Parashat Shemini (Eighth) Vayikra (Leviticus) 9:1–11:47 Haftarah: 2 Samuel 6:1–7:17 In our Parasha portion we read of the incredible account that took place when Aaron offered the sacrifice before the Lord: Then Aaron lifted up … Read More
Passover Reflections
Pesach (Passover) Shemot (Exodus) 13:17–15:26 Haftarah: 2 Samuel 22:1–51 This week there is a special reading for the seventh day of Passover (the last day), which according to tradition, is the day God parted the … Read More
Giving Him Our All
Parashat Tzav (Command) Shemot (Exodus) 6:1–8:36 (English 6:8–8:36) Haftarah: Malachi 3:4–24 This Shabbat is the Shabbat before Passover. It is called the “Shabbat HaGadol” (Great Sabbath) because while in Egypt, it was on Shabbat that … Read More
Sacrifices from the Heart
Parashat Vayikra (And He Called) Vayikra (Leviticus) 1:1–5:26 Haftarah: Isaiah 43:21–44:23 This week, we begin reading from the Book of Leviticus. I was talking to a good friend of mine about it, and he rightly … Read More
A Different Kind of Offering
Parashat VaYaqhel (And He Assembled) & Parashat Pequdei (Accounts Of) Shemot (Exodus) 35:1–38:20 & 38:21–40:38 Haftarah: Ezekiel 45–46 In this week’s readings, we find repeated instructions for collecting an offering for the LORD in order … Read More
Sitting on the Fence
Parashat Ki Tisa (When You Lift Up) Shemot (Exodus) 30:11–34:35 Haftarah: 1 Kings 18:1–39 As I was reading our portions for this week, I was thinking of a very famous Israeli song by Arik Einstein, … Read More
God’s Unchageable Terms
Parashat Tetzaveh (You Shall Command) Shemot (Exodus) 27:20-30:10 Haftarah: Ezekiel 43:10-27 Our Parasha this week is a direct continuation of last week’s Parashat Terumah, which spoke of the building and dedication of God’s dwelling place. … Read More
Preparing His Kingdom!
Parashat Terumah (Donation) Shemot (Exodus) 25:1–27:19 Haftarah: I Kings 5:26–6:13 The miracle of God desiring to dwell among humankind gets lost on us; it is one of the most incredible aspects of God’s character that … Read More
Don’t Go Back to Egypt!
Parashat Mishpatim (Ordinances or Statutes) Shemot (Exodus) 21:1–24:18 Haftarah: Jeremiah 34:8–22, 33:25–26 Our weekly Scripture portion opens with a very interesting verse, which is usually interpreted in a negative way. However, I believe we misunderstand … Read More
A Call to Holiness & Humility
Parashat Yitro (Jethro) Shemot (Exodus) 18:1–20:23 Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1–7:6, 9:5–6 (6–7) As I was reading through this week’s reading portions, I noticed a common theme between the Parasha and Haftarah with regard to God’s call, … Read More