Torah

There's Nothing So Pure as a Broken Heart

SHEMINI, Leviticus 9:1-11:47

By:

Rabbi Howard A. Addison

At first glance, one would be hard pressed to uncover any thematic unity between the beginning and the end of Parshat Shemini. The initial narrative describes a tragedy. On the day Aaron and his sons were to be sanctified as the priests of Israel, Aaron's two elder sons, Nadav and Avihu, offered an unauthorized sacrifice and died approaching the altar...

Torah

'The Song of Songs,' 'The Holy of Holies'

By:

Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, Jewish Exponent Feature

During Passover, we are all young again. We gather around the seder table and delight at how our positions have changed. Those who eagerly -- or reluctantly -- asked the Four Questions now lead others in prayer and song. As we remember our rich journey from slavery to freedom, we look forward in hope. And we are all young again...

Torah

High Priests and Ornate Fashions of Their Times

TZAV, Leviticus 6:1-8:36

By:

Rabbi Joshua Runyan

"Clothes make the man," or woman, as the expression goes -- and service in the Tabernacle was no different. Jewish law prohibits non-priests from wearing priestly garments, and further prohibits priests from carrying out their ritual functions unless they're garbed in the holy items described in the Torah. One person, however, didn't need such elaborate vestments. Concluding a discussion begun...

Torah

The Wonders of Many a Sacred Passover Night

VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI, Exodus 35:1-40:38

By:

Rabbi Howard A. Addison

This week's regular portion concludes the book of Exodus, detailing the erecting of the Mishkan -- the sanctuary that accompanied the Israelites during their long pilgrimage to Canaan. The selection from the second Torah is called Parshat Hachodesh. Read each year prior to Pesach, it describes the instructions given by God to Moses and Aaron at the new moon of...

Torah

Second Chances: Part and Parcel of Daily Life

KI TISSA, Exodus 30:11-34:35

By:

Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, Jewish Exponent Feature

In many ways, Exodus can be considered the central book of the Torah. Following the description of Israel's miraculous journey out of Egyptian enslavement, Moses ascends Mount Sinai and receives the laws that will guide the people forever. The chapters that follow provide a detailed blueprint for creating a just society based on the laws that the people embrace. But...