“Those are the elected of the assembly, the chieftains of their ancestral tribes: they are the heads of the contingents of Israel.” (Numbers 1:16) Parashat Bamidbar opens the fourth book … Continued
Parashat B’har-B’chukotai (Leviticus 25:1-27:34)
“I will remember in their favor the covenant with the ancients, whom I freed from the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God; I, … Continued
The Beauty of Jerusalem
The Talmud teaches, “Ten measures of beauty descended on the world, nine were taken by Jerusalem, one by the rest of the world.” Years later, Mark Twain said, “There is … Continued
Parashat Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23)
“So Moses declared to the Israelites the set times of the Lord.” (Leviticus 23:44) Parashat Emor addresses issues of k’dusha, or sanctity. It focusses first on the priests (sanctified people) … Continued
Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim (Leviticus 16:1-20:27)
“You shall not render an unfair decision: do not favor the poor or show deference to the rich; judge your kinsman fairly.” (Leviticus 19:15) We read two parashot (portions) this … Continued
Parashat Tazria-Metzora (Leviticus 12:1-13:59)
“The priest shall order two live clean birds, cedar wood, crimson stuff, and hyssop to be brought for him who is to be cleansed.” (Leviticus 14:4) We read two parashot … Continued
Yom Hazikaron – Israel’s Remembrance Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror
Today, Israel and the Jewish world observes Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s national Remembrance Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism, and ceremonies nationwide honor the 23,320 servicemen and victims of … Continued
Parashat Sh’mini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)
“And you must teach the Israelites all the laws which the Lord has imparted to them through Moses.” (Leviticus 10:11) Parashat Sh’mini is a bit of a shocker. After seven … Continued
The ways we remember
“We are still here. And no matter what, we shall continue to be here to tell people so they can learn from our history.” Elie Wiesel At exactly 10 a.m. … Continued
Last Day of Pesach (Passover) (Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17)
“After eating unleavened bread six days, you shall hold a solemn gathering for the Lord your God on the seventh day; you shall do no work.” (Deuteronomy 16:8) The last … Continued