What Is the Proper Attire to Wear in the Sanctuary?
Anyone who sees young children in “dress-up” clothes knows that a magical transformation has taken place. ... In Parashat T’tzaveh, we read a detailed description of the special clothing that Aaron and his sons, the recently appointed Israelite priests, are to wear when attending to their duties. God tells Moses:
Why Did the People Demand New Leadership?
Does the World Need More Love or Justice?
We’re often taught that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, beauty is only skin deep, and we should never judge a book by its cover. But what about when there’s a disconnect between what we’re told is on the inside and what we see on the outside — when one’s actions leave something to be desired, though supposedly one’s heart is in the right place? Is what’s on the inside still what counts? This week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, suggests otherwise, as it begins: “These are the rules (mishpatim) that you shall set before them [the Israelites]:” (Ex. 21:1)
Limping into Holiness
In December 2005, Stanley "Tookie" Williams, cofounder of the Crips, the violent Los Angeles street gang, was executed by lethal injection, paying the ultimate price for his violent past.
On the Holiness of Shmutz
A young man comes to a rabbi and says, "Rabbi, I would like to study Talmud with you."
"Very nice," says the rabbi. "May I ask what background you have in Talmud?"
"None," says the young man.
"I see," says the Rabbi. "Have you studied the Mishnah, which lies at its core?"
Haazinu for Tots
A guide to help adults learn how to engage young children in a discussion about this week’s Torah portion.
Down Payment on a Debt of Gratitude
My dad died this past summer. It was a good death. He was ninety-five years old, couldn't see or hear very well, and had a heart condition. But he got up every day, bathed and fed himself, took care of his dog, and stayed busy.
The Boundary at the Table: Forbidden Foods and Us
Just now, American society is reexamining the way it eats. Michael Pollan, in his best-selling book In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manefesto , advises distinguishing between food and some of the poor imitations for food that we currently ingest (New York: Penguin Group, 2008).
Sh'mini: Your Body is a Temple
Once upon a time in a parallel universe that has yet to emerge, just one year from now, I had-or perhaps I should say, I will have-the most interesting experience: my heart stood still.