Why does kosher matter? Why is a snake forbidden but a goat acceptable? From rabbinic opinions to wild chickens, Shmuel shares new insights to portion Shmini.

This week, we pause from the regular Torah cycle to reflect (a few days early) on the seventh day of Passover, a day dedicated to one of the most awe-inspiring moments in our history—the splitting og the sea and what it reveals about miracles, redemption, and our future.

Shmuel connects this portion to Psalm 107, a psalm of thanksgiving. As Shmuel said, this Psalm is essentially “…recognition of the fact that God is good”.

In modern times with no Temple, one must ask: what is the essence of sacrificing animals?

In Bowling Alone, Robert D. Putnam, writes that American society today is less social than in previous years. He contrasts the growing isolation of American individuals with people who gather regularly in houses of prayer. Such people are more likely to give charity, volunteer and contribute to society. The unity described in the Torah is a lesson that has carried through the ages!

Did you know that the building of the Tabernacle influenced the laws of Shabbat?