Parashat Shemini (Eighth) Vayikra (Leviticus) 9:1–11:47 Maftir: Numbers 19:1–22 Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16–38 This week there is a special reading for what is called “Shabbat Parah”, which is the Shabbat before the “Shabbat HaChodesh” (Sabbath of … Read More
Missing the Point
Parashat Tzav (Command) Leviticus 6:1-8:36 (English 6:8-8:36) Haftarah: Jeremiah 7:21-8:30 & 9:22-23 In reading and writing this week’s Scripture commentary, I noticed a conflict that made me ask “Are we missing the point?” In the … Read More
Following God Wholeheartedly
Parashat Vayikra (And He Called) Vayikra (Leviticus) 1:1–5:26 Special reading for Shabbat “Zachor” (Remembrance) Deuteronomy 25:17–19 Haftarah: 1 Samuel 15:1–44 We have a special reading this week for Shabbat “Zachor” (Remembrance), which is the Shabbat … Read More
Our Only Hope!
Parashat Bahar (On the Mountain) & Bechukotai (In My Decrees) Vayikra (Leviticus) 25:1–26:2 & 26:3–27:34 Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19–17:14 “If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out,” Leviticus … Read More
A Higher Calling
Parashat Emor (Say) Vayikra (Leviticus) 21:1–24:3 Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15–31 In our Parasha, we read “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them…” (Leviticus 21:1a). It then … Read More
Bought with a Price
Parashat Achrei Mot (After the death) & Kedoshim (Holy ones) Vayikra (Leviticus) 16:1-18:40 & 19:1-20:27 Haftarah: Amos 9:7-15 (Ashkenazi Jews) & Ezekiel 22:1-16 (Sephardi Jews) I previously wrote similar thoughts about this week’s reading, but … Read More
The Foolish Shaming the Wise
Parashat Tazria (She Conceives) & Metzora (Leprosy) Vayikra (Leviticus) 12:1–13:8 & 14:1–15:33 Haftarah: 2 Kings 7:3–20 This week’s Parasha contains some very interesting precepts that God gave to the children of Israel regarding that which … Read More
What Does God Ask of You?
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
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