K’doshim Tih’yu - You Shall Be Holy
Our fairly new Reform prayer book, Mishkan T'filah, never ceases to surprise in the best ways. Every time I use it I discover another intention, another commentary, another remarkable offering for our prayer experience.
Just Like Me, They Long(ed) to Be Close to You
In this week's double parashah, Acharei Mot/K'doshim, there's a one-sentence reference to the mortal sin of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who brought "alien fire" into the Mishkan, which we read about in Parashat Sh'mini two weeks ago (see Leviticus 10:1-7).
Ki Tavo for Tots
The Levites shall then proclaim in a loud voice to all the people of Israel: Cursed be anyone who makes a sculptured or molten image, abhorred by the Eternal, a craftsman's handiwork, and sets it up in secret.-And all the people shall respond, Amen. -Deuteronomy 27:15
Nitzavim for Tots
A guide to help adults learn how to engage young children in a discussion about this week’s Torah portion.
R'eih for Tots
For you are about to cross the Jordan to enter and possess the land that the Eternal your God is assigning to you. When you have occupied it and are settled in it, take care to observe all the laws and rules that I have set before you this day.
-Deuteronomy 11:31-32
Death, Thou Shalt Die
The end of the wilderness sojourn of the wandering Israelites approaches as the Book of Numbers reaches its conclusion. In Parashat Mas-ei, the Torah looks backward and ahead. Summarizing forty years of marches and encampments since the Exodus from Egypt requires almost a full chapter.
There Is Safety in Numbers: Reception History and Cities of Refuge
In Numbers 35:9-15, God commands the people to create cities of refuge in the Promised Land. The notion behind the cities of refuge-where one could claim asylum or sanctuary-is a construct that has found itself reinterpreted throughout the ages.
I Will Shelter You
Way back in July 1990, when my daughter Katie was two years old, Ellen turned to our little girl and said, "Tell Daddy something he doesn't know." Katie whispered, smiling shyly, "Today is Mommy's birthday." Can you say doghouse?
How Do We Make God Holy?
The point of being Jewish is to have a relationship with God. Yet, a relationship implies a certain give and take, and there is precious little in the Torah that talks about what we have that God could possibly need. What can we give to God?