In this week’s parsha, Bechukotai, there is reference to a profound expression of guilt that became known as ‘confession’ in the Christian doctrine. The word is Vidui, which means to to acknowledge verbally one’s sins and shortcomings. It is part of daily prayers and highlighted on Rosh HaShanna and Yom Kippur.
Once again in this week’s Parsha, Behar, we encounter aspects of keeping Shabbat. It is quite amazing that the notion of the Sabbath has gained international usage in almost every civilization, religion, and society. One might surmise the cause to be its ready rationale – the body needs to rest and re-energize. By why once…
Isn’t it interesting that the Biblical narrative of creation is portrayed in terms of a Divine soliloquy: “And G-d said…”. Would it not have been more ‘sophisticated’ to attribute to G-d some more profound form of communication like “And G-d meditated…” or “ And G-d mystically communicated…”. Yet ‘G-d said’ is the phrase of choice.…
This week’s parsha, Kedoshim begins with an injunction to be holy because G-d is holy. The word ‘holy’ is itself an antiquated ‘old-worldly’ English term that defies easy interpretation. The Hebrew, ‘Kadosh’, means to reflect a state of separateness’ – a difficult concept. For our purpose, let us say that ’holy’ means to recognize a…
Yes, the eighth day of Pesach takes place in Casablanca as well! (For those who don’t get it, Google the heading!). In fact everywhere outside of Israel there is an 8th day of Pesach – an extra day of Yom Tov, this year occurring this Shabbos – a real spiritual treat that Hassidim celebrate in…
It’s just a form of bread, isn’t it? Perhaps a little more basic, and rustic, but bread nevertheless? Yet Matza has a spiritual connotation far beyond the symbol of Passover that it conveys. This Shabbat is Pesach. Pesach this year begins Friday night with the first Seder. Shabbat is the first day of Yom Tov.…
We noted last week a skin condition of former times called Tzara’at. This week we learn that the sufferer, known as the Metzorah (the name of this week’s Parsha), had to be quarantined for the designated specified time of healing. Quarantine is an imposed removal from society for the protection of others. But there are…
he number seven represents the natural sequence of life. There were seven days of creation, and hence seven branches of the Mishkan Menorah, and we curl Tefillin straps seven times over the forearm to represent the seven Sefirot (creative energies), and seven weeks of personal growth between Pesach and Shavuot, and seven spiritual shepherds of…
Have you noticed how some people seem to be pessimists, negatively inclined and always saying “no, it can’t be done”, or “no, you are wrong”, and “no, I am not capable of succeeding”? Well there is an interesting insight from this week’s Parsha about such people. In this week’s opening section of Parshat Tzav there…
The first word of the Parsha has a small Alef, the final letter of the parsha’s name – Vayikra. Since every aspect of shape and sound of the letters of the Torah is an inflection of the shape and meaning of creation and the cosmos, the Midrash needs to explain the seeming diminution of status…
The name of our Parsha, Behar, ‘on the mountain’ does not intend to convey an image of physical grandeur and imposing height. This humble hillock was the scene of the greatest event in history, the provision to western society of the ethical, moral and universal laws to govern and direct society and interpersonal relations. It…
There are many Hebrew words for forms of verbal communication. The one used in this week’s parsha , Emor, means to communicate with empathy, gentleness and due care. This is a special lesson for parents and teachers. A meaningful legacy is not passed on with information alone. The way the words are conveyed is crucial.
The term ‘scape-goat’ is used to describe the assignment of social or economic ills onto a conveniently visible but innocent minority group – thereby avoiding responsibility. But its origins arise in this week’s sedra and actually provide a very important psychological teaching on the importance of ridding ourselves of unnecessary weight of guilt, so that…
Giving birth is the most G-d-like phenomenon that humans display. Yet all aspects of creation are birthed, mature, age, and decompose – only to experience renewal again – the cycle of life. The human has however been assigned the honorable role of tending the garden of Creation and we must be fully responsible ensuring the…
