“For I am the Lord who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God: you shall be holy, for I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:45) Parashat Sh’mini … Continued
The Month of Nisan Brings Redemption
A lot happens in Nisan. Ten days ago we celebrated our exodus from Egypt; five days from now, we will commemorate the memory of six million brothers and sisters who … Continued
Shabbat Pesach (Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17)
“You shall hold a festival for the Lord your God seven days, in the place that the Lord will choose…” (Deuteronomy 16:15) The ancient way of announcing the new Jewish month … Continued
Pesach (Passover) (Exodus 12:21-51)
“That very day God freed the Israelites from the land of Egypt, in their legions.” (Exodus 12:51) Because this Shabbat falls during Pesach, the regular cycle of parashot (Torah portions) … Continued
Parashat Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)
“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