Rabbi Yossi Kahanov Shliach to Jacksonville, FL
The story is told of an elderly woman – an expert embroiderer – who approached a prominent Rabbi, with a magnificent mantel (Torah cover) that she produced for their Synagogue's new Torah Scroll. Enamored by the beauty of the rich velvet and colorful embroidery, the Rabbi immediately rushed to the ark, removed the Torah and placed the mantel over it.
As they shared a moment of delight adoring the lovely new cover, the Rabbi, to everyone's disappointment, noticed that the new cover was several inches shorter than the scroll.
Thanking the woman for her sincere thoughtfulness and effort, the Rabbi gently explained that although it was a true masterpiece it would not work, since it was too short.
“Rabbi,” exclaimed the woman, “I don't understand, considering the quality and workmanship of this piece of art, couldn't we just trim off a few inches from the bottom of the Torah scroll to make it fit?”
“I'm sorry,” said the Rabbi, “In this shul we don't tailor the Torah to fit the Mantel!”

The Weekly Sedra – Parshas Emor – Tailor Made?

Rabbi Yossi Kahanov Shliach to Jacksonville, FL

The story is told of an elderly woman – an expert embroiderer – who approached a prominent Rabbi, with a magnificent mantel (Torah cover) that she produced for their Synagogue’s new Torah Scroll. Enamored by the beauty of the rich velvet and colorful embroidery, the Rabbi immediately rushed to the ark, removed the Torah and placed the mantel over it.
As they shared a moment of delight adoring the lovely new cover, the Rabbi, to everyone’s disappointment, noticed that the new cover was several inches shorter than the scroll.
Thanking the woman for her sincere thoughtfulness and effort, the Rabbi gently explained that although it was a true masterpiece it would not work, since it was too short.
“Rabbi,” exclaimed the woman, “I don’t understand, considering the quality and workmanship of this piece of art, couldn’t we just trim off a few inches from the bottom of the Torah scroll to make it fit?”
“I’m sorry,” said the Rabbi, “In this shul we don’t tailor the Torah to fit the Mantel!”



Our Parsha begins with G-d commanding Moshe to: “Speak to the Kohanim, the sons of Aharon and tell them: ‘Each of you shall not contaminate himself with a dead person among his people.’”

The inevitable question that is raised by a majority of commentaries is: Why does the Torah use double wording – Moshe should “Speak” and then “Tell” the Kohanim? It surely seems that telling them one time should suffice, as is the case with most other injunctions.

The Talmudic sages explain the redundancy to constitute a separate commandment on the part of the parents that they make sure to relate the importance of this commandment to their children.

In Rashi’s words: “ …. This repetition is intended to admonish the older Kohanim about the young ones.”

Still, the question remains: Why is it with this particular commandment that the Torah finds it necessary to include a special warning to impart this injunction upon the youth? Isn’t this the case with all Mitzvos, both positive and negative?

In fact there are numerous interpretations that present this Talmudic explanation in various homiletic ways, each one containing its own novelty and beauty. However, we aught not lose sight of the simple and obvious explanation.

This is indeed a very difficult Mitzvah, because it goes against human nature. Sometimes our desire to do what feels right transcends the will of the Almighty, especially when it deals with emotionally charged matters such as birth and death. To not attend the funeral of a family member or close friend easily fits this description.

Thus, when the Torah discusses the prohibition of defilement of the priesthood by coming in contact with the corpse of a loved one, it must exhort us to implant this trait in the hearts of the very young.

We must teach our children from the earliest age that Judaism is not to be confused with feeling good. Temptation to tailor the Torah towards our feelings even when transgressing its commandments is a reality of human nature. This wrong is compounded when the transgression is rationalized with validity of “It’s the right thing to do, it’s actually a Mitzvah”. Imagine how difficult it is for a Kohain to hold back from attending a funeral of a dear friend or family member (those who do not fit the criteria which would allow for it). After all, isn’t attending a funeral a great Mitzvah?

For this reason when the Torah discusses the prohibition of defilement, it is careful to stress, “Tell them and tell them to teach the minors”. We must impart in our children from the youngest of age that the Torah is not to be tailored around our perception of “Good and Holy”, but “Good and Holy” must be tailored in accordance with the Torah.

To quote from Michael Medved’s recent article:…. “Just before Passover, the Conservative movement’s flagship institution, The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), announced a controversial decision highlighting the painful contradictions of middle way religions…..

Following the findings of an expert panel filed last December, JTS signaled its intention to accept openly gay candidates for the rabbinate and to raise no objection to their involvement in same-sex commitment ceremonies. For a movement that still stresses time-honored standards of Sabbath observance and kosher food, this represents a stunning break with tradition……
As recently as 1992, the committee of leading Conservative legal scholars found that Jewish law clearly prohibited same-sex commitment ceremonies and admitting homosexuals to rabbinical seminaries, but public pressure — not some startling discovery of ancient text — forced adjustment to 21st century trends…..

The core question remains the nature of religion itself and our relation to it. Should we challenge ourselves, or our faith traditions? Do we measure religion against personal impulses and values, or should we judge our impulses and values against religion? Should we adjust our faith to suit current trends and to enhance our comfort and convenience, or should we evaluate trends in the light of timeless teachings, no matter how unfashionable or inconvenient?”
– Michael Medved – USA Today-April 22, 2007

One Comment

  • appreciative

    rabbi k has done it again! thank you very much, we appretiate your work very much. my roomates and i make sure to read your thoughts every single week!! good job, keep it up