by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Tazriah
This week’s portion opens with the ritual laws of a woman who gives birth, but the bulk of the content discusses the identification, quarantine and purification of the metzorah, or leper. Unlike the medical affliction, Biblical tzaraat, or leprosy, can also affect...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Shemini
This portion is a busy one. It details at length the special service Aaron and his four sons brought in the Tabernacle for the first time, following the seven day period of inauguration. It tells of the tragic demise of Aaron’s elder two sons, Nadab and Abihu, and...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Tzav
Our portion provides additional details regarding the sacrificial rites discussed in last week’s portion. God instructs both the priests and the people, via Moses, on proper conduct with the various offerings they may encounter. Additionally, the portion delineates...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Vayikra
The portion of Vayikra opens where the book of Exodus left off; after God’s glory descends to the Tabernacle, Moses cannot enter, therefore God has to call to him to come forward. The portion, like most of the book of Leviticus, continues with a detailed accounting of...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 13, 2022 | Psalms, Leviticus, Shemini Atzeret, God, Happiness and Joy, Temple
By Elie Mischel After seven glorious days of the Sukkot festival, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, the party is still not over! Today, the eighth day, is Shemini Atzeret, the Eighth Day of Assembly, when the people of Israel yet again celebrate together in...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 6, 2022 | Sukkot, Faith, Emor, God, Happiness and Joy, Prayer
By Rafi Weinstein Today is the first day of the seven-day holiday known as Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). Though the Torah commands: “You shall live in booths seven days” (Leviticus 23:42), growing up in New York my family barely spent time in the sukkah...
