This week’s Scripture portions call us to walk the narrow path. Amid loss, we are called to hold onto hope and pursue holiness, set apart not in pride, but in faithfulness. Though costly and often unseen, this narrow path draws us closer to God and reflects His heart in a broken world.
What Is Seen and What Is Unseen
Holiness isn’t shaped by our sincerity or intentions, but by the standards God Himself has lovingly revealed, calling us to examine whether our devotion aligns with His will or merely our own understanding. The sobering accounts of Nadav, Avihu, and Uzzah remind us that even well-meaning acts can become “strange fire” when they depart from His command, inviting us back to a reverent, obedient walk with Him.
When Holiness Is Not Ours to Define
Holiness isn’t shaped by our sincerity or intentions, but by the standards God Himself has lovingly revealed, calling us to examine whether our devotion aligns with His will or merely our own understanding. The sobering accounts of Nadav, Avihu, and Uzzah remind us that even well-meaning acts can become “strange fire” when they depart from His command, inviting us back to a reverent, obedient walk with Him.
A Hearing Heart
This season invites us beyond ritual into reflection. The continual sacrifices of Leviticus reveal a deeper call: not mere obedience, but a listening, discerning heart. As Passover approaches, are we drawing near to God in truth, or drifting behind routine?
The Salt of the Covenant
In a world of shifting voices and silent compromise, we are called to trust His unchanging Word and stand anchored in the truth of who He is.
Is God Done with Israel?
Parashat Bahar (On the Mountain) & Bechukotai (In My Decrees) Vayikra (Leviticus) 25:1-26:2 & 26:3-27:34Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14. This week’s Scripture portion begins with God’s instructions to Israel as they prepare to enter the Land: The LORD … Read More
The Difficult Path
Parashat Emor (Say) Parasha: Vayikra (Leviticus) 21:1-24:3 Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15-31 This week’s Parashah speaks directly to the priests , those set apart for service to God. As I read through these chapters, I was reminded … Read More
Stop Pointing Fingers
Parashat Achrei Mot (After the Death) & Kedoshim (Holy Ones) Vayikra (Leviticus) 16:1-18:40 & 19:1-20:27Haftarah: Amos 9:7-15 (Ashkenazi Jews) & Ezekiel 20:2-20 (Sephardic Jews) It’s easy to point at the world and say, “They’re the problem.” … Read More
Unlikely Messengers of Hope
Parashat Tazria (She Conceives) & Metzora (Leprosy) Vayikra (Leviticus) 12:1-13:8 & 14:1-15:33Haftarah: 2 Kings 7:3-20 This week’s double portion, Tazria and Metzora, deals with a topic that feels distant to many of us today: biblical leprosy, or tzara’at. While these … Read More
The Problem of Good Intentions
Parashat Shemini (Eighth) Leviticus 9:1-11:47Haftarah: 2 Samuel 6:1-7:17 This week, during our staff meeting, we found ourselves asking a fundamental question: Why do we do what we do? As followers of God, are we simply going through … Read More