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
Holding On Too Tight
Parashat Bahar (On the Mountain)& Bechukotai (In My Decrees) VaYikra (Leviticus) 25:1–26:2 & 26:3–27:34 Our weekly reading made me think about things that we hold on to, and the possessions that we think belong to … Read More
Deadly Sin
Parashat Acharei Mot (After the Death) & Parashat Kedoshim (Holy Ones) VaYikra (Leviticus) 16:1–18:30 & 19:1–20:27 Our weekly Scripture reading brings us to two very interesting portions, “After Death” and “Holy Ones”. I have previously … Read More
Bold Belief
Parashat Tazria (She Conceives) & Metzora (Leprosy) VaYikra (Leviticus) 12:1–13:8 & 14:1–15:33 In our Scripture reading this week, we read an interesting and sometimes puzzling set of purity laws that have a powerful connection to … Read More