by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 28, 2022 | Israel, Messiah, Tazriah, Temple
The Torah portion of Tazria (Leviticus 12-13) deals with tzaraat, a disease usually mistranslated as leprosy. Tzaraat is a malady that afflicts the body, clothing, and the walls of houses. The afflicted is diagnosed by the priest and rendered impure. Tzaraat is...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 20, 2022 | Fear of God, Holiness, Shemini
The Torah describes the death of Nadab and Abihu, the two eldest of Aaron’s four sons, as a punishment for bringing “alien fire, which He had not enjoined upon them” (Leviticus 10:1). The tragedy took place on the eighth day of the inauguration, the first official day...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 6, 2022 | God, Hebrew Language, Humility, Modesty, Vayikra
The Hebrew names of the books of the Torah are named for the first word that appears in each book. The Hebrew name of the the book of Leviticus, therefore, is Vayikra (וַיִּקְרָא), which means “And he called.” This calling refers to God calling out to Moses from...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 1, 2022 | Holiness, Israel, Pekudei, Temple
After the sin of the Golden Calf, the tribe of Levi is chosen to serve in the Temple instead of the firstborn as they did not participate in the sin. Aaron is chosen to be the High Priest, and Moses anoints his brother and his brother’s sons. With this, the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 17, 2022 | Fear of God, God, Hebrew Language, Ki Tisa, Prayer, Resurrection
There is no doubt that Moses was close to God, even speaking with Him “face to face, as one man speaks to another” (Exodus 33:11). But Moses wanted even more and requested, “Oh, let me behold Your Presence!” (33:18). God assented to His faithful servant’s request but...
