Spiritual Seasons – B’reisheet

In this final Spiritual Seasons teaching, we lay out the Salvation Pattern and apply it first to the 7 sections of the Bible, then to the 2 creation stories of Genesis 1 and 2. B’reisheet 2023:  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and save. Parsha Outline: Spiritual Seasons-Bereisheet-Outline.pdf

October 13, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Vezot Ha’Brachah

For this final portion in the Torah, we briefly find the Salvation Pattern in the opening verses of Moses’ blessing, connect Moses’ final act before Israel to tree behavior, trace the building of a home through the blessings, discuss why it is that Moses can’t lead the people into the Land, and connect Yeshua to […]

October 5, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Sukkot 2023

In the first half of this Sukkot teaching, we walk through the basic commandments and some of the beautiful traditions, and in the second half, the main topic is how Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot form a 3-part seed – spirit, soul, and body – for the coming journey through the winter. Sukkot 2023:  […]

September 28, 2023 in Media, The Moedim, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Yom Kippur 2023

In the Yom Kippur teaching, we cover the basic commandments and a few traditions, bring out a few connections to the book of Jonah, do a thorough calendar review, and finally explore connections between Yom Kippur and the New Covenant, bringing in a teaching from R’Yitzchak Ginsburgh that connects three types of circumcision to the […]

September 22, 2023 in Media, The Moedim, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Ha’azinu 2023

In the Ha’azinu teaching, we give some history for how this song was used at the Temple, connect Ha’azinu to the calendar, explore the relationship between song and the salvation pattern – including a dip into the spiritual significance of what is likely the most common chord progression in modern music – and explore how […]

September 22, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Rosh Hashanah 2023 (2)

Topics in the Rosh Hashanah 2023 teaching include the fascinating month of Tishrei, the two great journeys in the year, the connecting together of the three vital Tishrei mo’edim, the traditional main themes of Rosh Hashanah, and an opening up of the story of Isaac in the light of the Rosh Hashanah discussion. (see last […]

September 14, 2023 in Media, The Moedim, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Nitzavim-Vayelech & Rosh Hashanah-1

David begins with an insight from Nitzavim that speaks to the 7th month as both the ending of one journey and the beginning of another. Other topics include the great unity of Rosh Hashanah, the senseless walls we build between ourselves, Moses as an example for how we take the light into the darkness, and […]

September 7, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Ki Tavo

Topics in this year’s Ki Tavo teaching include the vast difference between focusing on rights vs. obligations and the two marriages of Ki Tavo, including Israel’s marriage to the Land. Ki Tavo 2023:  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and save. Parsha Outline: Spiritual Seasons-Ki Tavo-Outline.pdf

August 31, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Ki Teitzei

For Ki Teitzei, David continues exploring the month of Elul and the topic of teshuvah, finding a fascinating verification in the Apostolic Scriptures of the Elul concept that “the King is in the field.” Other topics include Ki Teitzei’s connection to the end goal of salvation, a special message to men regarding repentance, and four […]

August 24, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Shoftim

David focuses on the month of Elul, repentance, the vast harm done by immoral legislation, and how the Body of Messiah is built. Shoftim 2023:  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and save. Parsha Outline: Spiritual Seasons-Shoftim-Outline.pdf

August 17, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Re’eh

David focuses the “Re’eh” teaching on how the portions and the calendar lead us to seeing the “two paths” that are constantly before us. Other topics include what we can learn from Moses’ ordering of the Torah commandments and insights on tzedakah. Re’eh 2023:  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and save. Parsha […]

August 10, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Ekev

For this week’s parsha Ekev teaching, David takes a deep dive into the minor holiday of Tu B’Av, showing how it redirects our attentions toward the 7th month, and he draws a number of lessons from the parsha for how we re-center ourselves in the truths that humble us. Ekev 2023:  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, […]

August 3, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Va’Etchanan

In this week’s teaching, David first takes some time to connect a couple of stories about loving one’s enemy to the 9th of Av. He then walks through the three “mini-speeches” in the portion, showing that they reveal the progression of salvation. Va’Etchanan 2023:  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and save. Parsha […]

