In Parshat Shemini, after Nadav and Avihu are killed, Aharon is instructed by Hashem not to drink wine when serving in the Beit HaMikdash. Some commentators even say that Nadav and Avihu’s sin was that they were inebriated while bringing their sacrifice. When that commandment is given to Aharon, a reason is also provided: .וַיְדַבֵּר… Continue reading Why We Drink
Category: Purim
Judging a book by its cover
Contrary to common belief and practice, there are very few instances where Judaism actually cares about what clothing you wear. This weekend we will experience two out of the four such instances. These are: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, when we wear white; Tu B’Av, when single girls borrow each others’ dresses; Purim, when we… Continue reading Judging a book by its cover
The Simcha of Adar
The Netivot Shalom states that true simcha is being שמח בחלקו (happy with what one currently has). How does Adar (and Purim in particular) function to increase this simcha, if true simcha is an internal mindset, not based on external settings? The Netivot Shalom elaborates that Purim represents an אור לגלות, a sign that Hashem… Continue reading The Simcha of Adar