With the start of Bemidbar/Numbers, the Israelites begin their final preparations for the long journey through the wilderness in preparation for entry into the Land of Israel. Entry into the promised land first requires an arduous period of wandering in a space outside the dwelling places of society; a withdrawal for the sake of spiritual Continue Reading »
A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat B’har/B’chukkotai 5786 If your kinsman, being in straits, comes under your authority, and you hold him as though a resident alien, let him live by your side: … Let him live by your side as your kinsman. Vayikra / Leviticus 35:25 Many of us are familiar with this Continue Reading »
The kohen who is exalted above his fellows, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been ordained to wear the vestments… Vayikra/Leviticus 21:10 Through the ages, biblical commentators sought to define in what way the Kohen Gadol designated in our verse was elevated above other kohanim other than by the office Continue Reading »
Our designated Torah reading for this week, the double parashiyot of Tazria and Metzora are devoted entirely to the Torah’s concept of tumah, generally translated as “impurity.” The Torah presents three of the major sources of tumah: childbirth; a condition known as tzara’at, which can manifest on skin, clothing, or the walls of one’s house; and bodily secretions. Isaac Continue Reading »
Dear Friends, The Lord spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron who died when they drew too close to the presence of the Lord… 16 Thus he shall purge the Shrine of the uncleanness and transgression of the Israelites, whatever their sins; and he shall do the same for the Tent of Continue Reading »
Moses said: “This is what the Lord has commanded that you do, that the Presence of the Lord may appear to you.” Vayikra / Leviticus 9:6 Moshe uttered these words as the Israelites were preparing for the final dedicatory offerings Continue Reading »
Written in 2024 and published by the Hartman Institute in its 2025 Haggadah Supplement, the message, other than changing the word “still” to “again”, remains enduring and so I share it with you as we prepare for Pesach. Chag Kasher v’Sameyach – Rabbi David M. Eligberg Singing as an Act of Faith and Commitment Dr. Continue Reading »
Writing about Shabbat HaGadol in his Ḥibbur Perush haBerakhot vehaTefillot, (“Commentary on the Blessings and Prayers”), Rabbi David Abudraham1 states: For this is the Shabbat in which the Israelites first began observing mitzvot as the text in Exodus reads: Speak to the entire people of Israel saying, “On the tenth day of this month, each Continue Reading »
Since it began in 2007, Earth Hour has been known for the “lights off” moment, with individuals from around the globe switching off their lights to show symbolic support for the planet and to raise awareness of the environmental issues affecting it. Shabbat itself is a reminder of our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation Continue Reading »
The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying: Speak to the Israelite people, and say to them… Vayikra/Leviticus 1:1-2 These opening words, addressed to the entire nation, appear dissonant to much of the book of Vayikra which cha”zal, our ancient, blessed sages titled, “Torat Kohanim – Instructions for Continue Reading »
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