present, and he would thus leave behind fewer than ten men for a few moments during the Hazara? Some suggested that in such a situation, it is preferable for the Kohen to wash his hands before the Amida in order to avoid the problem. Others, however, disapprove of this solution, as a Kohen ought to wash his hands as close to Birkat Kohanim as possible. Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868) writes that in such a case, the Hazzan should pause for those few moments when the Kohen is outside the synagogue and only nine men remain. As for the final Halacha, Rav Yisrael Bitan ruled that preferably, water should be brought to the Kohen inside the sanctuary in this situation so he does not need to leave. If this is not feasible, then the Kohen should leave to wash his hands, and the Hazzan should pause, in accordance with Rav Haim Palachi's ruling. If the sink is visible from inside the sanctuary, then the Kohen may leave to wash his hands and rely on the opinion that he counts toward the Minyan since he can still be seen. Whenever one exits the synagogue, it is proper to do slowly, as leaving hurriedly gives the impression that he is eager to finish the prayers and leave.

Generally speaking, one should not leave the synagogue until the end of the Tefila. There is a tradition that if a person routinely leaves in the middle of the service, then in the future, after Mashiah comes, he will be told to leave the Bet Ha'mikdash before the end of the prayers. It is especially grievous for a person to leave if he is the tenth man. As we've seen in previous installments, a person who exits during a part of the service that requires a Minyan, leaving behind less than ten men, is subject to the harsh warning of the prophet Yeshayahu, "Ve'ozebeh Hashem Yichlu" – "Those who abandon G-d shall be annihilated" (Yeshayahu 1: 28). Sometimes, however, a person has a pressing need to leave. It goes without saying that in the case of a dire emergency, a person may leave the synagogue during any part of the service even if this results in breaking the Minyan. Thus, for example, it is obvious that if a Hatzalah member gets a call during the Hazara (repetition of the Amida), he should immediately leave and tend to the emergency. However, there are even matters of lesser urgency that allow leaving during the Hazara (or other parts of the service that require a Minyan) even if one is the tenth man. If a person needs to use the restroom, for example, and he cannot restrain himself, then it is permissible for him to leave, even though fewer than ten men will be remaining in the synagogue. If a significant financial loss is at stake – such as if a person must leave early for a vitally important business meeting, or might otherwise lose his job – then according to Rav Shmuel Wosner (1913-1915), one may be lenient and leave to avoid the financial loss. Others disagree. In practice, Rav Yisrael Bitan writes that one may rely on the lenient position if he wishes, but he should preferably remain in the synagogue and trust that "Kol Ha'shome'a Li Eno Mafsid" – one ultimately gains, and does not lose, by obeying Hashem and doing the right thing, and any money lost as a result of remaining in the synagogue will be repaid. There is some discussion among the Poskim regarding a Kohen's hand-washing in preparation for Birkat Kohanim in a situation where only ten men are present in the synagogue. In most synagogues, the Kohanim must exit the sanctuary to access the sink. Should the Kohen do so if only ten men are present, and he would thus leave behind fewer than ten men for a few moments during the Hazara? Some suggested that in such a situation, it is preferable for the Kohen to wash his hands before the Amida in order to avoid the problem. Others, however, disapprove of this solution, as a Kohen ought to wash his hands as close to Birkat Kohanim as possible. Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868) writes that in such a case, the Hazzan should pause for those few moments when the Kohen is outside the synagogue and only nine men remain. As for the final Halacha, Rav Yisrael Bitan ruled that preferably, water should be brought to the Kohen inside the sanctuary in this situation so he does not need to leave. If this is not feasible, then the Kohen should leave to wash his hands, and the Hazzan should pause, in accordance with Rav Haim Palachi's ruling. If the sink is visible from inside the sanctuary, then the Kohen may leave to wash his hands and rely on the opinion that he counts toward the Minyan since he can still be seen. Whenever one exits the synagogue, it is proper to do slowly, as leaving hurriedly gives the impression that he is eager to finish the prayers and leave.

