by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 10, 2023 | Emor
The portion of Emor continues many of the same themes found thus far in the book of Leviticus. It expands upon the laws of the priest which set him apart from the rest of the community, as well as those that apply only to the High Priest. It adds details regarding...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 10, 2023 | Kedoshim
The portion of Kedoshim includes moral and ritual laws designed to increase the holiness of the nation, as well as punishments for many of the transgressions mentioned in Acharei Mot. Holiness Leviticus 19:1-37 This unit begins with an exhortation to “be holy”. The...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Acharei Mot
The portion of Acharei Mot picks up following the deaths of Aaron’s older sons, Nadab and Abihu. It contains the instructions for the Yom Kippur — or Day of Atonement — service in the Tabernacle, and forbids slaughtering animal offerings outside the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Holiness, Israel, Metzorah, Purity, Repentance
This week’s Torah portion describes the purification of a recovered metzora, or leper, by the priest through a specific procedure involving two birds, spring water stored in an earthen vessel, a piece of cedar wood, a scarlet thread, and a bundle of hyssop. Tzaraat,...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Tazriah
This week’s portion opens with the ritual laws of a woman who gives birth, but the bulk of the content discusses the identification, quarantine and purification of the metzorah, or leper. Unlike the medical affliction, Biblical tzaraat, or leprosy, can also affect...
