Parashat Behar: The Most Subtle Form of Oppression by Yaakov Bieler

Biblical terminologies for improper behavior towards another
The Bible contains a number of Hebrew terms connoting oppression, persecution, and suffering. Not in any particular order, we find “Lachatz” (to pressure);[1]  ”Nagas” (to cause to work hard; the act of taking interest on a loan);[2] “Ina—Ayin Nun Heh” (to afflict);[3] and “Ina—Alef Nun Heh” (to oppress).[4] It [...]

Parashat Kedoshim: Connecting Beginnings and Endings by Yaakov Bieler

The implication of the numerous juxtapositions within verses comprising the Parasha
An interesting structural feature of Parashat Kedoshim is the significant number of verses which contain “Hekeishim” (lit. connections; tech. two diverse topics appearing within the same verse which are then assumed to share some sort of commonality). Whereas there is a disagreement as to whether [...]

Parashat Acharei Mot: A Yom Kippur Lottery and a Pesach Parallel by Yaakov Bieler

 
A lottery to assign animals for different sacrifices.
                A curious component of the “Yom HaKippurim” ritual as described in the beginning of Parashat Acharei Mot is the manner in which animals are assigned for a sin offering on the one hand and for “Azazel” on the other, i.e., by means of an apparently random lottery. [...]

Parshat Metzora: The Symbolism of Removing Hair by Yaakov Bieler

A curious aspect of the purification of a person who had been declared a Metzora.
When the individual smitten with Tzora’at (the bodily affliction described in Parshiot Tazria and Metzora that results in first quarantine and then ostracism from the encampment for the duration of the condition) is finally declared ritually cured, one of the more [...]

Parashat Tazria: Explaining Tzora’at From the Perspective of the Book of Job by Yaakov Bieler

Laws of ritual purity and impurity elude logical explanations.
                Tora laws of ritual purity and impurity e.g., rules that are associated with contact with dead bodies,[1]  particular bodily excretions,[2]   and various dermatological conditions[3]  are categorized as Chukim (statutes),  i.e., laws which, at best, have rationales that are highly obscure.[4] Yet even more curious and remarkable [...]

Parashat Shmini – Aharon’s Reversals of Fortune and Unflagging Courage by Rabbi Yaakov Bieler

Aharon’s disappointments leading up to Parashat Shmini.
Aharon, the brother of Moshe, undergoes two experiences that severely test his resolve and self-image, even before he suffers the numbing loss of his two oldest sons, Nadav and Avihu while they are engaged in offering sacrifices in the newly dedicated Mishkan (VaYikra 10:1 ff.)
I. The loss of [...]

Parashat Tzav: The Olah Sacrifice – The Exception or the Rule? by Yaakov Bieler

Revisiting ground already covered?
The beginning of Parashat Tzav (VaYikra 6:2 ff.) appears to revisit territory that has already been explored at the outset of the book of VaYikra (1:3 ff.) In both places we are told about aspects of the Olah (“the one going up” or “totally burnt”), begging the question why all of the [...]

Competing Visions of the Purpose of Korbanot by Yaakov Bieler

A fundamental debate regarding the purpose of sacrifices.
In his commentary to VaYikra 1:9, after vehemently attacking RaMBaM’s suggestion that God Commanded the sacrifices for no other reason than to give man an outlet for his potentially idolatrous desires,[1] RaMBaN offers a hypothesis of his own. Regarding the general parameters of the sacrificial cult for sin [...]

Parashat Pekudei: Motivations for a Precious Metal Inventory by Yaakov Bieler

Problems with the opening verses in the Parasha.
At the beginning of Parashat Pekudei (Shemot 38:24-29), the Tora provides a list of the amounts of gold, silver and copper that were contributed by the Jewish people[1] in order to construct the Tabernacle  and its holy vessels. One wonders why, if the intention was to produce a [...]

Parshat Ki Tissa: Broken Tablets – Embarrassment or Inspiration? by Yaakov Bieler

What was done with the remains of the first tablets that contained the Ten Commandments?
The extremely dramatic events surrounding the smashing of the tablets of stone upon which the Ten Commandments had been inscribed are described in Parashat Ki Tisa, Shemot 32:19, and again as part of Moshe’s valedictory review of what had transpired during [...]

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