Israel National Radio - Temple Talk

Why did Moshe Hit the Rock? A 'Set-Up' for the Sake of Israel.

Temple Talk — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:11:00 +0200

Temple Talk

In Parashat Chukat (Num. 19), we learn of the Torah's ultimate, incomprehensible mystery, the ordinance of the Red Heifer. Its true nature is so ethereal that only Moses, the humblest of all men, was able to fully grasp it. Moses' mastery of this subject is a Divine testimony to his greatness and his greatness is in turn a direct result of his humility. The Torah bears witness to Moses' intimate and unequaled knowledge of this elusive subject, as well as to the perpetual and inexorable bond that will always exist between Moses and the Red Heifer, through the words 'and they shall take to you...' (verse 2).

Yet it seems so ironic that in this very same parsha of Chukat, we also meet up with the single mistake of Moses' life, the one that cost him the one thing he lived for entry into the Holy Land. How dearly he paid for this mistake! Did the punishment fit the crime? How are to we understand that in the very same parsha which bears testimony to Moses' level of greatness, we find his only, incomprehensible, unforgivable blunder? Unless there is something else entirely happening here. Could it be that this wasn't a 'mistake' at all, but rather, a well-choreographed, previously-agreed upon ruse? A play being acted out, whose true nature would not become known until generations later, when the gates of the Holy Temple sink into the ground at the time of destruction? Tune into this week's Temple Talk as Rabbi Richman and Yitzchak Reuven discover that Moses' dedication and love for Israel is so great, so uncompromising, so all-encompassing, that he would never abandon them, not in this world, and not in the next.

Parashat Balak: The Lines they are Drawn, the Curse it is Cast: Bilaam was a real prophet, with real powers, but from where did he draw those powers, and who was he working for? And what about that donkey? Curious? Tune into this week's Temple Talk as our hosts discover that Moses and Bilaam are both prophets, but they are as distant from each other as East from West; as light from darkness. Rabbi Richman and Yitzchak Reuven discuss the glib vs. the heavy of tongue, true humility vs. manipulative charisma, and finally, launch into an explanation of the nature of true prophecy. Does it exist in our time? All on this week's Temple Talk.

Also this week, three new video teachings...

Weekly Torah Portion with Rabbi Chaim Richman: Balak

The power of speech differentiates man from all of creation. And with the power of speech comes the power to bring good into the world and sanctify creation, or to bring evil into the world, and denigrate creation. Moshe used speech to achieve the former. Bilaam, the heathen prophet, used speech to achieve the latter.
http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/weekly-torah/

Bat Melech, with Rena Richman: "Avigail, Wife of David: One of the seven female prophets, Avigail's quick wit and unwavering morality were essential in shaping David the man and future king."
http://universaltorah.com/programming/2009/06/30/avigail-wife-of-david.htm

Light to the Nations with Rabbi Chaim Richman: Rambam's Hilchot Beith HaBechira - Maimonides' Laws of the Chosen House - chapter 7: Inside the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies is the spot of the most intimate aspects of the relationship between G-d and man." Premiers Thursday, July 2nd: http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

Israel National Radio offers free English podcasts and live radio. We broadcast to the world from Israel on issues of Zionism, Jerusalem, Redemption and all Jewish matters.

