Classes on the Parsha - Rabbi Chaim Wolosow

This class explores the unique laws of the kohanim, focusing on the exception allowing a kohen to become impure for a met mitzvah—someone with no one else to bury them. The discussion highlights how Torah prioritizes compassion and personal responsibility over ritual status, offering a timeless lesson in kindness. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/008_emor/003

This class explores the verse about afflicting oneself on the ninth of the month, clarifying when the Yom Kippur fast begins. It discusses the halachic requirement to add from weekday to holy, the reward for eating on the ninth, and why Rashi is silent on this verse. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/008_emor/002

This class explores the puzzling timeline of the Mekalel (blasphemer) in Parshas Emor, analyzing Rashi, Tosafos, and the Rebbe's explanations. It discusses the connection to the mekosheish (wood gatherer), the establishment of the camps, and the sequence of Shabbos observance after Matan Torah. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/008_emor/001

Why does the Torah promise extra produce for keeping the laws of Orlah? The Rebbe explains that some mitzvos are especially difficult, and the Torah addresses human struggle. Even serving for reward can be the first step toward serving Hashem purely. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/007_kedoshim/005

The Rebbe contrasts the holiness of the fourth year with the blessing of the fifth year. The goal is not only holiness in sacred places, but revealing Hashem in everyday life. Even health, livelihood, and ordinary blessings become a dwelling place for the Divine when a Jew says: Baruch Hashem. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/007_kedoshim/004

Why was Parshas Kedoshim taught to all Jews at once? The Rebbe explains that this section clarifies how mitzvos apply in real conflicts. Since people were already obligated, they needed immediate guidance. Torah is not only principles—it is clear direction for life. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/007_kedoshim/003

Parshas Kedoshim teaches holiness through action and responsibility. “Do not stand by your fellow’s blood” means saving others physically and spiritually. The Rebbe explains that where Hashem places a Jew is a mission—to help others, overcome obstacles, and uplift the world. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/007_kedoshim/002

Why was Parshas Kedoshim taught to all Jews at once instead of the usual order? The Rebbe explains that this section clarifies many existing mitzvos and their priorities. Since the people were already obligated, they needed the details immediately. Torah guidance must be clear and timely. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/007_kedoshim/001

Why did Nadav and Avihu die while seeking closeness to Hashem? The Rebbe explains that Judaism demands both longing and return. One must rise spiritually, yet remain engaged in life, helping others, building family, and sanctifying the world through practical mitzvos. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/014

Why pray for the peace of the government? The Rebbe explains that beyond its simple meaning, the Mishnah teaches humility. Without awareness of Hashem’s kingship, one person can “swallow” another by leaving no room for their growth. True Torah greatness makes space for others. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/013

How can sins become mitzvos? The Rebbe explains the different levels of teshuvah: fear heals the future, love erases the past, and deeper love transforms failure itself into spiritual growth. Even darkness can become the source of a greater closeness to Hashem. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/012

Why must the Kohen Gadol have a “home,” and what does Hashem ask from imperfect people? The Rebbe explains that holiness includes family, relationship, and growth. Like a mikveh, Hashem purifies every sincere step and helps each Jew rise higher. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/011

Why does Acharei Mot begin with the death of Aharon’s sons before teaching Yom Kippur? The Torah teaches that even the desire for holiness must be guided by discipline. True closeness to Hashem means knowing not only what is holy, but when and how to approach it. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/010

Why does Acharei Mot begin with the death of Aharon’s sons? The Rebbe explains that even holy yearning must be guided by humility and purpose. True closeness to Hashem is to bring holiness into the world, honor others, and create peace. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/006

Why does Acharei Mot begin with the death of Aharon’s sons before teaching Yom Kippur? The Torah teaches that even holy desire needs boundaries. True closeness to Hashem means serving Him the right way, at the right time, with responsibility for life and others. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/009

The Alter Rebbe teaches that creation is renewed every moment by Hashem’s word. Through Torah, prayer, kindness, and teshuvah, we draw Divine life into the world. The deepest vessel for that light is peace, humility, and respect for one another. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/008

How should a Jew seek closeness to Hashem? The Rebbe explains that true love of Hashem is not escape or self-fulfillment, but serving His will in practical mitzvos. Like Rabbi Akiva, one must enter in peace and return in peace, bringing holiness into the world. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/007

Why were Nadav and Avihu carried in their garments after the heavenly fire? Rashi explains only their souls departed while their bodies remained intact. From this we learn the sanctity of the body and the great mitzvah of burial and true kindness. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/004

Why does the Torah give so many offerings for entering the Mikdash or eating Kodashim in impurity? It teaches that holiness requires preparation, yet Hashem always provides a path back. Even when imperfect, a Jew must keep approaching kedushah and begin again. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/005

Why does Acharei Mos begin with the death of Nadav and Avihu? The Torah teaches that even holy yearning must lead to purpose. True avodah is not escaping the world, but balancing ratzo and shuv—drawing close to Hashem and returning to elevate life below. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/003

Why does the Gemara say Rabbi Akiva “entered in peace” and “left in peace”? The Rebbe explains that true closeness to Hashem must begin with the right intention and lead to action in this world. Spiritual yearning must become shuv—building a dwelling place for Hashem below. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/002

Why does Rashi compare Hashem’s warning to Aharon to two doctors? The Rebbe explains that Nadav and Avihu’s mistake was holy yearning without mission. True closeness to Hashem is not escaping the world, but returning to transform it into a dwelling place for Him. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/001

The Torah’s ban on false weights teaches that wrongdoing begins long before the act itself. The Rebbe explains that deception, selfish motives, and dishonest intentions are judged by Hashem. True blessing comes through integrity, sincerity, and trust in G-d. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/006_acharei/015

The double portion of Tazria–Metzora teaches that tzaraas was not merely punishment, but a loving wake-up call from Hashem meant to inspire growth and return. Even what appears negative can hide great blessing, and through teshuvah a person can rise from the lowest state to the highest spiritual level. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/005_metzora/005

This class explores Moshe Rabbeinu’s anger and humility in Parshas Shemini, and the deeper message of Parshas Para. It teaches the dangers of anger, the power of admitting truth, and how teshuvah purifies and prepares us for redemption. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/003_shmini/012