התוכן הוראה ממ"ש בתחילת רביעי דפ' ויגש, שיעקב, לאחרי שראה את "העגלות אשר שלח יוסף" ‏–‏ את הסימן "במה היו עוסק כשפירש ממנו – בפרשת עגלה ערופה", אמר "עוד יוסף בני חי": שגם בגלות נמצא כל יהודי במצב של "יוסף בני חי" בתורת חיים ומצוותי' עליהם נאמר "וחי בהם", וכפירוש המגיד בזה שע"י שיהודי מקיים מצוה ה"ה מחי' את המצוה! ובפשטות: אפי' תפילין כשירות שיש בהם שם הוי' כו"כ פעמים, והם בקדושתן גם כשמונחות על השולחן וכו', אי"ז מגיע לקדושת וחיות התפילין כאשר יהודי מקיים בהם בפועל מצות תפילין! וזוהי גם ההוראה ממ"ש בסיום השיעור ש"ויבאו מצרימה יעקב וכל זרעו אתו" התאפשר רק לאחר שיוכבד נולדה "בין החומות": אפי' תינוקת קטנה של בנ"י משלימה את המספר "שבעים נפש" כדי שבנ"י יוכלו להיכנס למצרים, כי ברגע שנולדה יורשת את כל התומ"צ, כולל את הכח להיות "יוסף בני חי" גם במצרים, וכבר בכניסה למצרים דאג הקב"ה שתוולד יוכבד שממנה יצאה בתי כהונה לוי ומלכות ("ויתן להם בתים") בזכות זה ש"ותחיין את הילדים" גם במצרים וכו'. משיחת יום ד' פ' ויגש, מוצאי "זאת חנוכה" ה'תשמ"א ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=24-12-2025 Synopsis The beginning of revi'i of parashas Vayigash states that when Yaakov saw the wagons Yosef had sent (an allusion to the eglah arufah, the subject Yaakov and Yosef had last studied together before Yosef's disappearance), he said, “My son Yosef is still alive.” Even in exile, it is true of every Jew that “Yosef my son is alive,” with the Torah of life and its mitzvos, of which it says, “and you shall live by them”; as the Maggid explains, when a Jew does a mitzvah, he makes the mitzvah come alive. For example, even kosher tefillin, which contain Hashem's Name many times and which are holy even when they are lying on the table etc., do not possess the holiness and vitality that tefillin attain when a Jew actually puts them on and does the mitzvah of tefillin with them. This is also the lesson from the conclusion of this aliyah: Yaakov and all his offspring were only able to come to Egypt after Yocheved was born “between the walls.” Meaning, a baby Jewish girl, simply by being born, completes the count of “seventy souls,” making it possible for the Jewish people to enter Egypt, because the moment she is born, she inherits the entire Torah and its mitzvos, including this power that “Yosef my son is alive” even in Egypt. Already at the moment the Jewish people entered Egypt, Hashem ensured the birth of Yocheved, from whom emerged the houses of the Kohanim, Levi'im, and the kings (“He made houses for them”), in the merit of having “kept the boys alive” in Egypt etc.Excerpt from sichah of Wednesday, parashas Vayigash, Motzaei Zos Chanukah 5741 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=24-12-2025

On kohanim who weren't eligible to eat from the sacrificial meats - beginning with a t'vul yom, one who has immersed in the mikveh for purity, but the sun has not yet set, so he isn't pure yet, for the purposes of eating from the offerings. [What's What: Mishmarot] Plus, the question of a "ba'al mum" - the degree to which even the "blemished" kohen is still a kohen in many important and privileged ways. Also, a kohen who is in acute mourning - and therefore cannot serve in the Temple at that time, but still may (or may not?) partake of the foods that were eaten by the kohanim. For example, sacrificial meats. And the Pesach offering in contrast to them... He still has to be purified by the time of eating, but there are stringencies in place with regard to these foods.

