Parshah

It’s the secret to Jewish success and survival.

Sefer BaMidbar (aka the Book of Numbers) begins with another census, which, Rashi explains, demonstrates Hashem’s great love for us. Just as a person constantly counts money because every dollar is so precious, Hashem always wants to know the exact number of Jewish people in His “account.”

What’s the harm?

Parshas Emor concludes with the tragic episode of the man who cursed Hashem (R”l). Initially, B’nei Yisrael were unsure of what should happen to the offender, so they placed him in jail while Moshe consulted Hashem. In response, Hashem taught Moshe the laws of blasphemy and the harsh capital punishment for one who commits this egregious crime (VaYikra 24:14-16).

It’s time to stop looking over our shoulders.

One of the harrowing predictions of the Tochachah (Admonition) is “You will flee, though there will not be anyone chasing you” (VaYikra 26:17). What is so terrible about that? Certainly, a false alarm is annoying, and running away for no reason is not an enjoyable experience; but would it be better if there actually was a hostile enemy in pursuit? The verse reads like a warning from Hashem against improper behavior with the threat of a dreadful punishment, but it ends up depicting a mere inconvenience!

How can adults behave like good children?

As youngsters, we are taught that kibud av va’eim (honoring parents) is all about cleaning up the toys when asked, not arguing at bedtime, and saying “thank you” for a ride to the mall. In other words, it is a mitzvah primarily for little kids who need to respect those who provide everything for them. There is certainly a key theme of hakaras ha’tov underlying this commandment (Sefer HaChinuch, mitzvah 33), and young children are expected to respond accordingly, as long as they are entirely reliant on the support of their parents.

When is it appropriate to NOT believe in Hashem?

Parshas B’Har opens with the laws of Sh’mitah, including Hashem’s promise to provide for the Jewish people throughout the year that their fields are left fallow. The Torah then suddenly shifts to discuss the obligation to support a fellow Jew in financial need. What is the connection between these two topics, Sh’mitah and charity? Or, to quote from Rashi’s opening comment on the parshah, “Mah inyan Sh’mitah eitzel Har Sinai?”

It’s an emotional story of divergence, and it ends with a cliffhanger.

Every year on Yom Kippur, two identical goats were brought to the Beis HaMikdash, where lots were drawn to determine which would be “for Hashem” (a special korban) and which would be “for Azazel” (pushed off a cliff). Which animal was considered the lucky winner of this lottery?