Why did Moshe Hit the Rock? A 'Set-Up' for the Sake of Israel. - Part 2

Temple Talk — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:11:00 +0200

Temple Talk

What�s Behind Korach�s Web of Deceit? All I Can Hear, I Me Mine

Temple Talk — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:14:00 +0200

Temple Talk

If things had gone differently, Korach, a man destined for greatness, could have been remembered as a righteous individual� but his vanity and his materialism got the best of him� instead he wound up in a living hell� literally. Who was Korach and what was his real problem? Why did he attack Moshe and Aaron and make ridiculous, baseless claims against them? Join Rabbi Richman and Yitzchak Reuven as they discover that Korach�s gripe was not just against Moshe Rabbeineu; it was against G-d Himself. Korach, whose job was to help carry the holy Ark of the Covenant, wound up not even believing that G-d created the world. How does a great guy turn into such a miscreant? And what�s all this got to do with Numbers Chapter 19, the mysterious Red Heifer? Actually, it�s got everything to do with it! Tune into this week�s Temple Talk for an unparalleled symposium on the nature of Korach�s rebellion, the Red Heifer and the secret of purity, and most importantly, Korach�s unique relationship to Rosh Chodesh, the New Moon�and a Rosh Chodesh lesson from the great Rebbe Nachman for us all to take home and apply. Plus, a special bonus: The mystical significance of Hillary Clinton�s broken elbow! All here on this week�s Temple Talk.

Be sure to watch this week's short parashat hashavau teaching with Rabbi Chaim Richman: Chukat.
In this age of instant access to endless information, we are tempted to try to know everything! Is curiosity necessary a good thing, or is it sometimes, as our sages suggest, an offshoot of arrogance?

True wisdom is in the acknowledgment that there are things that lie beyond our intellectual grasp. This wisdom is the portal to purity.

Click here to view: http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/weekly-torah/

And the latest Light to the Nations video teaching: Holiness in this World: Rambam's Hilchot Beit HaBechirah � The Laws of the Chosen House � chapter VII: The Holy of Holies, the Holiest Place on Earth: What is holiness? How can we become holy? Can a place or time be imbued with sanctity? Torah teaches us an emphatic yes to all these questions. And the soul/time/space nexus where the holiest moment of the year, (Yom Kippur), and the holiest spot on earth , (the Holy of Holies), and the individual who represents the holiest possibility of man, (the Kohen Gadol � High Priest), meet and merge together is nothing less than the purpose of creation. Premiering Thursday, June 25.

Click here to view: http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/light-to-the-nations/

All Temple Institute videos are also available in mp3 format.

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

Israel National Radio offers free English podcasts and live radio. We broadcast to the world from Israel on issues of Zionism, Jerusalem, Redemption and all Jewish matters.

What�s Behind Korach�s Web of Deceit? All I Can Hear, I Me Mine - Part 2

Temple Talk — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:14:00 +0200

Temple Talk

Is Diaspora Jewry Repeating the Sin of the Spies?

Temple Talk — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:40:00 +0200

Temple Talk

As the month of Tammuz approaches, we begin to reflect upon the tragedy of the Holy Temple's destruction, which can be understood as a direct result of the sin of the spies against the Land of Israel (Numbers 13). Our sages tell us that the sin of speaking negatively against the Land is so severe, and so serious in Hashem's eyes, that it must be rectified in every successive generation.

How can we be sure that we are rectifying the heinous sin of the spies and not, G-d forbid, repeating it? What happened to these princes of Israel who began as perfectly righteous, only to be remembered as villains? Did their minds snap? Were they seeing things? Hallucinating?

When people today think they are better off in the Diaspora than in the holy Land of Israel, are they for real, or are they hallucinating? What about those that claim they can lead a more religious life, and actually serve G-d better, by not living in Israel?

Tune into this week's Temple Talk as Rabbi Richman and Yitzchak Reuven tackle these issues and confront some of the most difficult questions that we face today especially in the light of the current political reality.

Visit the Temple Institute online at http://www.templeinstitute.org/.

Be sure to watch this week's Light to the Nations video teaching with Rabbi Chaim Richman:
On the Temple Mount: Rambam's Hilchot Beit HaBechirah - Laws of the Chosen House, chapter VII: The ten levels of sanctity of the land of Israel continue to increase in sanctity upon the Temple Mount. Not only is a person with tamei met - spiritual impurity caused by contact with a dead body - allowed upon the Temple Mount plaza, but even a dead body itself is allowed on the Mount. However, both are forbidden by penalty of karet - spiritual excise from the Jewish people - within the confines of the Temple Courtyards. Premiering Thursday, June 18:
http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/light-to-the-nations/

