B’HAR

EMOR

BECHUKOTAI

KDOSHIM

Achrei Mos

Achrei Mos

SHMINI

TAZRIA

Everything that Heaven does has good within it

The priestly family of Aharon

A Holy Book

This week's Torah reading marks the end of the book of Vayikra. It is a book about holiness, ritual holiness or Temple service, and also the holiness of human beings and human relationships.

On the Mount of Sinai

Life is never an easy climb, but climb it we must, to be able to stand at its peak, and truly observe life in society in a measured and wise way.

The Chosen Tribe

Not every kohen was necessarily fit for the task, nor did he live up to the responsibilities of the priesthood. However, as a group it is obvious the family of Aaron is deservedly held in high regard throughout Jewish society.

Blind Advice

One of the very well-known commandments that appears in this week's reading of the Torah is the injunction not to place a stumbling block in front of someone who cannot see. Interestingly enough, Rashi in commenting upon and in explaining this commandment, does not treat it literally.

Tzaraat

Heaven is indeed conscious of our thoughts, actions, speech, and behavior. And that these have consequences both for the good and for the better.

Flesh Pact

The circumcision ceremony itself is called a brit – a covenant. It is the dedication of Jews to their faith and tradition that has remained.

Eat to Survive

Most human beings know that they eat to survive, but there are many, especially in Western society today, that survive to be able to eat. It becomes almost logical that the Torah, would suggest and ordain for us a list of foods that somehow would prove harmful to our spiritual health.

A Long Run

Over the centuries, very few innovations have been able to attract more worshipers or more Jews, to be of true spiritual value and of lasting quality and interest.

Sacrifice

Even though we live in a time when such animal sacrifices are not possible, one of the main lessons which is pertinent to us is that all forgiveness for wrongdoing requires true "sacrifice" on the part of the perpetrator of the sin.

Creators Belonging

The idea behind the sabbatical year remains fixed in the minds and hearts of the Jewish people wherever they may live. And that basic idea is simple: that the world and all its land belongs to and is subject to the will of the Creator.