The Land of Israel
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Afikomen
Could you tell me the history of the “Afikomen”, when it was established and why? When the Holy Temple in Jerusalem stood, the Passover offering was the last item eaten at the Seder. The Afikomen, which means dessert, has been…
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Amalek and the Messiah
I know that one of Moshiach’s (Messiah) tasks is to rid the world of the nation of Amalek. Up until recently I understood this to be a literal killing of a nation who has always been our arch enemy. Recently,…
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Understanding Animal Sacrifice
The Torah commands us to sacrifice animals. I know that we no longer do this, and am glad we don’t, however, is there any place in the Torah that has changed this covenant? If I am understanding your question correctly,…
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Breastplate of the High Priest
Could you please tell me how the Urim and Tumin (the High Priest’s breastplate) worked? The Urim and Thummim were 12 precious (or semi precious) stones which were attached to a breastplate worn by the Kohein Gadol (High Priest). Each…
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Who’s a Levi and Who’s a Cohain
The Torah tells us that Aaron and his sons (The descendants of Levi) are the priests. Then, why are the Cohains known as priests? Only Aaron and his sons were chosen to be priests from among all of the tribe…
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Animal Sacrifice, Chicken Waving, and Stoning of Children
Do people still do burnt offerings nowadays with animals? I hope not. I know we no longer obey laws of stoning rebellious children to death. I have heard about the chicken twirling on Yom Kippur, also no longer practiced among…
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Does G-d need our sacrifices?
If G-d does not eat, why do we bring animal offerings in the Temple? Anything we do “for G-d” is only from our perspective, not His. G-d is perfect. That which is perfect cannot become anything more than what it…
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The Branches of the Menorah
I thougt that a Menorah had seven arms, but I saw several Menorah’s with nine arms. Would you be so kind to tell me, how many arms belong to the real menorah? In the Bible (Exodus 25:31) G-d explains to…
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The First Year of Marriage and the Israeli Army
When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out in the army, nor shall he be subjected to anything associated with it. He shall remain free for his home for one year and delight his wife, whom…