And also be sure to watch this week's Bat Melech teaching with Rena Richman:
Michal, the Daughter of Saul: Michal, the daughter of Saul and the wife of King David, was a righteous woman, and despite her father's violent antipathy toward her husband David, she proved to him a loyal wife. It was her great resemblance to her father, however, which proved her ultimate undoing:
http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/bat-melech/

And Do Not Forget the Weekly Torah Portion with Rabbi Chaim Richman:
Korach: In praise of women: They avoided the sin of the golden calf; they did not participate in the badmouthing of the land of Israel. And in parashat Korach, we learn how the wife of On ben Pelet prevented her husband from taking part in the rebellion of Korach and helped him to repent of his original intentions. Stand by your man? Stand by your woman!
http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/biblical-faith/weekly-torah/

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

Israel National Radio offers free English podcasts and live radio. We broadcast to the world from Israel on issues of Zionism, Jerusalem, Redemption and all Jewish matters.

Is Diaspora Jewry Repeating the Sin of the Spies? - Part 2

Temple Talk — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:40:00 +0200

Temple Talk

Aaron Lights the Temple Menorah, and Doesn�t Change a Thing

Temple Talk — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:39:00 +0200

Temple Talk

In parshat B�halotecha (Numbers 8), we read about the silver trumpets that G-d instructed Moses to make. Do these trumpets have any significance for us today? And why are some of the Temple vessels to be made specifically of gold, and others, of silver? Like everything else pertaining to the Holy Temple, there are great secrets here, and great lessons to be revealed. Rabbi Richman and Yitzchak Reuven discuss the mystical differences between silver and gold, and in the process, shed a new light on Netanyahu�s role during the infamous Wye River Memorandum.

Temple Talk�s hosts also discuss President Barak H. Obama�s Cairo speech, and raise serious questions regarding the President�s rapprochement with the Muslim world.

Aaron, brother of Moses, lover of peace and peacemaker, is instructed to kindle the light of the Temple menorah�and the Torah praises him for doing exactly what he was told. Mysteriously, the great Rashi writes that Aaron deserves praise for not deviating from G-d�s instructions. What�s this conundrum all about? Join us for a new insight into this ancient question.

It is crucial that all listeners of Temple Talk watch this video: A Jewish Response to the Obama Cairo Speech

On June 4, 2009, President Barack H. Obama delivered a speech in Cairo, Egypt, that contained a distorted view of the Jewish people�s historical ties to the land of their forefathers, the land of Israel.

This video is a response: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nImmsxXoLO0

Weekly Torah Portion with Rabbi Chaim Richman: Parashat Shlach (Numbers 13:1-15:41)
Twelve spies are sent to Israel to gather intelligence and report back to Moshe and the people. Knowing full well that the children of Israel would inherit the land of Israel due to the merit of the forefathers Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya�akov, who received G-d�s promise, Calev ben Yefuneh made a detour to Hevron and the cave of the Machpelah, in order to pray and spiritually unite with the souls of the righteous patriarchs:
http://universaltorah.com/programming/2009/06/07/weekly-torah-portion-shlach-3.htm

Light to the Nations video teaching with Rabbi Chaim Richman: "Reading the Shma: The 'Shma Yisrael' is the quintessential expression of the Jewish faith. What are it's origins? How was it recited during Temple times? What is the message of the three paragraphs that make up the Shma?"
http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/light-to-the-nations/

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Israel National Radio offers free English podcasts and live radio. We broadcast to the world from Israel on issues of Zionism, Jerusalem, Redemption and all Jewish matters.

