Kiyor, The

The sensual aspect of human existence is heavy with potential for impure doings. And yet this same potential holds the secret of the copper laver used by the Kohanim to wash their hands and feet in preparation for their holy services in the Mishkan.

A deeper meaning to why the copper wash-basin in the Temple was made from mirrors used by the Jewish women to beautify themselves throughout their slavery in Egypt.

We might think it is sufficient if the Divine dwells only in the most spiritual part of our lives. This is why Moses was at first reluctant to accept the mirrors...

What is gained by ritually washing hands which are already clean? A look at the history of medicine might provide an answer...

Not everything which seems holy is in fact so; and not everything which appears to be mundane is in fact unholy...

Why was the ‘Kiyor’; wash basin, used as a preparation for the Kohen’s service in the Holy Temple, placed inside and in the center of the Temple, and not outside, before entering?

This Altar served a variety of uses. The top was used to burn the various sacrifices. The walls were used for the sprinkling the blood of certain sacrifices.

In the Torah reading of Shekalim, G‑d tells Moses to instruct the Jews to contribute a half-shekel in order to atone for the sin of the Golden Calf. Our Sages explain that Moses had a difficult time understanding what it was that he had to do. So G‑d show...

What is the connection between the half-shekel donation and the Kiyor?

Our world needs more righteous people or, at least, more righteous acts.