Halacha is very critical of people who depart the synagogue in the middle of the prayer service, leaving the others without a Minyan. If there are only ten men present in the synagogue, one should not leave before the end of the Tefilla. Sometimes, however, it happens that, for whatever reason, one or more individuals need to leave, and there is no longer a Minyan present in the synagogue. If this happens during a section of the service requiring a Minyan, that section may be completed without a Minyan. For example, if the Minyan is lost during the Hazara (repetition of the Amida), the Hazan may complete the Hazara even though fewer than ten men are present. As long as at least six men – the majority of a Minyan – remain, that section of the service may be completed, since it began in the presence of a Minyan. This applies even if the Minyan was lost during the first blessing of the repetition of the Amida. Another example is where people begin leaving during the Kaddish toward the end of Arbit, before Alenu. As long as ten men were present when Kaddish began, the Kaddish may be completed after the Minyan is lost, provided that at least six men remain. Importantly, only that section of the service – which began in the presence of a Minyan – may be completed. Other portions of the Tefilla, however, may not be recited, since the Minyan was lost before they began. In the case of the Hazara, if the Minyan was lost at some point during the first three Berachot, before Nakdishach, the congregation may nevertheless recite Nakdishach, because it is considered part of the repetition of the Amida. However, they cannot recite Birkat Kohanim, as Birkat Kohanim is viewed as a separate recitation, and not part of the Hazara. The Hazzan would thus recite "Elokenu V'Elokeh Abotenu" just as he would do if no Kohanim were present. Different customs exist regarding the recitation of the Kaddish Titkabal following the Hazara in such a case. Ashkenazic practice views the Kaddish Titkabal as integrally connected to the repetition of the Amida, because, after all, in this Kaddish we pray that our prayers will be answered, referring to the Amida prayer which had just been recited. Therefore, according to Ashkenazic custom, if the Minyan was lost during the Hazara, the Hazzan completes the Hazara and also recites the Kaddish Titkabal afterward. Sephardic custom, however, views the Kaddish Titkabal as separate and apart from the Amida, and therefore it cannot be recited if the Minyan was lost during the Hazara. This applies also in a case where the Minyan was lost during Selihot. The Selihot service may be completed without a Minyan, but, according to Sephardic practice, the Kaddish Titkabal following Selihot may not be recited. Ashkenazim, however, allow reciting the Kaddish Titkabal after Selihot in this case, because – as with regard to the Kaddish following the Amida – they view the Kaddish as integral to the Selihot service. If the Minyan was lost during the Torah reading – even if this happened during the first Aliya – the entire Torah reading may be completed. Likewise, the Haftara may be completed if the Minyan was lost during the Haftara reading. However, the Kaddish following the Torah reading is not recited if the Minyan was lost during the Torah reading. If ten men were present during the silent Amida, and somebody left before the Hazzan began the repetition of the Amida, the Hazzan may not repeat the Amida, as the repetition is viewed as separate and apart from the silent Amida. Rabbi Akiva Eger (1761-1837) addresses the interesting case of a Minyan which was lost and then restored. If during the Hazara, for example, five of the ten men left, leaving behind only five – which, as mentioned, do no suffice to allow continuing the Hazara – may the Hazara be resumed if one of the five men returns? Instinctively, we might say that since the Hazara began with a Minyan, and six men are now present, the Hazara may be continued. On the other hand, one could argue that once the Minyan was lost, as fewer than six men were present, the Hazara cannot continue on the basis of the original ten men who were present when it began. Rabbi Akiva Eger leaves this question unanswered. A different question arises in the case of a "revolving Minyan" – where there were never fewer than six men present at any point, but six or more of the original ten men left. Let us consider, for example, the case of a Minyan consisting of exactly ten men, four of whom left during the Hazara, after which four other people entered the synagogue. At this point, there are ten men in the synagogue – six members of the original Minyan, and four newcomers, who arrived in the middle of the Hazara. If one or more of the six who remained from the original Minyan would now leave, may the Hazara continue? One might argue that since fewer than six of the original ten members of the Minyan are present, the Hazara cannot continue, as there aren't six people in the synagogue who were present when the Hazara began. In truth, however, Halacha allows the Hazara to continue in this case, since there was never a point when fewer than six men were present. This entire discussion applies only after the fact, if the Minyan was lost. If the people know ahead of time that the Minyan will be lost at a certain point in the service – such as if the tenth man informed the others that he must leave by a certain time – then they may not begin a part of the service that requires a Minyan. Meaning, if, for example, they know that the tenth man will leave during the Hazara, then the Hazzan may not begin the Hazara; if they know that the tenth man will leave during the Torah reading, then they may not begin the Torah reading.