July 27, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Devarim 2023

For this first teaching in the book of Devarim, David’s focus is rebuke in the month of Av. Topics include the symbol of the lion, Tisha B’Av and Tu B’Av, wine’s symbolic connection to the calendar, and how Moses represents the bride. Devarim 2023:  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and save. Parsha […]

July 20, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Mattot-Massei 2023

The focus of this year’s Mattot-Massei teaching is exile. How is it that the Rabbis link these portions to the topic of exile? What is the essence of exile? What can we learn from the topics in these portions about thriving in exile? Mattot-Massei 2023:  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and save. […]

July 13, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Pinchas 2023

In this week’s teaching, David addresses the Three Weeks of mourning and their connection to parsha Pinchas; he draws out from the portion lessons for properly handling the emotions; and he makes a connection to Yeshua via the anomalous sacrifices offered at Sukkot. Pinchas 2023 (David):  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and […]

July 6, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Chukat-Balak 2023

Does the Torah contain comedy? In this week’s teaching, we explore the comedy in parsha Balak. Before we get there, we make some discoveries in parsha Chukat, a portion filled with enigmas and paradoxes. David explores how Chukat speaks about the “mystery of life and death.” We also find here a fascinating link between Miriam […]

June 29, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Beha’alotcha 2023

In this year’s Beha’alotcha teaching, David asks the question, “Is it inevitable that when God raises us up, we have to fall? How do we avoid falling from that high place?” A second main topic is how we can approach the mid-journey “doldrums.” Additional topics include the two 7-month journeys in the year, what the […]

June 8, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Naso 2023

In the Naso teaching, David first places the portion in the flow of the calendar, finding lessons particularly for the adolescent or anyone stepping up to a higher level of authority and responsibility. Later topics include why one might take a Nazirite vow and three progressions in the portion that help us to see how […]

June 1, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Shavuot 2023

In this year’s Shavuot teaching, David first runs through the basics of Shavuot before placing this important mo’ed in the “flow” of God’s yearly curriculum. Topics include how God’s work in salvation is reflected by man’s work in salvation, the growth phase of adolescence, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the salvation process. […]

May 25, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Bamidbar 2023

The main topic in this year’s Bamidbar teaching concerns the ranking of tribes apparent in the organization of the wilderness camp – some tribes given higher places than others. What are the criteria for ordering them, and what lessons can we draw from the fact that God does this ranking? Other topics include how we […]

May 18, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Behar-Bechukotai 2023

This week, David looks at how coming to Behar-Bechukotai is like reaching the top of a mountain. Topics here include the goal of rest, the new perspective that comes with the Jubilee commandment, the “ruthlessness” of the world and our increasing need to stand apart from it, and a glimpse into God’s perspective on how […]

May 11, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Emor 2023

In this year’s Emor teaching, David first quickly reviews recent Torah portions using the portion titles. He then discusses the “holiness code” section of Leviticus before turning to Emor, placing the portion in the flow of the calendar. Topics here include education, the mo’edim, and what Yeshua’s post-resurrection actions teach us about the Counting of […]

May 4, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Shemini 2023

How do the three topics of Shemini – Aaron beginning the Tabernacle service, the deaths of his two sons, and the food laws – fit into the spiritual calendar? Topics in this year’s Shemini teaching include the numbers “7” and “8,” working on the nephesh during the Omer, and “misplaced zeal.” Shemini 2023 (David):  Vimeo | YouTube […]

April 13, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Passover 2023

In this year’s Passover teaching, David strings together many of the most important themes of the Passover season before adding a new perspective. Passover 2023 (David):  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and save. Parsha Outline: Spiritual Seasons-Passover-2023-Outline.pdf Discussion Guide: Passover 2023-Discussion Guide.pdf

April 4, 2023 in Media, The Moedim, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Tzav

