April 2021 - YedidYah

Emor-Sefirat HaOmer-Shimon Bar Yochai-Rabbi Yakira

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By Yakira / Emor-D'var Torah-Rabbi Yakira

“The death of human empathy is one of the earliest and most telling signs of a culture about to fall into barbarism.”-Hannah Arendt. In Parashat Emor, we learn about the mitvah of Sefirat HaOmer (Counting 49 days of the Omer). On the 33rd day, called Lag BaOmer, we commemorate the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who lived in a cave with his son, in total isolation for twelve years, studying Torah, they both had to remain in the cave for an additional year, after realizing they are lacking empathy and hurting others, forgetting the golden rule VeAhavta Lereacha Kamocha, Love your fellow as yourself.

Acharei Mot-Kedoshim-Love your fellow as yourself-Rabbi Yakira

By Yakira / Acharei Mot-Kedoshim-D'var Torah-Rabbi Yakira

The Baal Shem Tov used to say: “Love your fellow man as yourself. You know that you have
many faults, nevertheless you still love yourself. That is how you should feel towards your
fellow man. Despite his faults, love him.” (Likutei Avraham, p.221). Easier said than done, as there are many tendencies of human nature that prevent us from loving our neighbors. The main impediment to this commandment is jealousy.

Tazria-Metzora-The laws of ritual impurity and purity-Rabbi Yakira

By Yakira / Tazria-Metzora-D'var Torah-Rabbi Yakira

To pronounce a fellow Jew as impure is an enormous responsibility only a Kohen, who is chosen to bless the people with love, can make such a declaration, as it will be accepted as the honest truth. In biblical times, Tzaraat, was a punishment for lashon hara (gossip), and had to be inspected by a Kohen. Tzaraat is a super-natural plague, which amazingly can also afflict garments.

Shemini-The 8th day of the Mishkan’s dedication-Rabbi Yakira

By Yakira / Acharei Mot-Kedoshim-D'var Torah-Rabbi Yakira

As a vegetarian since childhood and vegan for almost a decade, I was never too concerned with the laws of Kashroot. In our parashah, G‑d commands the kosher laws, the distinction between permissible and forbidden animal species, for consumption. Land animals may be eaten only if they have split hooves and also chew their cud; fish must have fins and scales; a list of non-kosher birds is given, and a list of kosher insects (four types of locusts). Why the Torah command us to eat only Kosher food? G-d put the people on a special diet. If they follow the kosher diet their souls, their neshamah will stay holy.

Month: April 2021