Halacha is very critical of people who depart the synagogue in the middle of the prayer service, leaving the others without a Minyan. If there are only ten men present in the synagogue, one should not leave before the end of the Tefilla. Sometimes, however, it happens that, for whatever reason, one or more individuals need to leave, and there is no longer a Minyan present in the synagogue. If this happens during a section of the service requiring a Minyan, that section may be completed without a Minyan. For example, if the Minyan is lost during the Hazara (repetition of the Amida), the Hazan may complete the Hazara even though fewer than ten men are present. As long as at least six men – the majority of a Minyan – remain, that section of the service may be completed, since it began in the presence of a Minyan. This applies even if the Minyan was lost during the first blessing of the repetition of the Amida. Another example is where people begin leaving during the Kaddish toward the end of Arbit, before Alenu. As long as ten men were present when Kaddish began, the Kaddish may be completed after the Minyan is lost, provided that at least six men remain. Importantly, only that section of the service – which began in the presence of a Minyan – may be completed. Other portions of the Tefilla, however, may not be recited, since the Minyan was lost before they began. In the case of the Hazara, if the Minyan was lost at some point during the first three Berachot, before Nakdishach, the congregation may nevertheless recite Nakdishach, because it is considered part of the repetition of the Amida. However, they cannot recite Birkat Kohanim, as Birkat Kohanim is viewed as a separate recitation, and not part of the Hazara. The Hazzan would thus recite "Elokenu V'Elokeh Abotenu" just as he would do if no Kohanim were present. Different customs exist regarding the recitation of the Kaddish Titkabal following the Hazara in such a case. Ashkenazic practice views the Kaddish Titkabal as integrally connected to the repetition of the Amida, because, after all, in this Kaddish we pray that our prayers will be answered, referring to the Amida prayer which had just been recited. Therefore, according to Ashkenazic custom, if the Minyan was lost during the Hazara, the Hazzan completes the Hazara and also recites the Kaddish Titkabal afterward. Sephardic custom, however, views the Kaddish Titkabal as separate and apart from the Amida, and therefore it cannot be recited if the Minyan was lost during the Hazara. This applies also in a case where the Minyan was lost during Selihot. The Selihot service may be completed without a Minyan, but, according to Sephardic practice, the Kaddish Titkabal following Selihot may not be recited. Ashkenazim, however, allow reciting the Kaddish Titkabal after Selihot in this case, because – as with regard to the Kaddish following the Amida – they view the Kaddish as integral to the Selihot service. If the Minyan was lost during the Torah reading – even if this happened during the first Aliya – the entire Torah reading may be completed. Likewise, the Haftara may be completed if the Minyan was lost during the Haftara reading. However, the Kaddish following the Torah reading is not recited if the Minyan was lost during the Torah reading. If ten men were present during the silent Amida, and somebody left before the Hazzan began the repetition of the Amida, the Hazzan may not repeat the Amida, as the repetition is viewed as separate and apart from the silent Amida. Rabbi Akiva Eger (1761-1837) addresses the interesting case of a Minyan which was lost and then restored. If during the Hazara, for example, five of the ten men left, leaving behind only five – which, as mentioned, do no suffice to allow continuing the Hazara – may the Hazara be resumed if one of the five men returns? Instinctively, we might say that since the Hazara began with a Minyan, and six men are now present, the Hazara may be continued. On the other hand, one could argue that once the Minyan was lost, as fewer than six men were present, the Hazara cannot continue on the basis of the original ten men who were present when it began. Rabbi Akiva Eger leaves this question unanswered. A different question arises in the case of a "revolving Minyan" – where there were never fewer than six men present at any point, but six or more of the original ten men left. Let us consider, for example, the case of a Minyan consisting of exactly ten men, four of whom left during the Hazara, after which four other people entered the synagogue. At this point, there are ten men in the synagogue – six members of the original Minyan, and four newcomers, who arrived in the middle of the Hazara. If one or more of the six who remained from the original Minyan would now leave, may the Hazara continue? One might argue that since fewer than six of the original ten members of the Minyan are present, the Hazara cannot continue, as there aren't six people in the synagogue who were present when the Hazara began. In truth, however, Halacha allows the Hazara to continue in this case, since there was never a point when fewer than six men were present. This entire discussion applies only after the fact, if the Minyan was lost. If the people know ahead of time that the Minyan will be lost at a certain point in the service – such as if the tenth man informed the others that he must leave by a certain time – then they may not begin a part of the service that requires a Minyan. Meaning, if, for example, they know that the tenth man will leave during the Hazara, then the Hazzan may not begin the Hazara; if they know that the tenth man will leave during the Torah reading, then they may not begin the Torah reading.

