by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 25, 2023 | Good and Evil, Justice, Kedoshim, Lech Lecha, Responsibility
The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history, when the world’s silence allowed the genocide of millions to persist. After the horrors of World War II, the phrase “Never Again” became a global rallying cry, a commitment to not...
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 4, 2022 | Community, God, Justice, Kedoshim, Kindness and Compassion
Among the many mitzvot (commandments) listed in the Torah portion of Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27) is an incongruous commandment telling the Jews to pay wages on time: The wages of a laborer shall not remain with you until morning. Leviticus 19:13 Though paying...
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...
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...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 6, 2022 | Kedoshim
Leviticus goes into great detail describing the disease of tzaraat and the ensuing process of purification. Though usually mistranslated as leprosy, tzaraat is, in fact, a physical affliction resulting from a spiritual malady. According to Jewish commentaries, tzaraat...
