In this lesson, we discover a convoluted connection with an unusual word found in the following Torah portion. And why is it Jewish tradition that a young man should be married by age 18? And do the rabbis have the authority to establish a calendar for all of Israel? Does this have an impact on the counting of the omer? Take a listen for an unusual but thought-provoking discussion of the Torah portion.
Leviticus 21:11 He shall not go toward any dead bodies nor make himself unclean, even for his father or for his mother.
וְעַ֛ל כָּל נַפְשֹׁ֥ת מֵ֖ת לֹ֣א יָבֹ֑א לְאָבִ֥יו וּלְאִמּ֖וֹ לֹ֥א יִטַּמָּֽא
1 + 1 + 6 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 400 + 400 + 30 + 30
= 876 = והתהלכתי (v’hit’halachti)
Leviticus 26:12 And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.
Leviticus 21:13 And he shall take a wife in her virginity.
והוא (v’hu) = 18
Leviticus 23:4 “These are the appointed times of Adonai, the holy convocations, which you shall proclaim them at their appropriate times.”
אלה מועדי יהוה מקראי קדשׁ
אשׁר תקראו אתם במועדם׃
| אַתֶם (atem) = “you” |
| אֹתָ֖ם (otam) = “them” |
“…Adonai’s appointed times that you are to designate as holy convocations …”
1 Chronicles 12:32 Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…
REFERENCES:
Leviticus 26:10-13 “You shall eat old supply long kept, and you shall clear out the old to make way for the new. I will make My dwelling among you, and My soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be My people. I am Adonai your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves. And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect.”
Psalm 19:5 And he [והוא, v’hu] is like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Rosh Hashanah 25a Rabbi Akiva said to [R’ Yehoshua]: “My teacher, allow me to say before you one matter that you yourself once taught me.” He said to him: “Speak.” He said to him: “It states with respect to the Festivals: “The appointed seasons of the Lord, which you shall proclaim them [otam] to be sacred convocations (Leviticus 23:2). And it is written: “These are the appointed seasons of the Lord, sacred convocations; you shall proclaim them [otam] in their season” (Leviticus 23:4). And it is written: “These are the appointed seasons of the Lord; you shall proclaim them [otam] to be sacred convocations” (Leviticus 23:37). Three times the verses use the term: Them [otam], which can also be read as you [atem], in plural. This comes to teach: You [atem] are authorized to determine the date of the new month, even if you unwittingly establish the New Moon on the wrong day; you, even if you do so intentionally; you, even if you are misled by false witnesses. In all cases, once the court establishes the day as the New Moon, it is sanctified, and God grants His consent.” After hearing this, Rabbi Yehoshua said to him in these words: “Akiva, you have consoled me; you have consoled me.”