Acharei Mot – Kedoshim: Be holy, for I am holy.

(2-3 Minute Read) Leviticus 16:1 – 20:27 In the combined Torah parasha, or portion, of Acharei Mot-Kedoshim, the Almighty elaborates on key details of the Torah formula of personal holiness. The Torah begins the narrative by emphasizing that the Eternal…

Tazria-Metzora: The Consequences of Negative Speech

(3 -4 Minute) Leviticus 12:1 – 13:59 The Torah parshiyot, or portions, of Tazria and Metzora, primarily discuss the malady, quarantine, and remedy of tzaraat.  Tzaraat is commonly translated as “leprosy” in English. However, this is a misnomer, as tzaraat…

Shemini: Achieving holiness the RIGHT way

(5-6 Minute Read) Lev. 9:1-11:47 The Torah parasha, or Biblical portion, of Shemini first describes the inauguration of Aaron and his sons as the kohanim, or Levitical priesthood.  A fire issued from G-d to consume the original offerings, and the…

Pesach: The Time of our Freedom

(3 – 4 Minute Read) The holiday of Pesach, or Passover, is one of the most monumental commemorations in Jewish life.  On this annual holiday, the Jewish people remember and acknowledge Yetziyat Mitzrayim, the “Exodus” of the early Jewish people…

Pesach: The Spiritual Significance of Chametz

(3 – 4 Minute Read) Pesach is a week-long holiday (eight days outside of the land of Israel).  This year, the key days of the holiday partially overlap with Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. Our Chachamim, rabbinical sages of blessed memory,…

Tsav: Drawing Closer to the Most High

4 – 5 Minute Read Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36 The Torah parasha, or portion, of Tzav continues the recounting of the commandments of the Almighty through Moses regarding Aaron and his sons as well as the affiliated sacrifices.  The burnt…

Vayikra: Formulas for Achieving Holiness

(4 – 5 Minute Read) Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26 Vayikra commences the book by the same name, otherwise known as Leviticus.  The Almighty called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tabernacle, giving instructions through him to the people…

Pekudei: The Importance of Details

(3-4 Minute Read) Exodus 38:21 – 40:38 Pekudei begins with the orders [or records] of the Mishkan, Tabernacle, which were drawn up at Moses’ instruction by the Levites under the supervision of Itamar, the son of Aaron the priest.  Bezalel…

Vayakhel: Contributing by Abilities

(3 – 4 Minute Read) Exodus 35:1 – 38:20 The combined Torah portion of Vayakhel-Pekudei begins as Moses gathered the congregation of Israel and told them what the Eternal One commanded them.  On six days work could be done, but…

Ki Tisa: Connecting Like a Lion and Not an Ox

(6 – 7 Minute Read) Exodus 30:11 – 34:35 Ki Tisa begins with the Almighty speaking to Moses; He instructed him regarding the method of taking a census.  Each person over the age of twenty was to pay a half…

Terumah: Physical Means for Spirituality

(3-4 Minute Read) Exodus 25:1 – 27:19 In Terumah, the Almighty spoke to Moses in order to tell the Israelites to provide voluntary donations of gold, silver, copper, colored yarns, fine linen, animal skins, oil, spices, jewels, and more.  The…

Miketz: Good Rising out of Evil

(5-6 Minute Read) Genesis 41:1 – 44:17 Miketz begins two years after the release of the chief cupbearer pursuant to Joseph’s interpretation of his dream.  At this point Pharaoh himself had two dreams.  Seven sturdy and healthy cows came out…