Shabbat Shalom The weekly parsha commentary – parshat (link to original page) Parashat Tetzave MAN, TORAH, AND NESHAMA Torah and Man are connected by God's lamp on earth; the Torah is a flame which leaps from the spark of He who sits in heaven; Man, with both his components (body and soul) is a torch which draws its light; his back – a twisted wick, and his soul – pure olive oil. When they are in accord and are together, the entire house is filled with light. (Malbim, Commentary on Shemot 21:20)     "FOR KINDLING LAMPS REGULARLY" This...

Shabbat Shalom The weekly parsha commentary – parshat (link to original page) Parshat Tetzaveh – Purim That which is written above, "That its sound may be heard whenever he comes into the Holy-Shrine . . . so that he does not die," is, in my opinion, the rationale for the mitzvah of the bells. There is no need for them as part of the garment, and it is not the custom of prominent men to wear them. Therefore He said that the He commanded their attachment in order that their ring may be heard in the sanctuary. Thus he...

Shabbat Shalom The weekly parsha commentary – parshat Tetzave (link to original page) Parshat Tetzave What Sin did Saul Commit? (Religious Commands opposing Moral Obligations or opposing Appeasing G-d through Sacrifices) Hanna Kasher The reservation expressed in Ecclesiastes "Do not be overly righteous" (Ecclesiastes 9:16) deviates from the philosophy regarding the trait of righteousness found throughout the Bible. This attribute, often used to describe many of G-d qualities (see, for example, Deuteronomy 32:4, Isaiah 45:21, and Psalms 11:7), usually depicts ideal conditions. However, some commentators relate to the reservation expressed in the phrase "Do not be overly righteous" by...