Parshat Vayikra - April 1, 2017
The book of Exodus ends dramatically with God's presence descending from the Heavens to dwell in the Mishkan, the sacred home the Israelites built for God. Leviticus opens with the detailed description of how to bring various kinds of sacrifices. It's like a newlywed couple who have a beautiful wedding and are now figuring out what married life looks like. While we no longer worship God through sacrifices, these chapters were originally a necessary practical guide to how to interact with the Divine.
Parshat Tzav - April 8, 2017
This portion includes more information on different kinds of sacrifices. It also describes the elaborate ritual preparing to ordain Aaron and his sons as Priests.
Parshat Shimini - April 22, 2017
The ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons is completed, but on the very first day, there is a terrible tragedy. Two of Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu, offer a "strange fire" and are immediately consumed by Divine flames. The Torah is very unclear about this incident. Even Moses and Aaron seem confused as to how to proceed in the wake of this tragedy, but eventually, they and the Israelite community are able to move on. This portion also describes most of the dietary laws, the rules about keeping kosher.
Parshat Tazria-Mezora - April 29, 2017
This double portion is one of the hardest for us living in a modern society to relate to. The Torah describes the procedure for a new mother to reintegrate into communal sacred life. We also learn about the rituals to diagnose and treat a skin disorder, Tzara'at (often mistranslated as leprosy) and other physical anomalies.
Parshat Aharei Mot- Kedoshim - May 6, 2017
In this double portion, we learn about the complicated ritual to ask God for forgiveness on Yom Kippur. This is the only time anyone is ever allowed to enter the Holy of Holies. If parts of the ritual were not completed perfectly, the High Priest would be immediately killed! Then the Torah gives us what we call the Holiness Code, a series of laws teaching us how to lead moral and ethical lives culminating in the famous commandment to "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Parshat Emor - May 13, 2017
In this portion, we learn about the many holidays we have and how to celebrate them.
Parshat Behar-Bechukotai - May 20, 2017
The last part of Leviticus God promises the Israelites that if they follow God's laws when they enter the land of Israel, they will be blessed.
The book of Exodus ends dramatically with God's presence descending from the Heavens to dwell in the Mishkan, the sacred home the Israelites built for God. Leviticus opens with the detailed description of how to bring various kinds of sacrifices. It's like a newlywed couple who have a beautiful wedding and are now figuring out what married life looks like. While we no longer worship God through sacrifices, these chapters were originally a necessary practical guide to how to interact with the Divine.
Parshat Tzav - April 8, 2017
This portion includes more information on different kinds of sacrifices. It also describes the elaborate ritual preparing to ordain Aaron and his sons as Priests.
Parshat Shimini - April 22, 2017
The ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons is completed, but on the very first day, there is a terrible tragedy. Two of Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu, offer a "strange fire" and are immediately consumed by Divine flames. The Torah is very unclear about this incident. Even Moses and Aaron seem confused as to how to proceed in the wake of this tragedy, but eventually, they and the Israelite community are able to move on. This portion also describes most of the dietary laws, the rules about keeping kosher.
Parshat Tazria-Mezora - April 29, 2017
This double portion is one of the hardest for us living in a modern society to relate to. The Torah describes the procedure for a new mother to reintegrate into communal sacred life. We also learn about the rituals to diagnose and treat a skin disorder, Tzara'at (often mistranslated as leprosy) and other physical anomalies.
Parshat Aharei Mot- Kedoshim - May 6, 2017
In this double portion, we learn about the complicated ritual to ask God for forgiveness on Yom Kippur. This is the only time anyone is ever allowed to enter the Holy of Holies. If parts of the ritual were not completed perfectly, the High Priest would be immediately killed! Then the Torah gives us what we call the Holiness Code, a series of laws teaching us how to lead moral and ethical lives culminating in the famous commandment to "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Parshat Emor - May 13, 2017
In this portion, we learn about the many holidays we have and how to celebrate them.
Parshat Behar-Bechukotai - May 20, 2017
The last part of Leviticus God promises the Israelites that if they follow God's laws when they enter the land of Israel, they will be blessed.