Aaron Lights the Temple Menorah, and Doesn�t Change a Thing - Part 2

Temple Talk — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:39:00 +0200

Temple Talk

No Thanks America: Let�s Be Like the Nazarite - Scared Straight

Temple Talk — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:02:00 +0200

Temple Talk

Sometimes, the material discussed in the weekly Torah portion may seem out-of-date or somehow far-removed from the realities of our lives. Not so for the hosts of Temple Talk, who find that the Torah�s lessons actually reflect, instruct, and challenge our contemporary reality. Join Rabbi Richman and Yitzchak Reuven for a riveting, unforgettable program that focuses on the mysterious character of the sotah, the �suspected adulteress� of Numbers Chapter 5. She may have been unfaithful to her husband, but evidence is lacking�so the Torah mandates that she undergo a test. She drinks a solution that contains pure water from the Temple and earth from the floor of the Temple, into which a parchment bearing the holy name of G-d is dissolved. If she in innocent, she will be blessed, but if she is guilty�

Rabbi Richman and Yitzchak Reuven explore this issue on an entirely new level of symbolic meaning, and find a startling basis of comparison between the sotah and the individual who takes a Nazarite vow, and the relationship between the current governments of the State of Israel and the United States of America�between the �solution� which the suspected adulteress is forced to drink, and the �Two-State Solution� which the US is attempting to force on Israel.

Plus: The Temple Institute is proud to announce the creation of two new vessels for the soon-to-be-rebuilt Holy Temple: beautiful golden bazichin, incense vessels to hold the frankincense that is placed between the loaves of showbread on the Golden Table (see Lev. 24). Tune into this week�s Temple Talk for a fascinating discussion of these new vessels, and share our hosts� excitement as we move closer towards the rebuilding of the Holy Temple and the fulfillment of the Divine commandment to �Build for Me a Sanctuary� (Ex. 25:8).

THIS IS THE DAY WHICH HASHEM HAS MADE; WE WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT."
(Psalms 118:24)

The Temple Institute is very pleased to announce the completion of the bezichin - the two golden incense censors which were placed continually upon the golden table of the showbread in the Kodesh sanctuary of the Holy Temple. To see photographs and to learn more about the role the bezichin played in the Divine service, please click here: http://www.templeinstitute.org/bezichin.htm

Weekly Torah Portion with Rabbi Chaim Richman: Naso:
�Fessing up: �The L-rd then spoke to Moses saying: Tell the children of Israel: When a man or woman commits any of the sins against man to act treacherously against G-d, and that person is [found] guilty,they shall confess the sin they committed, and make restitution for the principal amount of his guilt, add its fifth to it, and give it to the one against whom he was guilty.� (Numbers 5:5-7) When the person who has erred makes an oral confession the confession itself removes the sin from his essence and the person returns to his true self. http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/utn-feeds/weekly-torah-readings/

Holy Temple Update: The Completion of the two Bazichin - Golden Incense Censors for the Renewal of the Divine Service. See it on youTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxXcL7Px7is

This week's Light to the Nations video teaching will be dedicated to the two bezichin and the service of the golden table of the showbread in the Holy Temple. The show will be posted on Thursday, June 4:
http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

Israel National Radio offers free English podcasts and live radio. We broadcast to the world from Israel on issues of Zionism, Jerusalem, Redemption and all Jewish matters.

No Thanks America: Let�s Be Like the Nazarite - Scared Straight - Part 2

Temple Talk — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:02:00 +0200

Temple Talk

It is Our Religious Obligation to Safeguard the Land of Israel

Temple Talk — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:19:00 +0200

Temple Talk

Just returned from a trip to the USA, Rabbi Richman joins Yitzchak Reuven and talks about some of his recent experiences, impressions, prayers and predictions in this Shavuot edition of Temple Talk. While in the States, the rabbi performed a Bnei Noah wedding, and had the opportunity to share Torah insights with a number of audiences, and his themes of receiving the Torah as a life-changing experience and commitment to Land of Israel, especially in the face of America's anti-Torah demands for a Palestinian state, are subjects for discussion in this program as well.

We begin the Book of Numbers: As the month of Sivan begins and the Omer count concludes, leading us to the foot of Mount Sinai, the Torah is given this week all over again - with fire, water, and desert; every soul is deeply rooted as a letter in the Torah, and our life adventure is to re-learn the personal Torah we already know, instinctively, having been taught in our mother's womb.

