Posts by David Ackerman

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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