Shabbat this week contains the portion Metzora and – as the Shabbat before Pesach – is known as Shabbat Ha-Gadol. The parasha continues the discussion begun last week on an
Read moreThis week’s Torah portion, Tazria, is one of the more difficult to understand, especially for children. Dealing with people with “skin disease” (including leprosy), the portion describes the role of the
Read moreThis week’s parasha is Shemini, in the Book of Leviticus. There are two main themes which, at first, do not appear to be connected. We read of how the priest
Read moreThis week’s parasha, Tzav, continues the discussion of different types of sacrifices and the role of ancient priests. Each day, one of the priests would be assigned to keep the fire
Read moreAfter reading the final sections of the Book of Exodus relating to the building of the Mishkan, (the Holy Tabernacle) we come to Vayikra, the first reading of the Book
Read moreThis week’s parasha, Pekudei, concludes the Book of Exodus with an accurate accounting of the metals used in building the tabernacle. “Take from among you gifts to Adonai, everyone whose
Read moreThis week’s parasha stands in stark contrast to last week’s story, in which we witnessed the Israelites’ greatest act of disloyalty to God by building and worshiping a Golden Calf. This
Read moreThis week’s parasha – Ki Tisa – contains one of the most famous stories in the Torah: the building and destruction of the Golden Calf. Moses stays on top of the mountain
Read moreThis week’s parasha is Tetzaveh, which focuses on the building of the sanctuary, the vestments worn by the priests and the (reluctant) relinquishment of the High Priesthood to Aaron by
Read moreThis week’s parasha, Terumah, describes in great detail the building of the first Sanctuary, the mishkon. The mishkon is a special, and sacred, space that is designed to enhance the
Read more