In this week’s teaching, David explains the concept of the “salvation pattern” and applies the pattern to the sacrificial system, including several details from parsha Tzav. Tzav (David):  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and save. Parsha Outline: Spiritual Seasons-Tzav-Outline.pdf

March 30, 2023 in Media, Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Tetzaveh and Purim

This week, David applies the clothing of the priests to the “Priesthood of Believers,” and he applies Haman to a particular voice in our modern world. Tetzaveh and Purim (David):  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and save. Parsha Outline: Spiritual Seasons-Tetzaveh_and_Purim-Outline.pdf 

March 2, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Spiritual Seasons – Beshalach

In parsha Beshalach, David explores the sending out of missionaries, the need to know when to get moving, leaps of faith, the great power God makes available to us, unity through song, and Tu BiSh’vat (the new year for trees). Beshalach (David):  Vimeo | YouTube To download resources, right-click the PDF file and save. Parsha […]

February 2, 2023 in Media, Torah 5783 (2022 - 2023), Torah Commentary by

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Vezot Ha’Bracha 2022

After reviewing an insight from a previous teaching on this parshah, we put forward a thought about Moses and then the idea that the ending of the Torah really doesn’t feel like the end of the story. Israel stands on the cusp of the Land, ready to enter…and the Torah cycle returns to B’reisheet, Genesis. […]

October 21, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Ha’azinu 2022

Consisting mostly of the Song of Moses, this week’s portion begins with the instruction to listen (or “give ear”) and contains the beginning of Moses’ farewell speech to the Israelites. He has come to the end of his days, and he leaves his people with a song that expresses in poetic form the relationship between […]

October 6, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Vayelech 2022

In this week’s teaching video, we first recall an insight from Grant in which he compares life to a high-wire act. We then share insights from Vayelech regarding leadership and “passing the torch” to the next generation.  Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, right-click the PDF file and save. Discussion Guide: Vayelech 2022-guide.pdf Medios Visuales:

September 29, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Nitzavim 2022 Discussion Guide

This life is short. It goes by much more quickly than you might think. One minute you’re in the wilderness–and it feels like it’s taking forever–the next minute you’re about to enter the Land. Are you ready? Have you used your time wisely? Have you turned back to God? In this portion, read just before […]

September 22, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Ki Tavo 2022

Ki Tavo begins with commands about bringing firstfruits to the central Sanctuary and allocating various tithes. Next is the reminder of what the covenant is: a mutual pledge between the people and God. Next are the features of ancient covenants: the blessing and curses that will follow faithfulness or disobedience. Finally, Moses summons the people […]

September 15, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Ki Teitzei 2022

Containing 74 mitzvot (or 72, depending on who you ask) – the most of any portion in the Torah – Ki Teitzei is packed with commands. They include laws about family dysfunctions, moral and legal obligations towards neighbors and fellow citizens, sexual misdemeanors, moral behavior in relation to financial matters, and other rules of social responsibility. […]

September 9, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Shoftim 2022 Discussion Guide

Here are some overarching thoughts to keep in mind while reading parsha Shoftim: Torah often links the qualities of truth (emet) and lovingkindness (chesed). This reminds us that truth must be tempered with love. Paul’s well-known exhortation is a clear example: “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into […]

September 2, 2022 in Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Re’eh 2022

In Chapter 11 leading up to this week’s Torah portion, Moses speaks to the Israelites whereby he emphasizes the importance of the people to observe the commands to love and obey Adonai. Our Torah portion begins in verse 26, which focuses on the blessing(s) if they obey and the curse(s) if they disobey. This sets […]

August 25, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Eikev 2022 Discussion Guide

Parshah Eikev is filled with warnings and assurances, blessings and curses, all of which is summarized in the second paragraph of the Shema found in 11:13-21. Israel’s fate depends on Israel’s faith. The main topics discussed here are memory, love, education, humility, and gratitude–all within the context of the Land. Here, as in most places, […]

