Shikul Da'at

Each week we  learn one halachah from the Shulchan Aruch, a central text to the understanding of how Jewish life is lived day to day.  Unlike the other Shikul Da'at episodes, which focus on interpretations of the weekly Torah reading, "Weekly Halachah" examines Jewish law as summarized in the great legal code Shulchan Aruch, with occasional insights from Mishnah Berurah commentary.  This episode deals with 2:1 concerning getting dressed in the morning.

What does the absence of Moses and the presence of Aaron in the Torah portion teach us about the Jewish spiritual path? 

CST is starting a new program to connect members to Shabbat and to one another.  There's a beautiful R. Nachman teaching about Shabbat as the purpose of creation - and you'll hear about the program and how to sign up. 

Rabbi Shimon makes a comment in the Mishnah that the SHem Mishmuel connects to our Torah portion.  He uses it to explain the inner meaning of the three 'crowns' of the central objects in the sanctuary.  

In Parshat Terumah God begings to describe to Moshe the sanctuary where God will dwell. Why must the Israelites relate to God in this new way and what are they (and we) to learn by creating a "space" for God's presence. 

Each week we will learn one halachah from the Shulchan Aruch, a central text to the understanding of how Jewish life is lived day to day.  Unlike the other Shikul Da'at episodes, which focus on interpretations of the weekly Torah reading, "Weekly Halachah" examines Jewish law as summarized in the great legal code Shulchan Aruch, with occasional insights from Mishnah Berurah commentary.  This episode deals with the final two halachot of the first chapter of Mishnah Berurah

How can it be that Mishpatim opens by permitting (though limiting) servitude to a people that is just leaving slavery?  The Shem Mishmuel finds in this problematic a very deep teaching that can change how we see one another.  

The Israelites are still at Sinai.  The looming question throughout Exodus is whether the Israelites can adjust to being a free people.  One essential part of that challenge is breaking through the patterns of abuse that they've endured to free themselves from their past.  Parshat Mishpatim presents them - and us - with an awesome challenge that they must overcome if they are to be a Holy People.

Each week we will learn one halachah from the Shulchan Aruch, a central text to the understanding of how Jewish life is lived day to day.  Unlike the other Shikul Da'at episodes, which focus on interpretations of the weekly Torah reading, "Weekly Halachah" examines Jewish law as summarized in the great legal code Shulchan Aruch, with occasional insights from Mishnah Berurah commentary.  This episode deals with 1:6&7, concerning the morning readings about the sacrificial offerings. 

The Shem Mishmuel takes a redundant clause in the Torah portion and opens it up to find a beautiful insight into living life with purpose.