Musings in Perusings

אם בריאה יברא

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If it is created, create it Proxy’s Paradox and Ministering Miracles We find this week an interesting conundrum faced by Moshe. Koraĉ demands[i] כי כל העדה כלם קדשים ובתוכם ה’ – the entire gathering is holy and [dwelling] within them is G-d. Therefore, ומדוע תתנשאו על קהל ה’ – why should you be elevated above … Read more

ותצחק שרה בקרבה

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And Sara laughed on the inside When G-d visits Avrohom while he is recovering from the Covenant of Circumcision. G-d sends three (3) ‘men’ [Angels] to visit Avrohom, giving Avrohom the opportunity to practice kindness to his guests. After eating and drinking under the tree, the Torah records[i] a strange conversation: ויאמרו אליו איה שרה … Read more

שלח לך אנשים

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Anatomy of a Rebellion The discussion on the names of the spies provides us with a unique challenge. On the one hand, the Torah[i] identifies them as כלם אנשים ראשי בני ישראל המה – they were all Men, they were the heads (Leaders) of the Jewish people. And yet, there was something inherently corrupt about … Read more

פקד כל בכר זכר

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This essay examines the spiritual and halachic evolution of Pidyon Haben (Redemption of the Firstborn), resolving a mathematical anomaly in the Torah’s census to reveal the deep metaphysical purpose of the Mitzvah. Moving beyond the historical catalyst of the Korach rebellion, the piece draws on the Sefer HaBahir to explore the paradox of “firstness.” It contrasts human excellence—which requires repetitive practice and refinement—with the raw, unpracticed divine energy of Chochmah inherent in a firstborn. By tracing the shift from a direct human exchange in the wilderness to an eternal monetary redemption, the essay demonstrates how Halacha structurally grounds the explosive, ex-nihilo spark of creation, channeling it to elevate the mundane world in the service of G-d.

Passion for פסח שני

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Historical Setting of the original Pesaĉ Sheni At the start of the second year in the wilderness, right after the Mishkan had been set up and “opened for business”, G-d commanded the people to observe that year’s Pesaĉ by offering the Pesaĉ sacrifice. Throughout their time in the wilderness, the Pesaĉ offering was not brought … Read more

Halaĉa and Hashkafa in the שהחיינו of a Reunion

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Abstract The Gemara establishes that one who meets a dear friend after an interval of thirty (30) days recites the blessing of שהחיינו. Yet, normative Jewish practice today dictates that this blessing is omitted. This paper explores the Halaĉic, pragmatic, and Ĉassidic dimensions of this discrepancy, culminating in an analysis of the historic 1989 dialogue … Read more