Torah Commentary

Parashat Emor names and describes the sacred times of the Jewish calendar: Shabbat, Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, and the Pilgrimage Festivals of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot.

Today, we hear a lot about power: military power, corporate power, and political power. We don't hear as much about personal power. But, in this week's Torah portion, Acharei Mot-K'doshim, a double portion, we learn about the potential for personal power.

Parashat Tazria-M'tzora teaches us about our physicality: the skin, hair, fluids, and organs that make up our bodies. We learn how out of our control those things can be and gain some insight into our relationships with those we trust with our care.

This year, Parashat Tzav is read on Shabbat HaGadol, the great Sabbath preceding Passover.

Vayak'heil-P'kudei shows us how rituals create shared identity and intentionality brings both into the present.