Visit the Temple Institute online and learn about the festival of Shavuot as it was celebrated in the Holy Temple:
http://www.templeinstitute.org/shavuoth/opening.htm

And view these Shavuot video teachings:
Bat Melech, with Rena Richman: The Story of Ruth: Parts I and II: Ruth, the story of the Moabite princess who attached herself to the Jewish nation and the G-d of Israel, is traditionally read in synagogues on the upcoming festival of Shavuoth. Rena Richman reveals fascinating midrashic insights into the historical background of the story, focusing on the unique personalities of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. These three individuals together create the foundations of the Davidic dynasty. http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/bat-melech/

Light to the Nations - with Rabbi Chaim Richman: Shavuot: The Torah of This World: Today we celebrate Shavuot, the day in which the nation of Israel first received Torah at Sinai, with an all-night total immersion in Torah study. Yet, this aspect of Shavuot is not even mentioned in Torah, and the central avodah - worship - in the Holy Temple - was the bringing of the bikkurim - first fruits. How do we explain this seeming discrepancy? How can we get back to the Torah of the land of Israel? http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/light-to-the-nations/

Weekly Torah Portion: Naso: 'Fessing up: "The L-rd then spoke to Moses saying: Tell the children of Israel: When a man or woman commits any of the sins against man to act treacherously against G-d, and that person is [found guilty,they shall confess the sin they committed, and make restitution for the principal amount of his guilt, add its fifth to it, and give it to the one against whom he was guilty." (Numbers 5:5-7)

When the person who has erred makes an oral confession the confession itself removes the sin from his essence and the person returns to his true self.
http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/weekly-torah/

And it is definitely not too late to catch these classics: Jerusalem Day: Reflections by Rabbi Yisrael Ariel: Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, paratrooper and founder of the Temple Institute, reflects on his experiences in the Six Day War and the liberation of the Temple Mount.
English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBS9K-pT12k
Spanish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dalukd3ZemU
Hebrew: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY7HMiVYOLc

Sefirat Ha'Omer - Count for Yourselves: Forty-nine days that can change your world.
The forty-nine days between Passover and Shavuot, (between leaving Egypt and receiving Torah at Sinai), are days laden with awesome spiritual potential. The opportunity for growth is ours for the taking. The Temple Institute celebrates the 49 days. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg_5NE7hg8w

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Israel National Radio offers free English podcasts and live radio. We broadcast to the world from Israel on issues of Zionism, Jerusalem, Redemption and all Jewish matters.

It is Our Religious Obligation to Safeguard the Land of Israel - Part 2

Temple Talk — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:19:00 +0200

Temple Talk

Jerusalem: Setting the Stage for the Final Redemption

Temple Talk — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:41:00 +0200

Temple Talk

"For out of Zion shall go forth Torah, and the word of HaShem from Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:3)
(Note: Rabbi Chaim Richman is currently in the USA. This Week's Temple Talk is a rebroadcast of last year's pre-Jerusalem Day show. Next week will feature an all new Temple Talk.)

This coming Thursday, (Iyar 28/May 21), marks a double anniversary: the reunification of Jerusalem forty two years ago in the Six Day War, and the death of the prophet Samuel nearly three thousand years ago. This historical "coincidence" is in fact highly appropriate, as the life and deeds of Samuel are profoundly bound together with the life and renaissance of Jerusalem, then and now. Samuel, of course, was the last judge to lead the tribes of Israel, concluding the historical period described in the Book of Judges. As such, Samuel, (reluctantly), anointed Israel's first two kings: Saul and David. When David conquered the small walled stronghold of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, he expressed his desire to build a Holy Temple to G-d on Mount Moriah, a plot of land just north of Jerusalem which David had purchased from a Jebusite by the name of Ornan.

It was at this point that Samuel stepped in. Midrash teaches us that Samuel met with David and for the duration of one fateful night the two together poured over an ancient text, known as the scroll of the Holy Temple. The scroll had been handed by G-d to Moses at Mount Sinai, and it contained the blueprints for the future Temple. With the advent of the monarchy and triumphant conquest of Jerusalem, Samuel realized that the historic moment had arrived. Not only did he share the Temple Scroll with David, but he also presented innovations and oversaw the laying of the foundations of the Holy Temple that King Solomon would eventually complete.

