Yom HaZikaron: Remembering Those Who Died Sanctifying God’s Name

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 3, 2022 | Israel, Israel's Independence Day, Israel's Memorial Day

Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Remembrance Day, is observed on the 4th of Hebrew month of Iyar.  The full name of the day Yom HaZikaron LeChalalei Ma’arachot Yisrael ul’Nifge’ei Pe’ulot HaEivah (Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of the Wars...

Agricultural Gifts for the Poor

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 2, 2022 | Kedoshim

Chapter 19 of Leviticus introduces agricultural-based charity: When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not pick your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen fruit...

What Does it Mean to Be Holy?

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 1, 2022 | Holiness, Kedoshim, Purity, Shabbat

Leviticus Chapter 19 begins with a deceptively simple commandment:  You shall be holy, for I, Hashem your God, am holy. Leviticus 19:2 There has been much speculation about this verse. At first glance, the imperative seems impossible as it requires the nation of...

Amos’ Vision of the Third Temple Period

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 28, 2022 | Acharei Mot, Amos, Holiness, Israel, Temple

The Torah portion of Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16-18) begins with a reference to the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who died bringing a “foreign fire” while performing the service in the Tabernacle. Directly after this personal tragedy, God...

Can We Bring Sacrifices Without a Temple?

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 28, 2022 | Acharei Mot, Temple

The Torah goes to great lengths to mandate that all Jews must only bring sacrifices to the same place; the Tabernacle (wherever it stands), and, later, the Temple in Jerusalem.  Speak to Aharon and his sons and to all B’nei Yisrael and say to them: This is what...