* PARSHA Q&A * In-Depth Questions on the Parsha with Rashi Parshas Acharei Mos-Kedoshim For the week ending 12 Iyar 5754 22 & 23 April 1994 ======================================================================== This issue is dedicated in memory of J. Joshua and Mildred Goldberg, O.B.M. ======================================================================== Parsha Questions 1. Why does the Torah emphasize that this Parsha was taught after the death of Aaron's sons? 2. How was the Kohen Gadol to dress when he entered the Kodesh Kedoshim? 3. How many times did the Kohen Gadol change his clothing and immerse in the mikvah on Yom Kippur? How many times did he wash his hands and feet from the "ki'or" (copper laver)? 4. For what sin of the Jewish People does the goat sin-offering atone? 5. After the Yom Kippur service what is done with the four linen garments worn by the Kohen Gadol? 6. What is the penalty of "kares"? 7. Which categories of animals must have their blood covered when they are slaughtered? 8. A person ate a kosher animal that was improperly slaughtered. At what point did he contract "tumah"? 9. What is the difference between "mishpat" and "chok"? 10. May a man marry the sister of his wife? 11. Why was Parshas Kedoshim said in front of the entire congregation? 12. Why is the command to fear one's parents followed by the command to keep Shabbos? 13. In Shmos 20:13 the Torah commands, "Do not steal." What does the Torah add when it commands in Vayikra 19:11, "Do not steal"? 14. In the Ten Commandments the Torah commands, "You shall not take the name of the L-rd your G-d in vain." What does the Torah add when it states, "And you shall not swear by My name to a lie" (19:12)? 15. What verse teaches that it is forbidden to improperly advise a person? 16. How does one show honor to the elderly? 17. A judge who perverts justice bring what five harms to the world? 18. What punishment will never come to the entire Jewish People? 19. What is the punishment for assimilation? 20. How many mitzvos are found in this week's Parsha? Bonus Question Rashi explains that the command to "Be holy" means to separate oneself from illicit relationships. What is the source for Rashi's explanation? I Did Not Know That! "You shall be holy because I am Holy" 19:2. If you sanctify yourselves, I will consider it as if you have sanctified Me. Toras Kohanim ======================================================================== Answers to Last Week's Questions - Parshas Tazria-Metzora Parsha Questions All references are to the verses and Rashi's commentary, unless otherwise stated. 1. 12:2 - At the end of seven days. 2. 13:2 - The declaration of the Kohen. 3. 13:12 - Poor vision. 4. 13:14 - The "tzara'as" as a whole must be seen at one time. Since these parts are sloped they can not be seen at one time, and are exempt from examination. 5. 13:14 - During the festivals, and the seven days of feasting after marriage of a person, a Kohen may not examine that person, his clothing, or his house. 6. 13:45,46 - He must tear his garments, let his hair grow wild as if in mourning. He must dwell outside the camp. When others approach him, he must call out, "Tamei! Tamei!," so that they will avoid him. 7. 13:46 - Since "tzara'as" is a punishment for "lashon hara" (evil speech), which creates a rift between people, the Torah punishes "mida k'neged mida" (measure for measure) by placing a division between him and others. 8. 13:49 - A dark green or dark red discoloration. 9. 13:52 - It must be burned. 10. 13:58 - Immersion in a mikvah. 11. 14:2 - At night. 12. 14:4 - The cedar is a lofty tree. It alludes to the fact that "tzara'as" comes as a punishment for haughtiness. 13. 14:34 - Prior to the conquest of the Land, the Amorites concealed treasures in their house walls. When the Jewish People entered the Land, if "tzara'as" would afflict their houses, they would tear down the walls and find treasure. 14. 14:40 - A place where tahor (ritually pure) objects are not usually handled. 15. a) 14:44-45 - It is called "tzara'as mam'eres," and the house must be demolished; b) 14:48 - the house is pronounced tahor (ritually pure); c) 14:44 - the status of the house remains undertermined. The Kohen orders that the process be repeated. 16. 15:2 - a) He is tamei; b) he is tamei and is also required to bring a korban. 17. 15:4-5 - Only a type of object that one usually lies or sits upon becomes a transmitter of "tumah" if a "zav" sits or lies on it. Therefore: a) tamei; b) tahor; c) tamei; d) tahor. 18. 15:11 - This refers to the immersion in a mikvah. The Torah is teaching that only the external parts of the body need to come in contact with the water. 19. 15:13 - After seven consecutive days without a flow. 20. 15:32 - He is tamei until evening. Bonus Question Question: In this week's Parsha (12:3) we learn "And on the eighth day his foreskin shall be circumcised." What does this verse teach that we have not already learned in Sefer Bereshis, "And he who is eight days old shall be circumcised (17:12)"? Answer: This additional verse teaches that the mitzvah of circumcision may only be performed in the daytime. The verse in Sefer Bereshis commands to circumcise the child when he is eight days old -- but the verse here states to circumcise the child on the eighth day. (Meshech Chochmah) ========================================================================= Remember, all Ohr Somayach lists and files are archived on the _jerusalem1 gopher_. Accessing these files couldn't be easier. If you access from Internet, issue the command: gopher jerusalem1.datasrv.co.il at your prompt, or just find "Jerusalem1" listed on the gopher you already have access to. America-On-Line users can access the j1 gopher through the GOPHER/WAIS area within AOL. Once you are in, look for "Religious Institutions" and then "Ohr Somayach." Compuserve users already have access to back issues directly from the Religion Forum, Library #2! ======================================================================== Jewish L EEEEEEEE Prepared by Ohr Somayach Institutions J L E 22 Shimon Hatzadik Street, POB 18103 J L Exchange Jerusalem 91180, Israel J J L E Tel: 02-810315 Fax: 02-812890 JJJJ Learning EEEEEEEE Internet:ohr@jer1.co.il ========================================================================