Ritual beauty
Beha’alotcha Numbers 8:1-12:16
May 22, 2013
Freud did not have our sedra specifically in mind when he wrote his treatises on religion. Read More
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The same, yet different
Naso | Numbers 4:1-7:89
May 14, 2013
The pressures of conformity are strong in all human societies. We all want to be part of the group, part of the crowd. And yet we all feel the need to assert our own individuality. Read More
The tablets broke, the words remained
Shavuot
May 8, 2013
Shavuot marks the occasion of the giving of our Torah, an event like no other. Read More
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We are all redeemed
Behar-Bechukotai | Leviticus 25:1-27:34
May 1, 2013
Opponents in debates on matters of public interest like to cite the Bible to confirm their views. Read More
Responsibility for continuity
Emor | Leviticus 21:1-24:23
April 24, 2013
This week’s portion outlines in great detail both the prerogatives and the restrictions resulting from being within the “kohen,” or priestly, tribe. Read More
Let them sleep
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim - Leviticus 16:1-24:23
April 17, 2013
This week’s double parsha begins with a description of the solemn and awesome Yom Kippur ritual that was to be performed by the kohen gadol (high priest) to purify the sanctuary. Read More
A subtle apostasy
Tazria-Metzora - Leviticus 12:1-15:33
April 9, 2013
Medically speaking, tsara’at, the biblical disease usually translated as “leprosy,” has nothing to do with slander (motsi shem ra). But for our rabbinic ancestors, tsara’at was like advanced and untreatable cancer is for us. They regarded the gravest threat to bodily health as equivalent with character damage caused by the misuse of language. Read More
Aging grace
Shemini - Leviticus 9:1-11:47
April 3, 2013
We all know something about the natural course of aging, and the toll it takes on our bodies and minds. But we are much less familiar with the social impact of aging. Older persons are no different in their need for respect, admiration, and approval from others in their social circle. Read More
Not unleavened bread alone
Pesach
March 27, 2013
Just imagine what would happen if the events of the Exodus occurred in our century. Read More
What we have in mind
Shabbat Hagadol Tzav - Leviticus 6:1-8:36
March 20, 2013
Benjamin Britten composed his first piece of music at age six. His teacher, Frank Bridge, sometimes reduced the young composer to tears when he played his work by demanding, “Is this really what you have in mind?” Music, Bridge held, must be an honest reflection of the composer’s insight. The same is true of prayer — a subject dear to the interpreters of this week’s parsha, Tzav. Read More
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May 24 2013 | 7:58 p.m.
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