Vayikra
Shabbat haGadol
The Shabbat before Pesach is referred in medieval sources as Shabbat haGadol ‘ the Great Shabbat. But there is a range of opinions about its relationship to the Exodus narrative. According to these sources, it was on the Shabbat preceding … Continue reading »
Parashat Metzora
By Rabbi Yehonatan Chipman Someone once said, only half in jest (paraphrasing the well-known Rabbinic dictum in Pirkei Avot), that “Whoever manages to give a decent derashah about Tazria-Metzora brings redemption to the word.” And indeed, one is hard to … Continue reading »
PARASHAT SHEMINI, SHABBAT PARAH
By Sanford Olshansky Many traditional Jews believe that the entire Torah was revealed by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Accordingly, they have no problem with the existence of mitzvot (commandments) that appear to have no practical purpose. In fact, … Continue reading »
Parashat Vayikra
By Mark Getman Vayikra (Leviticus) is the name not only of this week’s parashah, but also of the entire third book of the Torah. Though the book has much to say about the sacrificial system, it also teaches us how … Continue reading »
Parashat Tzav
By Susan Elkodsi Parashat Tzav continues the instructions for sacrifices, and lays out the role of the kohanim (priests), in this case – Aaron and his sons. It could easily be seen as an instruction manual for the kohanim, complete … Continue reading »
Parashat Aharei Mot/ K’doshim
Parashat Aharei Mot/ K’doshim: Two Aspects of Holiness Rabbi David Greenstein Our double Torah portion occupies the central core of our Torah, called by modern Bible scholars “The Holiness Code.” It is an extended working out of the concept of … Continue reading »
Parashat B’har/B’huqotai
By Rabbi Yechiel Buchband In this week of Jubilee celebrations in our AJR community, it feels good to be so in tune with the rhythm of the Torah reading cycle: our first portion, Parshat Behar, includes the Torah’s teachings concerning … Continue reading »
Parashat Emor
Parashat Emor By Doug Alpert Chapter 23 of Vayikra commences with God directing Moshe Rabeinu to ‘Speak to the Children of Israel – b’nai Yisrael – and say to them: These are the appointed [fixed] times of HaShem which you … Continue reading »
Parashat Tazri`a-M’tzora
Parashat Tazri`a-M’tzora By Simon Rosenbach So, we had 48 hours of rain some years ago and our sump pump failed. Well, we had tons of stuff in the basement, although nothing really good, and we were leaving for Florida in … Continue reading »
Parashat Shemini
Parashat Shemini Heidi Hoover In recent years, soy has become popular among American vegetarians and others trying to eat a more healthy diet. It is a great source of protein without the fat and cholesterol of meat. The presence of … Continue reading »