August 18, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Va’etchanan 2022

Va’Etchanan is an exceptionally rich portion. Not only does it contain the words of the Shema (6:4-9) but the reprise of the Ten Commandments (5:6-18). It also continues Moses’ exhortation to Israel, with special emphasis on God’s goodness and on Israel’s uniquely intimate relationship with this good and great God. Topping it off, we find […]

August 12, 2022 in Media, Torah Commentary by

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Devarim 2022

In this week’s Torah portion, Devarim, Moses begins his repetition of the Torah (“mishneh Torah”, or “deutero-nomy”), and he recounts some of the more poignant events in their history before speaking to Joshua, who will take the people into the Land and lead them in battle. The portion leads us to ask ourselves about our […]

August 4, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Matot – Masei 2022

In portions Matot and Masei, we come to the end of the book of Numbers and, in a sense, to the end of the Torah since Deuteronomy is a kind of repetition of the Torah. It is a momentous combined Torah portion containing laws regarding vows, God’s instruction to take vengeance on Midian, the acquiescence […]

July 28, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Pinchas 2022

In this week’s teaching, Tim reviews important points from former teachings before bringing new insights connecting Joshua’s commissioning, the Hebrew word “natan” (“to give”), and Yeshua.  Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, right-click the PDF file and save. Discussion Guide: Pinchas 2022-guide.pdf Medios Visuales:

July 21, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Balak 2022

In this week’s Torah portion, Balak, we see how God can use a spiritual man of low character to bless His people. We also review what we’ve learned from past teachings, make connections between Yeshua’s donkey and Balaam’s donkey, and consider how seeing and listening lead to doing.  Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, […]

July 14, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Chukat 2022

In portion Chukat, we consider the value and power of the chukkim, decrees whose reasons have not been given, and we touch on why the Israelites were given the decree of the parah adumah (the red heifer), a law of purification that might have been better off in Leviticus with all the other purification legislation. […]

July 8, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Shelach 2022

In this parsha Shelach conversation, we focus on fear, faith, the process of growing up spiritually, and making this world into God’s dwelling place.  Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, right-click the PDF file and save. Visuals: Shelach 2022.pdf Medios Visuales: Shelaj 2022.pdf

June 23, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Bamidbar – Nasso 2022

Once again we are treated to a Torah portion discussion between Grant and Tim Pell. Topics include the pitfalls of taking a census, the balance of uniformity and individuality as seen through the twelve tribes, and the Aaronic Blessing, including a look into the Hebrew of this important prayer.  Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download […]

June 9, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Bechukotai 2022

This week Tim Pell and Grant discuss parsha Bechukotai. Much of the discussion is centered on the word often translated as “contrary” in Lev. 26:21, the Hebrew word “keri,” which is perhaps better translated “indifference.” Other topics include the idea of “chokim,” creating a home for God, and insights regarding reward and punishment. Video:  Vimeo […]

May 26, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Emor/Behar 2022

We begin this week with a difficult question: we are told to not associate with certain types of people caught in the web of weighty sin, but what do we do if a family member is such a person? After applying a passage from the portion to this difficult question, we turn our focus to […]

May 19, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Acharei Mot 2022

After five chapters have elapsed from the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, curiously, the text snaps back to what God told Moses after that tragedy. Why insert these five chapters into the narrative? In discussing this question, we dip into the topic of “chukot,” commandments that evade our understanding. Later in the teaching we look […]

April 28, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Tazria-Metzora 2022

Skin colors, hair colors, shaving and quarantine – what can we learn from the Torah’s many laws related to “tzaraat,” often translated as “leprosy?” The importance of this discussion is indicated by the placement of these portions – near the middle of Leviticus, which, itself, is the middle of the Torah. Join us as we […]

April 7, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Shemini 2022

In Leviticus chapters 9 & 10, we see the fire of the Lord doing two seemingly very different actions: 1) going out to burn up the Tabernacle’s inaugural sacrifice and 2) going out to consume Nadav and Avihu, two sons of Aaron. In this year’s Shemini teaching, we consider these two expressions of God’s fire. […]

March 24, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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