“When the plague of tzara-at is in a man, he shall be brought to the priest” (Leviticus 12:9). Parashat Tazria declares a woman who gives birth to be t’mei-a, ritually … Continued
Parashat Sh’mini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)
“On the eighth day Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel” (Leviticus 9:1). Parashat Sh’mini includes the first of two major collections of dietary laws in … Continued
Representing Jewish Identity in the U.S. Military
JWB Jewish Chaplains Council hosted in our New York offices its annual Chaplain and Lay Leader Training Course. Of all the agencies that endorse chaplains for the United States military … Continued
Parashat Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)
“This is the ritual of the reparation offering: it is most holy.” (Leviticus 7:1) Parashat Tzav describes the duties of the kohanim (priests) for performing each of the sacrifices listed … Continued
Solidarity is Our Response to Hate
On Friday, two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand became the latest target of murderous hate and bigotry. The death toll from this violent attack has risen to 50, with countless … Continued
From Sorrow to Joy
“The month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day.” As the Jewish world prepares for Purim’s festivities and joy, I want … Continued
Parashat Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26)
“The Priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the Lord, in front of the curtain of the Shrine” (Leviticus 4:6). Anyone … Continued
Parashat P’kudei (Exodus 38:21-40:38)
“And when Moses that they had performed all the tasks-as the Lord had commanded, so they had done-Moses blessed them” (Exodus 39:43). Parashat P’kudei provides an accounting of all the … Continued
Parashat Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20)
“You shall kindle no fire throughout your settlements on the Sabbath day.” (Exodus 35:3) In Parashat Vayakhel Moses relays God’s instructions for building the mishkan, or Tabernacle, to the Israelites. … Continued
Parashat Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35)
“Aaron and all the Israelites saw that the skin of Moses’ face was radiant; and they shrank from coming near him.” (Exodus 34:30) Parashat Ki Tisa covers a lot of … Continued