But Samuel's impact on the history of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple goes far beyond his personal involvement in the Temple's early construction. Samuel was consecrated by his mother Hannah, even before he was born, to be raised and educated in the Tabernacle which then stood at Shiloh. His upbringing in the service of G-d and within such close proximity of His holy presence had a profound impact on Samuel. As an adult, and in his capacity as shofet - judge - and prophet over the children of Israel, Samuel brought the sanctity of the Tabernacle to the people in the form of the justice that he meted out. Tirelessly traveling from town to town he nurtured the villagers' love of Torah, love of justice and love for G-d at a critical time in the nation's history, as the loosely held together confederation of Israelite tribes was being beset by an ever increasing existential threat at the hands of the growing might of the Philistines.

Pressed by the people, Samuel anointed Saul as king. King Saul's eventual downfall came as a result, not of a military defeat, (for he had subdued the Amelekites), but as a result of his failure to mete justice. The dispensation of justice would become for King David the true test of his dedication to the G-d of Israel, and his submission to G-d's justice would lead to his acquisition of Mount Moriah. No figure in Scriptures is more closely identified with justice then David's son Solomon, the builder of the first Holy Temple.

We are often asked at the Temple Institute, "How long will it take to build the Holy Temple?" Clearly when the decision is taken to begin the monumental project of rebuilding the Holy Temple, destroyed by the Romans some two thousand years ago, there will be no shortage of architects and artisans and engineers and masons to complete the task swiftly. But the true answer to the question "How long?" can only be expressed in the following manner: As long as it takes for justice, true justice as revealed to the nations of the world by Torah, the word of the living G-d, to spring forth from Zion, to be sounded in Jerusalem. That's how long it will take to build G-d's Holy Temple. For where there is justice, G-d will reign. From where justice spreads forth, His presence will dwell.

On Wednesday evening, Yom Yerushalayim � Jerusalem Day � marking forty-two years since the liberation and reunification of the city of Jerusalem, two new features will appear on www.templeinstitute.org:

"Letter from a Soldier: The last thoughts of a dying soldier relives the drama of the liberation of the Temple Mount, and sets down the challenge for those who follow. Written by Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, Founder and Head of the Temple Institute.

Reflections of a Paratrooper: Rabbi Yisrael Ariel shares poignant war time memories in this five minute video. The Rabbi's words and photographs from his personal collection create a vivid and unique perspective on the events that shook the world: The liberation of the Temple Mount from the enemies of Israel.

For more details, go to www.templeinstitute.org/events.htm on Wednesday evening, Israel time � Yom Yerushalayim � Jerusalem Day. Also�
Light to the Nations, with Rabbi Chaim Richman: Jerusalem Day: Rabbi Richman reflects upon the spiritual and prophetic implications of the 1967 reunification of Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty: http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/light-to-the-nations/

Rabbi Chaim Richman, video teaching: Weekly Torah Portion: Bemidbar

Just as the Levites receive in the opening chapters of the book of Numbers, (Parashat Bemidbar), their appointed tasks in the service of G-d, so must we also strive to discover that appointed task in the service of HaShem for which we were brought into this world to fulfill: http://universaltorah.com/programming/2009/05/17/weekly-torah-portion-behar-bemidbar-3.htm

Bat Melech video teaching, "The Story of Ruth, parts I and II: Ruth, the story of the Moabite princess who attached herself to the Jewish nation and the G-d of Israel, is traditionally read in synagogues on the upcoming festival of Shavuoth. Rena Richman reveals fascinating midrashic insights into the historical background of the story, focusing on the unique personalities of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. These three individuals together create the foundations of the Davidic dynasty." http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/bat-melech/

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

Israel National Radio offers free English podcasts and live radio. We broadcast to the world from Israel on issues of Zionism, Jerusalem, Redemption and all Jewish matters.

