by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Mar 1, 2013
This Shabbat we will read parshat Ki Tisa which is at total variance with the two preceding parshiot – Teruma and Tetzaveh, and parshiot Vayak’hel and Pekudai which follow Ki Tisa.
Teruma and Tetzaveh deal with the Mishkan and its implements, Ki Tisa interrupts the sequence and tells of the sinful, disastrous episode of the Aigel Hazahav (the Golden Calf), and the two final parshiot of the Book of Shemot, Vayak’hel and Pekudai, return to the subject of the Mishkan and its implements.
Mishkan, Mishkan, tragic episode of idolatry, and again Mishkan, Mishkan – what does it mean?
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Feb 22, 2013
More words have been articulated in attempts to disclose the hidden meanings behind the Purim story than all the poured wine at the feasts in Shushan. But despite the diverse opinions, no one can take issue with the one critical word in the Megila that encapsulates the visibly apparent flow of events.
That word is “Venahafoch” meaning the apparent reality rebounded and was reversed. The principle of “venahafoch” is very much a part of our daily lives. Our most meticulous plans are always up for review in the shamayim (heaven), starting with one’s personal life, up to the highest echelons of world leaders.
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Feb 15, 2013
The definitive, terminal and unambiguous purpose of the Mishkan and its final transformation into the Bet HaMikdash is stated by HaShem (Shemot 25,8) “And you shall make for me a sanctuary and I will dwell within you”. The verse does not say “and I will dwell within it,” but rather “I will dwell within you”. In other words, when Am Yisrael will make a sanctuary for HaShem, then He will dwell within the minds and hearts of the Jewish people.
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Feb 1, 2013
BS”D Beshalach and Yitro 5773 A synopsis of parshat Beshalach and its haftara might read, “Two gratuitous victories, one difficult battle and two songs of exaltation”. 1- The parasha describes the gratuitous obliteration of the Egyptian army in the...
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jan 25, 2013
BS”D Parashat Be’shalach and Tu Be’shvat 5773 Part A: In our parasha, Am Yisrael marches out of Egypt as free men. After 210 years of galut, which included the tragic slavery experience, our ancestors breathed the air of emancipation, as they made their way to...
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jan 18, 2013
Parashat Bo 5773 Part A: Paro of the exodus is more than just one more tyrant who used his power to torment others. Paro was a paradigm and exemplar of the gentile who never learns that anti-Semitism is insanity. Insanity as defined by Albert Einstein is repeating...
