The episode of Moshe hitting the rock instead of speaking to it is quite puzzling. It seems as though the punishment does not fit the crime. Although as the Midrash states if Moshe would have spoken to the rock the nation would have clearly perceived the greatness and magnitude of Torah
The episode of Korach dampened the prestige of the Kohanim. Perhaps after Korach challenged Moshe’s authority to bestow upon Ahron and his children the opportunity and obligation to serve in the Mishkan and later in the Beis Hamikdash the nation would not respect them.
Rav Moshe Feinstein, the supreme halachic decider of the previous generation asks why the parsha of Tzitzis begins on a different note then most of the mitzvos presented in the Torah. Usually, the introduction of a mitzvah is with the words “And Hashem spoke” whereas when Moshe relays the mitzvah of tzitzis the introductory phrase is “And Hashem said” a considerably more softer tone.
Some moments are too meaningful to photograph. Thankfully, they aren’t too meaningful to remember.
What a beautiful evening of great food, meaningful conversation, and inspiring Torah.
When the people were offering the Pesach sacrifice there were those that were defiled after having been in contact with corpses. They came to Moshe and exclaimed that they wanted desperately to bring the Pesach offering but were unable to due to their circumstances. Moshe did not respond to them rather he just waited for Hashem to transmit the halacha in this situation.
The Mishkan was a highly celebrated event in the nation. It was the culmination of months of hard work after a very successful fundraising campaign that covered all the expenses necessary for its construction. The Torah compares its completion as that of a bride, a kallah, entering into the chupah, the wedding canopy, with her bridegroom, the choson.
The Talmud states that we read the parsha of Bechukosai before Shavuos in order that the curses and downfalls of the year end before the New Year. Although we don’t view Shavuos as a Rosh Hashanah however, we are judged pertaining to the produce that will be forthcoming at this time of the year.
We live in a world of variance. Today’s Klal Yisroel consists of so many dissimilarities of customs, mode of dress, expressions, even differences in halacha. Perhaps one might think that we have fragmented and lost our common bond.
The Torah urges us to dedicate our time, resources and energy for Torah study. The language employed is rather interesting. Torah study is referred to as a statute and immersion in its study is termed walking. Certainly, there is a reason for this unusual definition of our obligation to invest in Torah study. Additionally, we are compelled to protect the mitzvos and observe them.
If we were to discuss one who is judged by his king, of course that person would tremble and shake perhaps anticipating the worst. However, there would also be the distinct possibility that the king might clear him of his charges. And the individual would approach the king and present his case and plead for his acquittal.