by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Feb 10, 2016
The immune system protects the body from disease and infection. There exists a little-understood phenomena known as ‘autoimmune disease’, where suddenly the immune system attacks the body’s healthy cells.
Can such a phenomena exist in the spiritual world, where the Torah and mitzvot are our immune system to strengthen our yetzer tov and protect us from the ‘yetzer hara’? Can otherwise seemingly healthy, observant Jews, and even spiritual leaders, use the Torah to attack itself?
Running through our parasha is an unseen undertow of meaning within the physical structure of the mishkan (Tabernacle) and its functions in the desert encampment.
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Feb 3, 2016
BS”D Parashat Mishpatim 5776 Rabbi Nachman Kahana Open Your Eyes – the Angels are working overtime! In last week’s parsha, Rashi states that when Aharon met Moshe after tens of years of separation, Moshe introduced his wife Tzippora and his two sons. Aharon’s...
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jan 27, 2016
Awe, obedience, love, to serve, with all your heart and with all your soul. When taken together, these feelings comprise the most profound emotions of which we as human beings are capable. However, they remain devoid of meaning when not predicated on the one overriding feeling – TRUST.
What would we say to a young woman who has received a marriage proposal and willingly accepts the conditions of “awe, obedience, love, service, with all her heart and with all her soul” but does not trust the man’s word nor his promises?
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jan 19, 2016
The Israelites went up out of Egypt “chamushim”. Rashi cites two interpretations for the word “chamushim”. One, based on the root CHAMESH meaning five, because only one in five Jews agreed to leave Egypt; and the other from the root CHIMUSH, meaning armed with weapons.
Are these really two different interpretations?
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jan 13, 2016
HaShem is the creator of time and the master of timing, notwithstanding our inability to appreciate His elusive subtleties.
Tradition tells us that the ten plagues occurred over a period of one year, during which time the servitude ceased, and the Jews were able to sit back to enjoy in spectator fashion the sweet taste of revenge.
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jan 6, 2016
This Shabbat, we will begin reading seven of the ten devastating plagues which eventually brought Paro and Egypt to their knees: water into blood, frogs, lice, wild beasts, diseased livestock, boils, thunderstorm of hail and fire. Next week’s parsha will continue with the remaining three: locusts, darkness and the death of Egypt’s firstborn.
Only HaShem could have brought about these plagues, nevertheless, Moshe and Aharon were commanded to be personally involved by performing a symbolic act, like raising a staff or hitting the water, as a condition for effecting each plague. Why?