Jerusalem: Setting the Stage for the Final Redemption - Part 2

Temple Talk — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:41:00 +0200

Temple Talk

Why does Torah Allow a Second Chance at the Passover Offering?

Temple Talk — Wed, 06 May 2009 00:19:00 +0200

Temple Talk

This week, on May 8th, will be Pesach Sheni, the "Second Passover," a unique day in the Torah's calendar. According to Numbers Ch. 9, G-d grants a second chance exactly one month later for those who were inadvertently impure during Passover, to bring the offering on Iyar 14. Nowhere in the entire Torah is there a parallel to anything like this -- a "second chance" to relive an experience like the Passover offering, and to be credited with bringing it even though its original time has passed! What is the significance of this unusual allowance? And what does this have to do with the evil, crafty nation of Amalek? Tune in to this week's Temple Talk as our hosts find out that it's never too late to begin serving Hashem!

Rabbi Richman and Yitzchak Reuven also continue their odyssey of spiritual discovery within the book of Leviticus, as they explore the Torah's program, outlined in Parshat Emor, for man to eventually overcome the debilitating, false vision of death by living a life of attachment to the Shechina, the Divine Presence, the source of eternal life.

This week's Temple Talk is an abbreviated, one hour version, as Rabbi Richman is busy preparing for a trip to the United States this week. He will be speaking publicly at several locations throughout the State of Texas during the next two weeks, and his schedule is available here:
http://www.templeinstitute.org/events.htm#month-of-may

The next all-new Temple Talk will be available on Tuesday, May 26th.

This Week on the Temple Institute:
Parashat Hashavua video teaching with Rabbi Chaim Richman: Parashat Emor: The Kohen Gadol - High Priest - serves before the Shechinah - the Holy presence of G-d, a place of life everlasting. Representing the entire nation of Israel, his work in the Holy Temple symbolizes the eternal nature of Israel. Therefore, the High Priest is instructed not to involve himself in the burial or mourning process, concerning even his mother or father. For he must remain untainted by the false illusion of death in the infinite reality of G-d.
http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/weekly-torah/

Light to the Nations video teaching with Rabbi Chaim Richman: Rambam's Hilchot Beit HaBechira (Laws of the Chosen House), chapter 7: Ten Levels of Sanctity, part I: The unparalleled sanctity of Jerusalem requires many precautions to be taken:
http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/light-to-the-nations/

Bat Melech video teaching with Rena Richman: Miriam was a women of prophetic vision, and a teacher of her generation. Her commitment to the sanctity of the Jewish family is what jump-started the exodus from Egypt, and also what caused G-d to later afflict her in the desert with tzar-at (leprosy):
http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/bat-melech/

And always be sure to visit us at http://www.templeinstitute.org/events.htm

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

Israel National Radio offers free English podcasts and live radio. We broadcast to the world from Israel on issues of Zionism, Jerusalem, Redemption and all Jewish matters.

Independence Day: From the State of Israel to the Holy Temple

Temple Talk — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:28:00 +0200

Temple Talk
What can we learn from the �leper,� whose sociopath tendencies result in a Divinely-ordained affliction which breaks out in the walls of his house, in his clothing, and in his skin? He must be isolated, placed �outside the camp,� where he warns everyone to stay away from him, calling out �I am impure, I am impure.� Can there be anything positive in such a situation? Is this G-d�s love at work? Rabbi Richman gushes and Yitzchak Reuven waxes eloquent with fascinating, original Torah insights into some of the secrets of the book of Leviticus. They share their excitement and enthusiasm in relating our current Torah readings to the reality of Israel�s miraculous rebirth, and connect the dots between the month of Iyar, Israel�s Independence Day, counting the Omer towards the Sinai revelation, and most of all�getting with G-d�s program and appreciating the depth and beauty of Torah�G-d�s vision for our lives.

Rabbi Richman will be making a private visit to the United States between May 7th � 22nd. However he will be speaking publicly at several locations throughout the state of Texas during this time. Please check the Events page at www.templeinstitute.org for his schedule and contact information.

