* PARSHA Q&A * In-Depth Questions on the Parsha with Rashi Parshas Emor For the week ending 19 Iyar 5754 29 & 30 April 1994 ======================================================================== This issue is dedicated in memory of Bernard Greenman O.B.M. ======================================================================== Parsha Questions 1. Why is the word "say" repeated twice in verse 21:1? 2. Which Kohanim are bound by the laws of "tumah"? 3. Is a person permitted to cut his beard with scissors? 4. How do we honor a Kohen? 5. How does the Torah restrict the Kohen Gadol with regard to mourning? 6. Why were all the Jewish People taught laws relevant only to Kohanim? 7. The Torah states in 22:3 that one who "approaches holy objects" while in a state of "tumah" is penalized with "kares" (excision). What does the Torah mean by "approaches"? 8. A Kohen touched a dead rodent. If he immerses himself in a mikveh, what type of holy food may he eat that night? 9. Who in the household of a Kohen may eat "Teruma"? 10. When may a widow eat "Teruma"? 11. What is the difference between a "neder" (vow) and a "nedavah" (free will offering)? 12. May a person slaughter an animal and its _father_ on the same day? 13. How does the Torah define "profaning" the Name of Hashem? 14. On what day is the "Omer" waved? 15. Why do we begin "counting the Omer" at night? 16. How does the "Omer" differ from other meal- offerings? 17. Why does the Torah teach the prohibition against denying agricultural gifts for the poor, in the same section as the festival sacrifices? 18. Who was the father of the blasphemer? 19. What is the penalty for blasphemy if the violator is not properly warned preceding the offense? 20. What is the penalty for intentionally inflicting a wound in one's parents? Bonus Question A Kohen is permitted to become "tamei" only for his immediate family. Why is he not permitted to become "tamei" for the sake of others (21:1-4) ? I Did Not Know That! What is called "letting hair grow wild"? Leaving it uncut for more than thirty days. (Rashi 21:10) ======================================================================== Answers to Last Week's Questions - Parshas Acharei Mos-Kedoshim Parsha Questions All references are to the verses and Rashi's commentary, unless otherwise stated. 1. 16:1 - To strengthen the warning not to enter the Kodesh Kedoshim except on Yom Kippur. 2. 16:4 - He was to wear only the four linen garments of an ordinary Kohen. 3. 6:4 - Five times he changed his clothing and immersed in the mikveh. Ten times he washed from the "ki'or". 4. 16:16 - For entering the Beis Hamikdash in the state of "tumah" (ritual impurity). 5. 16:23 - They must be hidden away and not be used again for a Yom Kippur service. 6. 17:9 - One's offspring die and one's own life is shortened. 7. 17:13 - Non domesticated kosher animals and all species of kosher birds 8. 17:15 - When the food enters the esophagus. 9. 18:4 - A "mishpat" conforms to the human sense of justice. A "chok" is a law whose reason is not given to us. 10. 18:18 - Yes, but not during the lifetime of his wife. 11. 19:2 - Because the fundamental teachings of the Torah are contained in this Parsha. 12. 19:3 - To teach that one must not violate Torah law even at the command of one's parents. 13. Shmos 20:13 prohibits kidnapping. Vayikra 19:11 prohibits monetary theft. 14. 19:12 - This verse includes the descriptive names of G-d in the prohibition against swearing. 15. 19:14 - "You shall not put a stumbling block before the blind." This commands not to give advice which is not proper to a person who is "in the dark" about a certain matter. 16. 19:32 - One should not sit in his seat nor contradict his statements. 17. 19:35 - 1) He defiles the land; 2) profanes the name of G-d; 3) causes the Shechinah to depart from the midst of the Jewish People; 4) causes the Jewish People to fall by the sword; 5) and he brings about exile. 18. 20:3 - "Kares"--the entire Jewish People will never be "cut off". 19. 20:26 - Subjugation. 20. See Sefer Hachinuch: Acharei Mos- 2 positive, 26 negative; Kedoshim- 13 positive, 38 negative. Bonus Question Question: Rashi explains that the command, "Be holy," means "separate yourself from illicit relationships." How did Rashi know that this was the Torah's intent? Answer: The Torah places one Parsha adjacent to another one because there is a relationship between them. In Parshas Acharei Mos, the Torah forbids illicit relationships. The Torah afterwards begins Parshas Kedoshim with the command to "Be holy" without further elaboration. ========================================================================= Spend this coming Summer in Israel for as little as $599 -> JLE Israel Summer Seminar '94 <- 6 weeks of study and touring (June 1 - July 17) for Jewish men between the ages of 19 and 30 with demonstrated academic achievement and a sincere motivation to explore their roots. Minimum scholarship price: $599 (for round trip ticket, room, board, tuition and tours) For information: o send E-Mail to Rabbi Zalman Corlin o from the U.S. call toll-free 800-431-2272 (212-344-2000) o Outside N. America, send E-Mail to: ohr@jer1.co.il ========================================================================= Dedication opportunities are available for the Parsha Q&A. 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