Insight 5773-32: Balancing Values

For Emor
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1) When the Torah presents many different solutions to a problem, it also generally indicates which solution applies in what situation. For example, it will inform us, in specific circumstances, if the subjugated value is still existent or not. Of course, as with all matters of Torah, disagreements in this regard may exist but that is still part of the limud haTorah process with the determination of the solution also being part of the process. The issue for me, however, is when the articulation of a solution is not so clear. How are we to determine which Torah principle to apply in a situation where the Torah is not clear about how to balance the values? In one case the Torah does this but in another case the Torah actually does the opposite. Which solution are we then to apply in a case in which the Torah is not clear?

Insight 5773-31: Context

For Achrei Mot / Kedoshim
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1) There are times that context and consequence applies, and times when they do not. Is there a pattern or rule that can be applied in understanding when they do apply and when they do not?

Insight 5773-30: Tumah and Tahara

For Tazria / Metzorah
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1) We can go back to the original issue that bothers me: what do tumah and tahara really represent?

Insight 5773-29: The Underlying Weakness

For Shemini
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Questions

1) In offering that the midrashic explanations touch upon the underlying character trait weaknesses that led to the bringing of the strange fire, the need arises to further explain these connections. Rav Yaakov presents some possible connections. It may be of interest to determine these connections in regard to all the midrashic connections.