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Home -> 5778 -> Metzora

זאת תהיה תורת המצורע

Moshe Marcovich
In Metzora, 5778

This shall be the law of the metzora. (14:2)

The term metzora is comprised of the construct motzi-ra, brings out bad (about his fellow). This is a baal lashon hora. The Ohr HaChaim Hakadosh teaches that one who speaks negatively about his fellow is still called a baal lashon hora, even if what he says is the truth. When one sins, he is called a baal aveirah, baal lashon hora; the word baal means husband of. Why is this? Furthermore, when a boy reaches the age of thirteen, he is called a bar-mitzvah, bar, meaning son of. With regard to mitzvos, one is called a son, while concerning one’s relationship…

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Home -> 5778 -> Tazria

כל ימי אשר הנגע בו יטמא טמא הוא בדד ישב מחוץ למחנה מושבו

Moshe Marcovich
In Tazria, 5778

All the days that the affliction is upon him, he shall remain impure; he is impure. He shall stay in isolation; his dwelling shall be outside the camp. (13:46)

Not only must the metzora be isolated from pure, healthy people, but even those who are also impure are to be isolated from him (Rashi). The commentators debate concerning the identity of these impure ones to whom Rashi refers. Some say this refers to individuals who are in a severe state of impurity, such as those who have been in contact with the dead. They are not banished from all three camps – as are those who are afflicted with tzaraas. Others contend that Rashi refers to other metzoraim, who may not stay together outside all three camps. Rashi explains why…

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Home -> 5778 -> Tazria

וטמא טמא יקרא

Moshe Marcovich
In Tazria, 5778

He is to call out: “Contaminated, contaminated!” (13:45)

The metzora, individual afflicted with a spiritually-originated form of leprosy, is isolated. In an effort to safeguard people from coming in contact with him, he must warn people to stay away by calling out: “Contaminated, contaminated!” Chazal (Moed Kattan 5a) offer another reason for his declaration of spiritual contamination. Letting people know of his circumstances, informing them of his pain, will motivate them to pray for his recovery. A homiletic rendering of the pasuk is very appropriate and practical. V’tamei, one who is himself contaminated – ie, one who is a victim of his own shortcomings – will make a…

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Home -> Vayikra -> 5778

מקבץ נדחי עמו ישראל

Roberto Szerer
In 5778, Vayikra

Mekabeitz nidchei amo Yisrael

How was Avraham Avinu able to unite an entire world of committed pagans to accept the monotheistic belief? A world filled with idol worshippers, each devoted to a form of sheker, falsehood, left their idols and joined the ranks of believers. How did this occur? He showed them the truth. Someone who is living the life of a lie will eschew the lie as soon as the truth glares at him. Avraham taught the world the meaning of emes, truth. When they saw the truth, they realized the falsehood to which they had been adhering. Our Patriarch could have easily…

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Home -> -> Uncategorized

כל חלב לד'

Roberto Szerer
In Uncategorized

All the choice parts for Hashem. (3:16)

Concerning all offerings, all the choicest parts are to be offered to Hashem on the Mizbayach, Altar. Rambam (at the end of Hilchos Isurei Mizbayach) writes that this idea applies to everything across the board: the choicest, the best, is to be designated exclusively for ruchniyos, spirituality. Among the examples that are given is the idea that the shul in which one davens, prays, should be more impressive, fancier than his home. David Hamelech lamented the fact that he lived in a palace made of cedar wood, while the holy Aron, Ark, was ensconced in a tent. It should be…

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Home -> Pekudei -> 5778

ביום החדש הראשון באחד לחדש תקים את משכן אהל מועד

Roberto Szerer
In 5778, Pekudei

On the first day of the new moon, on the first day of the month, you shall set up the Mishkan of the Ohel Moed. (40:1,2)

Chazal (Yalkut Melachim 184) teach that the work of constructing the parts of the Mishkan actually concluded on Kislev 25, but Hashem delayed its completion until the month of Nissan – the month in which Yitzchak Avinu was born. What is the significance of the date of Kislev 25 as the date on which the Mishkan was ready? Why did they delay until Rosh Chodesh Nissan to use the Mishkan? Last, what role does Yitzchak play vis-à-vis the implementation of the Mishkan? The Zera Shimshon quotes Rabbeinu Bachya (Pikudei 21) who says that the construction of the Mishkan corresponded to…

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Home -> 5778 -> Tetzaveh

ועשו בגדי קדש לאהרן אחיך לכבוד ולתפארת

Roberto Szerer
In Tetzaveh, 5778

You shall make garments of sanctity for Aharon your brother, for glory and splendor. (28:2)

The Kohanim were attired in special vestments that were resplendent in their beauty, as befitting the spiritual mentors of Klal Yisrael, individuals who served in the Sanctuary and represented the nation. They also represented the glory of their mission and the One before Whom they served. The Kohanim were the agents of the Jewish People who served Hashem on their behalf. Halachah teaches that the Bigdei Kehunah, Priestly Vestments, were paid for by public funds. The Kedushas HaLevi explains that, since the Kohen represents the nation, it is only proper that his garments be supplied by the kahal, congregation, that…

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Home -> 5778 -> Tetzaveh

ואתה הקרב אליך את אהרן אחיך

Roberto Szerer
In Tetzaveh, 5778

And you, bring near to yourself Aharon your brother. (28:1)

Chazal (Shemos Rabbah 37:2) teach that, when Moshe Rabbeinu descended the mountain and saw the shocking revelry surrounding the Golden Calf, he also saw Aharon HaKohen pounding on the molten image with a hammer. While, veritably, Aharon was doing all that he could to delay the worship until Moshe descended, the scenario in Moshe’s first impression played itself out differently. Moshe thought (based upon his observation) that Aharon was collaborating with the people. It goes without saying that Moshe was troubled by what he saw. Thus, when Hashem instructed Moshe to “bring Aharon near,” He was intimating to him, “Moshe,…

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Home -> 5778 -> Terumah

ויקחו לי תרומה

Roberto Szerer
In Terumah, 5778

And they shall take for Me a terumah/tithing portion. (25:2)

The command to build the Mishkan was not a one-time command, but rather, it is relevant to every Jew, every day of his life, at every juncture in history. The command begins with an ambiguous term, v’yikchu, “and they shall take,” when the correct vernacular should have been v’nasnu, “and they shall give.” Obviously, we can derive much from this. We will focus on the Midrash that equates the v’yikchu in this pasuk with the v’yikchu in the pasuk in Mishlei (4:2), Ki lekach tov nasati lachem, Torasi al taazovu, “For I have given you a good deal – My…

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Home -> 5778 -> Mishpatim

לא תשמע שמע שוא

Roberto Szerer
In Mishpatim, 5778

Do not accept a futile report. (23:1)

Growing up, one of the easiest types of tests to ace was the “true” or “false” quiz. After all, it was either true or false. Growing up, the distinction between true or false was perceived as quite simple: it was no different than yes or no. Moving on from there, we assume that something which has been proven correct or real is considered true, while something which has failed to be proven true is false. Obviously, there are areas in which this does not prove correct, since a claim that has not been credited as true does not necessarily mean…

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