The order in which Sabbath and the building of the Tabernacle were juxtaposed seems to be an unimportant detail of little or no value. Yet a deep understanding of what these two concepts represent suddenly gives it critical importance in deciding the path toward perfection Jews would follow. Which comes first - destroying negativity, or acting with holiness?
At Sinai the Jewish nation understood the ultimate level of intellectual humility by admitting that God’s wisdom is far superior to the greatest human mind. Rabbi Kirzner explains why attaining discipline and emotional humility are the next rungs on the list, and the close connection they have to the sin of the Golden Calf, the selling of Yosef, and the lesson of the half shekel.
Oftentimes when we fall spiritually the result is a shattering of our sense of identity as a good person. Perhaps we have only been acting out a charade of piety, and our failure is the truest indication of who we are. Or was it only just a temporary drop in level? Rabbi Kirzner answers that question by examining the inner rage and confusion that engulfed the Jews after they sinned with the Golden Calf, and points the way to a repentance we can achieve.
As an introduction to the entire book of Vayikra, which begins next week, Rabbi Kirzner explores the intrinsic connection between spirituality and the physical world. How are human beings vested with Godly powers, and how does our performing the commandments bring the forces of holiness into us, and into the world?
We're stymied in our understanding of the Red Heifer, and the complex laws of purity and impurity that surround it. While we don't understand where the negative force of impurity comes from, we can understand what brings it about. What we may not realize is that these concepts aren't just mystical - they translate into the world of the practical.
The very first commandment we were given as a nation was to sanctify the new moon, which carried with it the responsibility for the dates of the holidays that fall within each month. What connotation does the cycle of the moon and our relationship to it carry about our spiritual greatness, and how does it connect to the holiday of Passover that this portion precedes?
Why at the inauguration of the Tabernacle in the desert were there undercurrents of sadness? And why was it necessary at this event to remove the crown of priesthood from Moses and give it to Aaron? Rabbi Kirzner's brilliance shines as he draws a picture of the world’s ultimate purpose, and how each of our little selves has a vital part to play in actualizing God's ultimate plan.
The portions of the Torah that discusses the various forms of “leprosy” seem out of touch with modern times, and may even be considered in bad taste. Rabbi Kirzner reveals the underlying necessity of this disease, and how its startling roots can be found in the spiritual realm. How can we fill the holes that our lack of perfection creates, and why should leprosy be the necessary consequence?
Why do we read about the deaths of Aharon's sons Nadav and Avihu on Yom Kippur in an attempt to achieve forgiveness in their merit? After all, they sinned - are we glorifying that? The holiest day of the year, when we achieve a fleeting level of separation between body and soul that is a portend of the end of days is the most perfect time to mention these two great men - creators of Yom Kippur as it exists for us today.
The commandment to be holy seems esoteric, and unreachable. But G-d's expectation of us to live a corporeal life that is consistent with moral obligations and responsibilities is not abnormal - it is actually the most natural state possible when man lives with an awareness of G-d. How does this process or being in touch with G-d through our physicality work practically?