The Weekly 613

The Torah portion of Beshalach hints to the idea that one may not cook food on a Jewish holiday that will be eaten on Shabbat unless one first makes an "eruv tavshilin." What is an eruv tavshilin and how does it connect to the idea of Jewish love and unity?

How do we perform the commandment of "remembering" Shabbat? Maimonides explains that it is by marking the beginning of Shabbat by reciting Kiddush and marking the end of Shabbat by reciting Havdallah.

What are the responsibilities of a person who is paid to watch an article for someone else? What if it is done as an unpaid favor? Four different kinds of bailees are compared to their spiritual counterparts as four approaches to the service of G-d.

"Make for me a sanctuary" (Exodus 25:8) was first stated when the Jews built a portable sanctuary in the wilderness. This building was to be made from three metals: gold, silver, and copper. How do these three metals correspond to three levels of spiritual service?

The festival of Purim is named after the lots that the wicked Haman casted to determine the “best” date to carry out his evil scheme. In the end, however, the date proved to be propitious for the Jews. What is the connection between a lottery and Jewish survival?

The priests would wash before performing their service in the Holy Temple. This is the basis for our washing before prayer. We study two applications of this law, one in Maimonides and one in the rulings of R' Shneur Zalman of Liadi.

The first mitzvah given to the Jewish nation was to “sanctify time” by establishing a calendar. How do we make time holy?

In temple times, each Jew would participate in a Passover offering. We examine two details of the Paschal sacrifice: its bones were not to be broken and it was to be eaten roasted. What is the deeper meaning behind this and how is it relevant today?

On Seder night, we are obligated to tell over at length the story of the Exodus (as described in the in the section of Maggid in the Passover haggadah). How is this mitzvah different than the daily remembrance?

Immersing in a mikvah (a ritual pool of water) purifies one who is ritually impure. Discover five layers of meaning to mikvah.

The verse states: you shall love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). How can we love our fellow Jew as our self? Five interpretations into mitzvah of ahavat yisroel.

The different categories of servants in the Torah, and their symbolism and relevance even nowadays in our spiritual service of G-d.

The holiday of Rosh Hashanah marks the New Year, a time of renewal and change; yet the beginning of the yearly cycle also contains the polar theme of steadfast resolve and continuity.

Discover the layers of meaning in blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, and how it elicits within G-d great pleasure.

The Torah describes Yom Kippur as the Sabbath of Sabbaths. Discover the double dimension of this most holy day on the Jewish calendar.

The highlight of Yom Kippur in Temple times was the High Priest’s service in the “Holy of Holies.” What does this holiest day of the year mean to us today even in diaspora?

Five levels of understanding to the meaning and symbolism behind the mitzvah to dwell in the Sukkah.

A closer look at the mitzvah of taking the Four Kinds on Sukkot, and what they each represent.

The holiday of Sukkot culminates with the days of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, where we celebrate the completion of the Torah. Learn five levels of meaning behind this most joyous day.

The first mitzvah in the Torah is to have children. This class examines details of this commandment and five levels of understanding.

Understanding the process of Jewish conversion on five levels.

Why is circumcision the first mitzvah that G-d gave Abraham? This class explores the meaning and many other facets of this essential mitzvah.

A deeper look at some of the unique components of the Jewish wedding ceremony, and insights on the special mitzvah of marriage.

Discover layers of significance to the mitzvah of tzedakah, which is so much more that simple charity.

What is the objective of prayer? Discover five layers of understanding to the mitzvah of prayer.

Five levels of meaning to the concept of shaliach, an emissary to carry out the mission for which one was appointed.

Why do we celebrate Chanukah for eight days? Why does the Chanukah menorah have eight candles?

“Hear O’ Israel…G-d is One” is arguably the most essential statements of the Jewish faith. Discover layers of meaning to this central verse we recite daily.

Torah study has always been the bedrock of the Jewish People. What are the parameters of this mitzvah, and what’s the ultimate purpose in learning G-d’s infinite wisdom?

After thirty complete days, we redeem the firstborn son through giving five silver coins to the Kohen in the boy’s stead. Understanding the mitzvah of Pidyon HeBen on five levels.

Understanding the mitzvah to cleave to G-d via connecting to a Tzaddik, and the unique role of a Rebbe in each generation.

Understanding the deeper meaning and symbolism behind the mitzvah to eat matzah on Passover night.

We are commended to remember how the nation of Amalek attacked our people following the Exodus. What is the spiritual meaning behind this mitzvah?

The Torah prohibits the mixture of milk and meat. Understanding this mitzvah on five levels.

What is the purpose and function of prophecy, and could there be prophets today? Understanding the mitzvah to listen to Torah true prophets and the significance of prophesy.

The Holy Ark in the Mishkan (Divine Sanctuary) had many features that contain numerous layers of meaning and symbolism.

One of the special garments and articles worn by the high priest in the Holy Temple was a golden band placed on the forehead. Understanding the significance and symbolism of the Tzitz.

Five layers of meaning to the mitzvah of giving half a shekel.

We find a discrepancy in the sequence of instructions to build the mishkan. Presented is a mystical understanding of the order of three things G-d conveys to Moses differently from how Moses instructed the people: resting on Shabbat, building the structure, and making the vessels.

Understanding the subject of ‘tzaraat’ (the divine affliction of discoloration) on five different levels.

Upon ritual slaughtering of fowl or undomesticated animals, we are commanded to cover the spilled blood with earth. Gain a deeper understanding of this mitzvah of Kisuy HaDam (covering the blood) on five levels.

Learn the special significance of counting the Omer on five layers of understanding.

The Torah mandates that the Levites not inherit a portion in the Land of Israel like the rest of the tribes, for they are to be set apart for the service of G-d and guiding the people spiritually. Will there be a change in the division of land in the times of Moshiach?

If one endeavors to substitute his animal sacrifice with a different animal, whether superior or inferior, both maintain a holy status. Learn about this mitzvah of Temurah (exchanging sacrifices) on five levels of understanding.

The year following the Shemittah year is marked as Hakhel, where all Jews would gather together at the Holy Temple to hear the king read from the Torah, in essence reliving the Sinai experience. Discover the deeper meaning of Hakhel and its powerful relevance today.

Learn all about the tallit and tzitzit, its meaning and special significance.

Serving G-d with joy and gladness of the heart is a fundamental teaching of the Torah. Learn five layers of meaning to Simcha for a mitzvah.

Learn enlightening layers of meaning and insights behind the after-blessing (known as Grace After Meal) recited after eating bread.

Explore the inner meaning of the husband’s three obligations to his wife as prescribed in the Torah.

The Torah obligates a new homeowner to build a fence on the roof to prevent anyone from falling.

The prohibition on Shabbat to light a flame is explicitly stated in the Torah, different than the other 39 categories of forbidden labor, which are only implicitly derived from the labors performed in the construction of the mishkan. Why does the Torah single out kindling a fire?

Understanding the mitzvah of Terumat Hadeshen on five levels.

Amongst the laws of sacrifices the Torah prohibits offering any yeast/leaven or honey on the altar. Exploring the significance and symbolism of this mitzvah on five levels of understanding.

Five levels of understanding for the mitzvah of Netilat Yadayim, the washing of hands, upon awaking in the morning and before eating bread.