From Rabbi Bergman:
In our Parsha, Vayikra, we read about the Covenant of Salt (Melach Brit): “You shall salt your every meal-offering with salt; you may not discontinue the salt of your God’s covenant from upon your meal offering- on your every offering shall you offer salt” (Vayikra 2:13)
Rashi explains what the words “Melach Brit” mean:
A covenant was made for salt from the Six days of Creation (on the second day of creation, God created a division between the heavenly waters above the firmament and the earthly waters below) when the lower waters were promised to be brought on the Alter in the form of salt.
The Midrash Yalkut HaReuveni elaborates:
The world is one part wilderness, one part settled land, and one part sea. The sea said to God: "Master of the Universe! The Torah will be given in the wilderness; the Holy Temple will be built on settled land; and what about me?" God answered: "The people of Israel will offer your salt upon the Altar."
Ramban explains that salt has two properties. It is destructive, for it prevents plants from growing (and it can corrode) and it is helpful as it can preserve food. The Covenant of Salt teaches us that if the Altar service is performed properly and sincerely, it will preserve and bring us merit, but if it is neglected, it brings about destruction and exile (consider our Haftorah for example.)
Today, where we do not have the Beit HaMikdash and we do not bring Korbanot, yet we dip our bread in salt to remember the Covenent of the Salt. Our table becomes like the Mizbeach (Altar). This salt reminds us of the powerful experience that is to be found when eating and to use our tables, like an altar, to strengthen our relationship with God and those around us.
Shabbat Shalom!
Classes:
Sunday at 7 pm- KOT's Beit Midrash- The Laws of Mourning
Tuesday at 1 pm- Ethics of the Fathers
Tuesday at 4:30 pm- To Be a Jew- The what, why and how's of Judaism
Wednesday at 7 pm - class on the teachings of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"tl.
You can access the classes HERE.
Thursday at 4:30 pm- The Power of Ideas by Rabbi Sacks
Learning Opportunity- 15 Minutes Chavruta with Rabbi Bergman
Too busy to attend a class during the week? Let's hop on the phone for 15 minutes at a time of your choosing and learn something that peaks your interest. To take part, call or text: 631-371-4201
Open up the following link which will take you right
The KOT Beit Midrash
Join a super fun and friendly learning opportunity at KOT where we will delve into questions into relevant and interesting questions in Jewish life by learning Halacha from the sources in the Talmud through to modern day halachic authorities. We will be taking part in an international program with 22,000+ learners across the globe using a comprehensive and clear curriculum designed to make learning accessible to all. We will be covering topics such as the Laws of visiting the sick [bikur cholim], cosmetic surgery, artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization, aveilut and more. To take part and order a copy of our learning material please contact me at oribergman@gmail.com. Stay tuned for additional details.
Open up the following link which will take you right