View this week's Parashat Hashavua video teaching by Rabbi Chaim Richman: Acharei Mot - Kedoshim

�You shall be holy like I am holy.� (Leviticus 19:2) How can we become holy as G-d is holy? Certainly, we are expected to live within the guidelines set out by Torah. Yet, to a certain extent a person can conduct himself as �a scoundrel with the permission of the Torah,� that is, live within the laws of Torah, but, nevertheless, lead a self-centered hedonistic life, never drawing nearer to G-d. But to make ourselves holy, we need to live responsibly and with commitment to G-d, even within the permitted parameters of Torah. Click here:
http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/weekly-torah/

View this week's Light to the Nations video teaching by Rabbi Chaim Richman, of chapter 7 of the Rambam's "Laws of the Chosen House," entitled, "Walled Cities: The land of Israel, the holiest land on earth, contains within it ascending levels of holiness. Level number two: walled cities." Click here: http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/to-the-nations/weekly-torah/

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

Israel National Radio offers free English podcasts and live radio. We broadcast to the world from Israel on issues of Zionism, Jerusalem, Redemption and all Jewish matters.

Independence Day: From the State of Israel to the Holy Temple - Part 2

Temple Talk — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:28:00 +0200

Temple Talk

Everyman�s Counting of the Omer: Peeling off One Layer Each Day

Temple Talk — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:01:00 +0200

Temple Talk

Temple Talk hosts Rabbi Richman and Yitzchak Reuven examine last week�s parsha and the untimely and mysterious death of Aaron�s sons Nadav and Avihu; this week�s Torah readings concerning the laws of purity; the backdrop of each week now � the counting of the omer� it�s just another magnificent example of the confluence of themes in Torah and time that forms the stuff our dreams and our lives are made of. Nadav and Avihu wanted the moment of shining revelation to last forever� but sometimes our path is not illuminated, and we must serve G-d from the darkness� with whatever resources He gives us. But how then do we make each day we live count? How do we make each day shine? Enter �Sefirat HaOmer,� the days of counting, to teach us how to make each moment �count,� as we shed our negativity, and learn to focus on the real work of self-improvement and character development that are a necessity for receiving the Torah. The secret is the desire to perfect one�s self� not looking for the perfect moment. G-d gives us time, but what will we do with it?

Click here to learn more about the barley offering and Sefirat HaOmer - the counting of the Omer: http://www.templeinstitute.org/archive/commandment_omer.htm

View a brief slide show depicting the barley harvest and the Omer offering during the time of the Holy Temple: http://www.templeinstitute.org/the_omer_offering.htm

Watch Rabbi Richman's Light to the Nations video teaching of the spiritual message of the forty nine day counting of the Omer: "Hanging in the Balance: The great illumination of 'instant' freedom that we experience on the Seder night so often seems to pass us by. Slaves yesterday, free men today, we simply haven't the vessels to be able to absorb the great chesed � loving kindness � and enlightenment that G-d had blessed us with. For this we have Sefirat HaOmer - the counting of the days of the Omer, that prepares us gradually for the great re-illumination of G-d's light � receiving Torah on Mount Sinai." Click here to view: http://universaltorah.com/programming/category/temple-institute-light-to-the-nations/

Weekly Torah Portion: Tazria-Metzora:
Imagine receiving a report card from G-d, a rebuke from the Master of the Universe when He sees us straying from the path He has set for us. With the rebuke comes the reward: the manifest testimony of His love for us:
http://universaltorah.com/programming/2009/04/20/weekly-torah-portion-tazria-metzora-3.htm

Click here to see a beautiful artist's rendering of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, (from this past Shabbat haftorah reading): http://www.templeinstitute.org/bringing-the-ark-back-home.htm

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

Israel National Radio offers free English podcasts and live radio. We broadcast to the world from Israel on issues of Zionism, Jerusalem, Redemption and all Jewish matters.

Everyman�s Counting of the Omer: Peeling off One Layer Each Day - Part 2

Temple Talk — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:01:00 +0200

Temple Talk