Shabbat Kedoschim Readings and Video Commentary...

(Leviticus 19:1-20:27; Amos 9:7-15 Video Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman of The Temple Institute, Jerusalem: “”You shall not turn to the worthless idols, nor shall you make molten deities for yourselves.” (Leviticus 19:4) Don’t fall prey to your own fears and weaknesses and begin shaping false gods to provide easy answers, and in essence become answerable to you. It is you who must shape your...

Passover – The Korban Pesach Challenge Part ...

Hallel, Pesach Haggada, Exodus 12:1-51 Video Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman of The Temple Institute, Jerusalem: “Why is the korban the central aspect of the Divine service, and what makes the korban Pesach the ultimate korban? Facing ourselves and facing G-d at the altar: the core elements of the offering service. Part one of a four-part teaching”: Part II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-N7ISkO6l0 Passover-Card:...

Shabbat TAZRIA and Shabbat METZORA Video Commentar...

Leviticus 12:1 – 13:59; Exodus 12:1-20 | | Ezekiel 45:16 – 46:18 Leviticus 14 | | 2 Kings 7:3-20 Video Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman of The Temple Institute, Jerusalem: “If parashat Shmini comes to tell us that we are what we eat, then parashat Tazria tells us that our fate will follow what comes out of our mouth. Nega Tzarat, the spiritual affliction described in this week’s Torah reading affects...

Parashat Shabbat Shmini Readings and Video Comment...

Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47; Numeri 19 | | Ezekiel 36:16-38 Video Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman of The Temple Institute, Jerusalem: “You are what you eat.” This modern catchphrase finds its most perfect expression in the concluding verses of parashat Shmini: “For I am the Lord your G-d, and you shall sanctify yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” (Lev. 11:44) This is the only reason offered...

Shabbat TZAV and PURIM Readings and Video Commenta...

Tzav: Lev. 6:1-8:36 || Haftara: 1. Sam. 15:2-3 Zachor: Deut. 25:17-19 On the Shabbat before Purim (this year, March 15), a special reading is held in the synagogue. We read the Torah section called Zachor (“Remember”), in which we are enjoined to remember the deeds of (the nation of) Amalek (Haman’s ancestor) who sought to destroy the Jewish people. Purim: Megillah Esther, Lev. 17:8-16 | | Rephidim Video Commentary...

Shabbat Vayikra Readings and Video Commentary...

Leviticus 1:1-5:26; Iesaiah 43:21 – 44:23 Video Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman, The Temple Institute, Jerusalem: “From the moment of creation it has been leading up to this: The “face to face” reunion of man and G-d in the intimacy of the Tabernacle. But, jaded by lifetimes of exile and wandering, we are required to re-attain the purity and guileless innocence of untainted youth. If you are brave...

Shabbat PEKUDAJ Readings and Video Commentary...

Shabbat Pekudei (Amount of): Exodus 38:21-40:38; Haftorah: Kings II 12:1-17 Video Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman, The Temple Institute, Jerusalem: “Welcoming G-d into our neighborhood and making this world a better place – this is the simple yet profound reason Israel has been commanded to build for G-d a Sanctuary on this earth. Israel is a nation whose destiny is to live and act in G-d consciousness,...

Parashat Shabbat Vayakhel Readings and Video Comme...

Exodus 35:1 – 38:20; Kings I 7:40-50 Video Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman, Temple Institute, Jerusalem: “Within two days only Israel brought to Moshe all the gold and silver and copper and blue techelet and purple argaman and crimson shani and goat skins and tachash skins and precious stones needed to make the Tabernacle, all its vessels and the priestly garments. Giving hearts brought all this to the wise...

Paraschat Ki Tissa Readings and Video Commentary...

Exodus 30:11 – 34:35; Kings I 18:1-39 Video Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman, Temple Institute, Jerusalem: “Why a golden calf? What were the children of Israel really searching for? Why did Moses ask to see G-d’s glory, and what question concerning G-d’s justice was he seeking an answer to?”: Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Tetzaveh Readings and Video Commentary...

TETZAWEH: Exodus 27:20 – 30:10; Ezekiel 43:10 – 27 Commentary by Rabbi Chaim Richman, The Temple Institute, Jerusalem: “And you shall command the children of Israel to kindle the lamps continually.” (Exodus 27:20) The light of the golden menora symbolizes the light of G-d in this world. If so, then why are we instructed to “kindle the lamps?” By actively lighting the menora, we are making G-ds...