The Torah empowers us to use human logic to extrapolate and apply its laws in life, but just as all the laws of nature have their limits, so do the laws of logic have limits. Source Sheet
Our thoughts might not change the substance of matter, but they do indelibly impact the relationship between ourselves and that matter. Source Sheet
Choosing how to use what we own, is in itself an expression of ownership. Source Sheet
Every word of the Torah delivers an imperative of some sort that sets our lives up to fulfil Hashem’s will. Source Sheet
Why are bird offerings always brought in pairs, and why specifically the species of torrim and benei-yonah? And why is the case of a voluntary korban, can a single bird be brought? Source Sheet
Sacrifice requires that we extend ourselves beyond the capacities we have as defined by where we are. We can project ourselves into places far beyond our current realities. Source Sheet
Understanding the difference between Kedusha (sanctity) and kavod (dignity): The former is absolute, the latter relative. Source Sheet
Tzeniut (privacy) is not an objective “one-size-fits-all”. Tzeniut is a character trait and is relative to situations and to circumstances. Source Sheet
We have learned how a different place can create a different individual, and different ambience can change a place. Source Sheet
Contrast provides clarity. The positive is often appreciated only through its negative. Source Sheet
Connection requires two opposire dynamics: reaching out and withdrawing, giving and receiving, positive and negative mitzvot, male and female - Avodah and Torah. Source Sheet
The Torah is not an instruction book for mitzvot. The Torah is a source of infinite living energy which we harness and activate when we translate it into physical action, mitzvot. The Torah is the music and the mitzvah the dance. Source Sheet
Often an objects place does nothing to define the object, but sometimes the place does define the object. In life as well, there are times and places that define who we are at that time or ion that place. Source Sheet
Reality listens most closely at the beginning. Intent, the silent spark in the genesis of action, whispers to possibility which way to turn. In Kodshim, the silent spark of intent, embedded in the action, becomes reality. Source Sheet
We are quick to discard leftovers. But in studying the laws of the leftover blood of a korban, we develop new sensitivity to the hidden status of leftovers Source Sheet Please use this link to register for the 50 Year Celebration on Oct 30 or to send Rabbi Lapin a message. https://Matmonimcelebration.com
When one views a legal/halachik problem through the lens of empathy and sensitivity to the human problems sometimes caused by halacha, one’s view of the halachik issue can be different from viewing it purely academically. One sees the differences in learning between purely academic Roshei Yeshiva and those who were also active Rabbonim. This perspective might help understand the differences between the worldviews of Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel. Source Sheet Please use this link to regi...
Life exists when the material body, guf, and the spirit, nefesh, are linked and sutain one another. Human life, adam, like earth, adamah, is designed to produce. When human life ends it can no longer produce. When animal life ends, both its guf and its nefesh can still produce. Its body produces products, its nefesh produces kapparah. Source Sheet Please use this link to register for the 50 Year Celebration on Oct 30 or to send Rabbi Lapin a message. https://Matmonimcelebration.com
Infusing a spirit of volunteerism into duty and obligation is the ultimate service. Source Sheet Please use this link to register for the 50 Year Celebration on Oct 30 or to send Rabbi Lapin a message. https://Matmonimcelebration.com
We explore different methodologies of the Rishonim in Pesak (Halachik decisions) Source Sheet Please use this link to register for the 50 Year Celebration on Oct 30 or to send Rabbi Lapin a message. https://Matmonimcelebration.com
When an item becomes disqualified for use on the Mizbeach, it cannot requalify. However, disqualification must be due to a problem that the person is unable to fix. Source Sheet Please use this link to register for the 50 Year Celebration on Oct 30 or to send Rabbi Lapin a message. https://Matmonimcelebration.com