Two goats make an appearance in this week's Torah portion, Acharei Mot. As with the Passover song, there's mystery and meaning in the goats' presence in this week's parashah. These two goats enable us to choose a life of holiness.
In Jewish thought, many know the Sh'ma as the watchword prayer of our faith. It says who we are as a people in relationship to God. If there's a watchword prayer that summarizes our beliefs, what is the watchword law of Judaism?
Acharei Mot, the first of this week's two parashiyot, begins on an unsettling note—a reminder of the death of Aaron's sons and the suggestion that such tragedies might occur again unless the priests take specified steps to prevent them
This week's Torah portion, Acharei Mot, "After the death" [of two of Aaron's sons], continues the focus on ritual purity that began earlier in Leviticus, and begins the section of the book known as the Holiness Code.
Torah Commentary
Acharei Mot - Choose Holiness!
What is the “Watchword Law” of Judaism?
Being Holy - and Staying Alive
Acharei Mot, the first of this week's two parashiyot, begins on an unsettling note—a reminder of the death of Aaron's sons and the suggestion that such tragedies might occur again unless the priests take specified steps to prevent them
Stretching to Make Sense (And Not Fully Succeeding)
This week's Torah portion, Acharei Mot, "After the death" [of two of Aaron's sons], continues the focus on ritual purity that began earlier in Leviticus, and begins the section of the book known as the Holiness Code.
Acharei Mot for Tweens
Learn about the the portion that describes the ancient observance of Yom Kippur in this fun tween-friendly discussion guide.