Certain portions of the prayer service – specifically, those that fall under the category of "Debarim She'bi'kdusha" (literally, "matters involving sanctity") – must be recited in the presence of a Minyan. If ten men are not present, these prayers may not be recited. These include Nakdishach, Kaddish, Barechu, and the repetition of the Amida. We find different sources for this Halacha – one in the Talmud Babli (Babylonian Talmud), and another in the Talmud Yerushalmi (Jerusalem Talmud). Both sources are based on the Torah's command in the Book of Vayikra (22:32), "Ve'nikdashti Be'toch Beneh Yisrael" – "I shall be declared sacred amidst the Children of Israel." The Talmud Babli notes that the word "Toch" ("amidst") appears also in a different verse – in the story of Korah, when G-d instructed Moshe and Aharon to move away "Mi'toch Ha'eda Ha'zot" – "from amidst this evil congregation" (Bamidbar 16:21). The common word "Toch" establishes a connection between these two verses ("Gezera Shava"). Now the word "Eda" in the second verse appears also in the story of the spies, in which G-d refers to the ten evil spies as "Eda Ha'ra'a Ha'zot" ("this evil congregation" – Bamidbar 14:27) – indicating that the word "Eda" refers specifically to a group of ten people. By extension, then, the command "Ve'nikdashti Be'toch Beneh Yisrael" means that G-d shall be declared sacred among a gathering of ten Jews. Hence, portions of the prayer service which involve declaring the sanctity of Hashem require the presence of a Minyan. Strikingly, it emerges that the source of this Halacha is a group of ten sinners – and not just any sinners, but the ten spies who presented a false, negative report about the Land of Israel, leading the people to reject the land and decide to return to Egypt. Hacham Baruch Ben-Haim would say that the Gemara's inference teaches that all Jews count for a Minyan, regardless of their religious level. The fact that the source of the very concept of Minyan is ten sinful men shows that we do not judge people when they come into the synagogue to determine whether or not they should be counted toward a Minyan. Any Jew who comes and wishes to pray is warmly welcomed, and counted. The Talmud Yerushalmi cites a different source – the Torah's description of Yosef's brothers arriving in Egypt to purchase grain: "Li'shbor Be'toch Ha'ba'im" ("To purchase among those who came" – Bereshit 42:5). There were ten brothers, and thus the word "Be'toch" is associated with the number 10. It thus follows that "Ve'nikdashti Be'toch Beneh Yisrael" refers to a minimum quorum of ten. The Sefer Ha'eshkol (Rav Abraham of Narbonne, 12 th century) offers a third source of this requirement, citing the verse in Tehillim (68:27), "Be'makhelot Barechu Et Hashem" – "Bless G-d in assemblies." The word "Makhelot" stems from the word "Kahal," which refers to a group of ten people. The likely reason underlying this Halacha is the Gemara's teaching in Masechet Sanhedrin (39a) that the Shechina resides in a place where ten or more Jews are assembled. Certain portions of the prayer service are particularly sacred and thus require the Shechina's presence, and so they are recited only when at least ten Jews are in attendance. The portions of the service requiring a Minyan are, as mentioned, referred to as "Debarim She'bi'kdusha," a term which literally denotes "sacred" prayers. If we look at the different sections of the Tefila requiring a Minyan, we find that the common denominator is that they are all interactive. For example, in Nakdishach, Kaddish and Barechu, the congregation responds to the declaration of the Hazan (or, in the case of the mourners' Kaddish, to the mourners). Likewise, the congregation answers "Amen" to the blessings recited by the Hazan during the repetition of the Amida. Also included in this category is Birkat Kohanim, where the congregation listens attentively to the blessing pronounced by the Kohanim and answers "Amen." We may thus conclude that "Debarim She'bi'kdusha" refers to portions of the service that are interactive, and this lends them a uniquely sacred quality. Rav Haim Vital (1543-1620), in Sha'ar Ha'kavanot, writes that the requirement of a Minyan constitutes a Torah law, as evidenced by the fact that the Gemara, as mentioned, infers this Halacha from verses in the Torah. Most Rishonim, however, regarded the Gemara's inference as an "Asmachta" – a subtle allusion in the Biblical text to a law introduced later by the Sages.

In this chapter we speak about the "Miluim" - a seven day inauguration of the Mishkan and the Kohanim.And we ask why Channuka is 8 days.

