“On the other side of the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to expound this Torah, saying.” (Deuteronomy 1:5) Parashat D’varim opens the fifth and final book of … Continued
Parashat B’har (Leviticus 25:1-26:2)
“Do not wrong one another, but fear your God; for I the Lord am your God.” (Leviticus 25:17) Parashat B’har describes the shmita as a shabbat shabbaton, a Sabbath of … Continued
Parashat Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27)
“When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not wrong him.” (Leviticus (19:33) Parashat K’doshim’s opening words are the whole ball of wax: “And the Lord spoke … Continued
Parashat Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30)
“You shall keep My laws and My rules, by the pursuit of which man shall live: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 18:5) Parashat Acharei Mot’s opening verse states: “The Lord … Continued
Shabbat and Eighth Day of Pesach (Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17)
“For there will never cease to be needy ones in your land, which is why I command you: open your hand to the poor and needy kinsman in your land.” … Continued
Pesach (Passover) (Exodus 12:21-51)
“So the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading bowls wrapped in their cloaks upon their shoulders.” (Exodus 12:34) Because the first day of Pesach falls on … Continued
Parashat Metzora (Leviticus 14:1-15:33)
“And the priest shall pour of the oil into the palm of his own left hand” (Leviticus 14:26). Parashat Metzora opens by stating, “This shall be the teaching of the … Continued
Parashat Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59)
“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
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