Shemini Videos

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

Our natural human desire to get close to G-d sometimes leads us to pursue methods of religious ecstasy. Yet our human desire to be close to G-d may well be at odds with G-d’s divine desire to be close to us.

Daily, we learn about new hidden toxins in our food. But does our food also affect us spiritually, influencing our character and tendencies?

Topics include: Moses and Aaron as they represent masculine dominance and feminine nurturing respectively, sin as a "spiritual pollutant" and how it brought about the gruesome deaths of Aaron's two sons, the positive lesson we can learn from them.

How does a food item become susceptible to ritual defilement? This class analyzes the three requisite conditions in Halacha and relates each to a parallel in the service of G-d. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 27, pp.74)

The biblical criteria for determining which animals are kosher, and their practical application today.

The name of this Torah portion means eight, which is extremely special and central in Judaism. Explore the significance and the many areas where this number is expressed throughout Jewish life.

In the verse (Leviticus 11:42) that prohibits the eating of creatures that slither on their bellies, the Hebrew word for belly (gachon) is spelled with a large-sized letter vav. How does this allude to our inner struggle against the evil inclination, which is likened to a snake?

An overview of what transpired on the eighth day of the inauguration of the Sanctuary climaxing with Aaron alone, and then he and Moses blessing the people, and the appearance of G-d's presence.

The parshah of Shemini contains 91 verses and the mnemonic for it is the word ‘Ovadiah’. Explore the coded message in this Masoretic note and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

Learn the profound connections between the weekly parsha and its related Haftorah.

Though we are not expected to react like Aaron, our own lives are rarely easy. To accept life’s challenges, we need to cultivate our faith that G‑d runs the world.

The laws of kosher animals teach us which "kosher" characteristics we should strive to embody.

Even after a week of consecration for the Holy Tabernacle, the Jews still did not merit for G-d Himself to consecrate the Tabernacle. Only when Aaron brought his sacrifice on the eighth day, did G-d finally manifest His awesome Glory. The sages teach: “Be a student of Aaron: love peace, pursue peace, love all creatures, and bring them close to Torah.” These virtues of Aaron accomplished more than all the Seven Days of Consecration.

G-d’s presence didn’t rest in the Tabernacle until they offered atonement for the Golden Calf. Now, the Golden Calf didn’t deny G-d’s existence; it merely rejected the idea that a person could relate to G-d directly.

We’re inspired by ambitious people. But ambition that isn’t backed by strong values can be dangerous.

A survey of the material in Jewish law regarding the future permissibility of pork during the Messianic era.

Why were the sons of Aaron punished? What exactly was their sin? Rashi, as recorded in the Manuscrips, sheds light on this curious episode.

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

Moshe and Aharon have a difference in opinion over how Judaism should be practiced, teaching us a spectacular lesson in how to relate to Jewish growth – in ourselves and in others.

The goal of Judaism is to make the most infinite Divine a comfortable, relatable reality.

Rashi offers a fascinating insight into how Moshe dealt with the passing of Aaron's two sons. The Rebbe derives a powerful lesson from it on what it means to be dedicated to Hashem.

A spiritual exploration of the three preconditions for a food item to become ritually impure. The inner dimension of these Temple laws highlights how there is a part of us that is always whole and pure, where nothing – no trauma, no circumstances – can damage. Accessing our deepest connection provides us with our essential worthiness.

Upon completing the building of the Sanctuary in the desert, everyone was able to behold G-d's presence with their physical eyes. When Moshiach comes, G-d will be seen everywhere by everyone. What does it mean to see G-d and why can't we see him all the time? Guest Expert: Manis Friedman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 18)

In our daily prayers we repeatedly quote the praises and songs that the angels offer the Almighty on High. These visions of the celestial beings have been transmitted to us by the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel. This class will explain the meaning of these songs and why in our prayers, we - mere mortals of flesh and blood - invoke the compositions of the angels. (Based on the Purim maamor of 5714 / 1954)