Torah Books

Each Person as an Individual As has been mentioned,See the sichah to Parshas Shemini in this series and the sources cited there. the counting of the omer is a preparation for the giving of the Torah. Therefore, directly after the 49 days of the omer, we c...

An historic controversy arose between the Rabbis and sectarians as to the meaning of the command of counting the Omer: “And you shall count unto you from the morrow after the Shabbat.” The Rabbis understood Shabbat to mean Pesach (i.e., “the day of rest”)...

Analysis of Rashi’s commentary on why the Torah teaches about giving to the poor in middle of a section about the holiday offerings, underscores the importance of doing a mitzvah without ulterior motives. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 17 Emor)

The Kabbalah reveals that in the month of Iyar, G-d’s healing powers are uniquely manifest. This class will explore the nature of this extraordinary period and how to access this divine blessing. (Based on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 32, and other sources.)

A deeper look at the counting of the Omer, and the distinctive laws governing the Omer offering and the Shavuot offering. (Based on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 32, p. 134.)

The commandment to count the Omer comes from the verse: "You shall count for yourselves, from the morrow of the Sabbath from the day you bring the Omer as a wave offering seven weeks; they shall be complete" (Leviticus 23:15). The term "Sabbath" in this c...

The Torah reading of Emor contains the commandment of Sefiras HaOmer , counting the 49 days between the second day of Passover and the festival of Shavuos.Vayikra 23:16:17. In the Siddur of the Alter Rebbe, we find a seeming anomaly with regard to Sefiras...

The Torah portion Emor begins with the precept that a Kohen , a priest, may not ritually defile himself by coming into contact with a dead body, except in the case of a close relative, such as a son, daughter, etc.Vayikra 21:1-4. The Midrash statesShmos R...

The sectionVayikra 23:1-44. of the Torah portion Emor that deals with the Festivals begins with G-d telling Moshe to instruct the Jewish people as to when we are to celebrate them.Ibid., verses 1-2. The verse then goes on:Verse 3. “You shall do work durin...

The Torah portion of Emor speaks of the Omer offering to be brought on the second day of Pesach..Vayikra 23:9-15. The verse states:.Ibid., verse 15. “Until the day that you bring this sacrifice to your G-d, you may not eat bread, roasted grain or fresh gr...