We read in this week’s Torah portion, Tzav (Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36), “Take Aaron along with his sons, and the vestments, the anointing oil, the bull of sin offering, the two rams,…

The book of Leviticus opens with the word, “Vayikra,” and [God] called. This is also the name of our portion this week, Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26) “And [God] called to Moses” and told him…

This Shabbat, Shabbat HaChodesh (announcing the new month of Nisan), is one of the four specially designated Shabbatot before Passover. In other words, Passover is almost here! Six months ago, we were celebrating…

This shabbat is a special one indeed! First we read the weekly portion of Vayakhel  (Exodus 35:1-38:20)and we begin the preparation for the festival of Passover which begins in three weeks by…

As someone who enjoys exploring the connections between the Jewish holidays and weekly Torah readings, I’ve always found it interesting that Purim falls so close to the Torah portion of Ki…

This week’s portion, Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10), marks the first time we encounter the idea of a hereditary elite within the Jewish people – Aaron and his male descendants – and their role…

In a quiet village, Miriam, an elderly woman with a kind heart, sat by a fire. One evening, Rachel, a young girl overwhelmed by pain, approached her. Tears filled Rachel’s…

I will not be with you all on this Shabbat as I am in Washington, DC with our Confirmation class for their Religious Action Center’s L’Taken Weekend, a program that…

For those who celebrate, Happy Valentine’s Day. This Shabbat coincides with Saint Valentine’s Day (Feast of St. Valentine). The customs connected to the celebration of this day have their origin in a pagan…

In this Torah portion, Beshallach (Exodus 13:17-17:16), God tells Moses to have the Israelites set up camp at the Sea of Reeds, but then Pharaoh changes his mind about freeing the Israelites…