“Moses said to the community,” This is what the Lord has commanded to be done.” (Leviticus 8:5) Parashat Tzav begins with the ritual duties of the kohanim (priests) for performing … Continued
Parashat Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26)
“It is a law for all time throughout the ages, in all your settlements: you must not eat any fat or any blood.” (Leviticus 3:17) Vayikra (“And he called”) is the … Continued
Parshat Vayakhel-P’kudei (Exodus 35:1-40:38)
“And let all among you who are skilled come and make all that the Lord has commanded.” (Exodus 35:10) We read two parashot (portions) this week because of the way the … Continued
Israeli Philanthropy Comes of Age
Right now we are in between two Jewish holidays, Purim and Pesach, both of which emphasize the obligation to care for the needy and–as far as Pesach goes–to welcome the … Continued
Parashat Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35)
“Six days shall you work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from labor; you shall cease from labor even at plowing time and harvest time.” (Exodus 334:21) Parashat … Continued
Parashat T’tzaveh (Exodus 27:30-30:10)
“I will abide among the Israelites, and I will be their God.” (Exodus 29:46) Parashat T’tzaveh concludes the instructions for building the mishkan (Tabernacle) and describes in detail the priests’ … Continued
Parashat T’rumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19)
“And these are the gifts that you shall accept from them: gold, silver, and copper.” (Exodus 25:3) Parashat T’rumah, the seventh parasha (portion) in the book of Exodus, introduces the detailed … Continued
Parashat Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1 – 24:18)
“You shall not subvert the rights of your needy in their disputes.” (Exodus 23:6) Parashat Mishpatim begins a section of the Torah called sefer habrit, the Book of the Covenant. … Continued
Is Israel Facing Its Own Fundamentalist Threat?
I recently returned from a two week work visit to Florida, where I had the pleasure of visiting a few JCCs and participating in JCC Association’s Executive Seminar. As an … Continued
Parashat Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23)
“The blare of the shofar grew louder and louder. As Moses spoke, God answered him in thunder. “ (Exodus 19:19) Parashat Yitro (named for Moses’ father-in-law, Yitro, a Midianite priest) … Continued