Chanukah is central to our Jewish Calendar and way of life, but there are many unanswered questions: Why celebrate defeat? What was the real role of Kohanim during the Second Temple? Why was this Yomtov chosen to reflect the ultimate ideal ? Tracing the story from Alexander the Great and Shimon HaTzaddik through the corruption of the Second Temple and the rise of Hellenism, the podcast redefines the central idea of Chanukah - the only festival established by the Sages post-prophecy Connecting the ancient clash of civilizations to the battles which echo down through Russia, America and Eretz Yisrael; It defines Who is a Jew.   Timestamps [0:00:00] Introduction to Greek Exile and Historical Context [0:01:07] Podcast Dedication and Welcome [0:02:05] Setting Up the Hanukkah Discussion [0:04:13] Questioning the Purpose of Hanukkah Celebration [0:14:44] Historical Prequel: Alexander the Great and Shimon HaTzadik [0:22:49] Corruption of the Priesthood [0:26:38] Empire Dynamics After Alexander [0:31:05] Jewish Attraction to Greek Culture [0:40:41] The Spiritual Victory of Hanukkah [0:49:26] Comparing Purim and Hanukkah [0:50:44] Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-up

Join us in examining this week's Haftarah: The opening of the final book of Navi-Malachi. Hear the timeless message Malachi gives to the Kohanim (and all of us) about what it means to be a shining example of His Servant, to take responsibility for others, and to show up as our best selves. If you enjoy the Toras Chaim Podcast, please help us spread the word! You can share a link on social media, leave a review or rating on your favorite podcast platform, or best of all, discuss what you've learned at the shabbos table!We love to hear from our listeners. Be it comments, questions or critique. You can send an email to overtimecook@gmail.com or via instagram @OvertimeCook or @Elchonon.

Daf Yomi Zevachim 24Episode 2104Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsSlides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cKPgZw-5ZrPj_OsFj_PMrNhIMi002tIi-0R-TAd6sZU/edit?usp=sharingJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Zevachim.24a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro01:44 Requirement for Kohanim to stand on the ground13:24 Requirement for kohanim to use their right hand55:59 Conclusion

After the Jews cross over the Jordan and the 2 sets of stones are dealt with, the Kohanim step back into the eastern side and levitate over the water to enter the land.

End of 3 days and the miraculous events of area between poles of Aron containing all the people and the Jordan waters cease allowing people to cross into Eretz Yisrael proper (but Kohanim remain on the east side in the riverbank)

The Gemara teaches that one recites each morning the blessing of "Ozer Yisrael Bi'gbura" – "who girds Israel with strength" – upon putting on an "Abnet." Most commentaries explain this term to mean a belt (like the belt worn by the Kohanim in the Bet Ha'mikdash, which is called "Abnet"), and indeed, the word "Ozer" means "gird," referring to putting on a belt. Others, however, including the Peri Hadash (Rav Hizkiya Da Silva, 1659-1698) and Rav David Abudarham (Spain, 14 th century), explain that this Beracha speaks of putting on pants. According to both understandings, this Beracha thanks Hashem for allowing us to make a separation between the upper body and lower body. On this basis, some explain why we speak in this blessing of our being girded with Gebura – "strength." As the Mishna in Abot (4:1) famously teaches, "Ezehu Gibor, Ha'kobesh Et Yisro" – the truly "strong" person is one who has the strength to restrain his evil inclination. The belt thus signifies our ability to separate between the lower body, which is associated with sinful desires, and the upper body, which is associated with the intellect and conscience. When we recite this Beracha, we praise Hashem for giving us the power of self-restraint, to use our upper body – such as the mind, the eyes, the mouth, etc. – for meaningful, spiritual endeavors, detached from sinful passions associated with the lower body. This ability is a precious gift which Hashem has given us, and so the Sages instituted the recitation of a special Beracha each morning to thank Him for this quality that He has mercifully embedded within us.

This week we learn the laws governing all kinds of leaders: The parsha begins by detailing the laws of judges, the jurisdiction of the Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court, and what happens to rebellious judges; we read about the unique laws related to kings; there are more laws pertaining to the Kohanim; and we find the […]

This week we learn the laws governing all kinds of leaders: The parsha begins by detailing the laws of judges, the jurisdiction of the Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court, and what happens to rebellious judges; we read about the unique laws related to kings; there are more laws pertaining to the Kohanim; and we find the means of vetting professed prophets and what happens to the six kinds of false prophets.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★